With Christmas fast approaching, our family is in full holiday mood. That means hosting, baking, and making delicious dishes this peppermint date bark. It is naturally sweetened by dates and rich in nutrients.
This dessert looks beautiful on a platter for guests, but it also shines as an everyday dessert for the family. I’ll make a double batch and freeze the extra to make the dessert quick and easy to have on hand.
Mint Date Bark Ingredients
You’ve probably heard of chocolate bark before. It usually consists of super sweet chocolate covered with waxy flavor, fruits, nuts or candy. Bark candy has received an upgrade in recent years and there are many great recipes. However, they may still depend on too much sugar.
Mighty Medjool Dates
However this version relies on Medjool dates for most of the sweetness. These dates are rich in fiber and contain minor amounts of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. They are also a good source of vitamin B6 and copper. Medjool dates are rich in antioxidants to fight free radical damage.
Researchers have studied their carotenoid and phenolic acid antioxidants and discovered benefits in terms of heart health. A 2021 study concluded that eating whole dates helped improve heart health markers. This includes improved cholesterol levels, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.
Cocoa vs Chocolate Chips
Instead of regular chocolate chips, I used two types of cocoa wafers for this peppermint date bark. Cocoa Wafers are pure chocolate without any added milk or sugar. They contain calcium, iron, antioxidants and other nutrients that are great for overall health.
Cocoa butter wafers are made from the pure fatty part of the cocoa bean. They are similar to white chocolate chips, but without the added milk and sugar. I added a little coconut oil to the cocoa butter wafers and cocoa wafers while melting for a more spreadable texture.
This makes peppermint bark a great vegan, allergy-friendly alternative for those who want to avoid dairy products.
Nut Butter (and Substitutes)
I love the smooth, creamy flavor of almond butter in these. You can also make date bark with peanut butter. Need a nut-free option? To make date bark without peanut butter or other nut butters, use sunflower butter. And instead of chopped almonds, use pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds for some crunch.
While the original date bark treats taste like a Snickers bar, these have a mint flavor. For festive sweetness I added some crushed candy canes on top. Most peppermint candies contain ingredients I prefer to avoid, but I really like these Yama from the earth For the occasional treat. They’re naturally scented with real mint, use organic sugar, and colored with fruits and vegetables.
Peppermint date bark is high in calories, but it’s also high in healthy fats and nutrition so it’s filling. Here’s how to make it!
Mint Date Bark Recipe
Fold a piece of parchment paper in half and lay it open on a flat surface. Cut each pitted date in half lengthwise, but do not cut completely, the halves should remain attached. Arrange the dates in four rows of three on one half of the parchment.
Lightly moisten the parchment paper. Fold the parchment over the dates and gently roll them with a rolling pin to flatten them evenly.
Spread almond butter evenly on flattened dates. Sprinkle chopped almonds over the almond butter layer.
Fill a few inches of water in the bottom of a pot or double boiler and cook on low flame. Add chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil to the top pot or bowl.
Pour the melted chocolate over the almond butter and date layer and spread evenly.
Place candy canes or peppermint candies in a small bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy object. Sprinkle crushed mint evenly over chocolate.
Melt the cocoa butter wafers in the top of a double boiler or glass bowl with 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil. Drizzle or pipe cocoa butter on top of the bark.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Lift the bark using the parchment onto a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator or freezer until completely set, about 20-30 minutes.
Cut or break into pieces and enjoy!
nutrition Facts
Mint Date Bark Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
calories 0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can also freeze leftovers for long-term storage.
Want some more healthy bark ideas? Try this healthy, high-protein yogurt bark!
Have you ever made bark before? What are your favorite toppings? Leave a comment and let us know!
