Peppermint Bark

Don’t you just love it when someone gives you a homemade holiday gift? It’s even better when it’s edible! If you’re looking for a delicious and easy gift idea, my dairy free Peppermint Bark is the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer. This peppermint mocha dessert features a scrumptious trio of dairy free dark chocolate, coconut butter icing, and toasted coconut flakes. You won’t even miss the candy canes!

Traditional peppermint bark uses milk or dark chocolate for the bark. It also uses white chocolate as the icing. Then, it’s sprinkled with crushed candy canes. The dairy in chocolate is very inflammatory and triggers many health issues. Likewise, peppermint candy comes loaded with refined sugars, artificial flavors, and food dyes. These are all ingredients you want to avoid.

Thankfully, this flavorful dessert recipe is The Myers Way® approved. That’s because they come with coconut butter benefits and beetroot benefits. I’ll elaborate more on this in a minute. This peppermint bark is also incredibly satisfying thanks to my limited-time Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder. Satisfy your sweet tooth while nourishing your gut, hair, skin, nails, and more!

The best part is how quickly it all comes together. In fact, you can have this peppermint mocha treat ready to serve in less than 30 minutes. Make your care packages or next gathering merry and bright with a treat that’s healthy and delicious!

Peppermint Mocha

Of course it wouldn’t be peppermint bark without peppermint, would it? However, instead of sticking with peppermint extract, I wanted to create something special. So, I decided to add a couple of scoops of Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder to the mix. You might think the protein powder would add an odd texture. Not to worry, it doesn’t. In fact, it mixes in beautifully with the dairy free dark chocolate. 

Protein helps you feel satisfied, which can help curb cravings. This can be helpful when you find yourself surrounded by all sorts of tempting holiday foods. With each scoop of Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder, you get 21 grams of grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen protein. This hydrolyzed formula is non-GMO and made without dairy, gluten, soy, or artificial ingredients. It's perfect for keeping you on track while still leaving room for a little indulgence. The kids love it, too!

Coconut Butter Icing

You're going to love the coconut butter icing in this dairy free peppermint bark. Most peppermint bark uses white chocolate in its icing. However, as I mentioned earlier white chocolate is not something you want to add to any recipe. Made with inflammatory dairy and artificial ingredients, it’s simply not a risk you want to take.

With this recipe, you get to enjoy the many coconut butter benefits without sacrificing flavor! Coconut butter comes from pulverized coconut meat. It’s blended until you get a rich, creamy consistency, similar to nut butter. Coconut butter is a great source of medium-chain-fatty acids (MCTs), iron, and fiber. These nutrients support healthy energy levels, as well as weight management. Other coconut butter benefits include immune support thanks to nutrients such as lauric acid and vitamin C.

Alternative To Peppermint Candy Topping

This is where it gets fun. Remember how I mentioned that candy canes and peppermint candy contain ingredients that aren’t good for you? All the artificial ingredients, fillers, refined sugars, and food dyes wreak havoc on your gut, mood, immunity, and more.

Why not make a healthier swap by using toasted coconut flakes? You still get that minty freshness by using peppermint extract. As for the red color, what better ingredient to use than beet root powder?

You might think beet root powder is an odd ingredient in a holiday dessert, but don’t let it fool you! Beet root powder is actually used to color many desserts. There are also many beetroot benefits you need to know about. For example, the natural pigment in beet root powder contains betalains. These compounds act as antioxidants to help fight off free radicals in the body. Antioxidants support health immune function, as well as provide some anti-aging benefits. 

Beet root powder also contains nitric oxide, which supports healthy blood pressure levels. Some of the other beetroot benefits include detoxification and healthy cognitive function. The fiber in beet root can also support a healthy weight.

Combining beet root with toasted coconut and peppermint extract creates a much healthier topping for this peppermint bark recipe.

How To Make Peppermint Bark

This dairy free Peppermint Bark is incredibly easy to make. You’ll divide this process up into three parts: the toppings, the bark, and the coconut butter icing. 

Start by preheating your oven 350 F. While the oven warms up, mix the coconut flakes, beet root powder, water, and peppermint extract in a medium-sized bowl. The beet root powder dissolves in the water and turns everything a beautiful light red. If you want a darker red, add a bit more beet powder.

Once it's mixed, spread the coconut flakes onto a large parchment-lined bake sheet. Toast for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to stir it halfway through so the toasted coconut browns on the edges. When it’s ready, remove the toasted coconut from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the bark.

Next, melt down your dairy free dark chocolate in a double boiler. Once the chocolate melts, add two scoops of my Peppermint Mocha Protein Powder. Stir until it’s all well combined. Pour the bark mixture onto a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the peppermint bark out. Be careful not to spread it too thin! Once you’re done, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

While the peppermint bark sets, melt the coconut butter in the double boiler. Spread the coconut butter on top of the slightly chilled chocolate. Then, top with the red coconut sprinkles. Place back in the fridge or freezer until firm.

Once it’s firm, break it apart into pieces and enjoy! Keep in the refrigerator for up to five days.