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    Home » Recipes » Healthy Desserts

    Healthy Homemade Peppermint Bark

    Published: Dec 13, 2019 · Modified: Dec 28, 2022 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links · 27 Comments

    Jump to Recipe  ↓

    This healthy homemade peppermint bark is a delicious, lower sugar alternative to the classic! It's an easy recipe that's creamy, minty, and a perfect accompaniment to the Christmas season.

    Healthy peppermint bark recipe

    Delicious, creamy, and refreshing peppermint bark!

    This is my absolute favorite holiday treat, with candy canes coming in a close second.

    If you've never tried peppermint bark, it's basically two layers of chocolate deliciousness. The bottom layer is typically dark chocolate, while the top is white chocolate.

    Both layers have a minty twist, and it is often topped with crushed candy canes.

    For chocolate mint lovers like myself, it's pure heaven!

    Peppermint bark made with healthy ingredients and less sugar

    Ingredients needed

    Cocoa butter - Unlike my Homemade Chocolate Bars, this recipe is made with cocoa butter, which will hold up at room temperature.

    Honey/maple syrup - These ingredients provide sweetness. I prefer the taste of honey, though if you don't enjoy the taste of honey, maple syrup provides a more neutral flavor.

    Cocoa powder - This is used in the bottom layer only and provides the dark chocolate flavor.

    Coconut butter - If you've never had coconut butter, you might consider trying it! It creates the white chocolate layer in this recipe, along with the cocoa butter.

    Vanilla and peppermint extract - Both of these add greatly to taste and flavor, especially since I use less sweetener.

    Sea salt - Salt enhances the taste and sweetness. Just a dash in each layer is all you need!

    Candy cane - Optional, but some crushed candy canes add a delicious minty crunch! See the notes below for a healthier option.

    Low sugar peppermint bark recipe

    Substitutions and tips

    Everything mixes better when at room temperature. This is the case with most recipes, but particularly when you're working with heat or cold-sensitive ingredients, like cocoa butter.

    You could substitute coconut oil for the cocoa butter, but it won't be nearly as good! The cocoa butter adds a chocolate-y flavor, and it won't melt it room temperature like that made from coconut oil.

    If you don't have coconut butter or don't want to buy it, cashew butter would be a good alternative!

    Once the bark is set, simply break it apart with your hands or cut it with a knife to enjoy it!

    Homemade peppermint bark with maple syrup/honey

    Recipe notes

    If you're searching for some decently healthy candy canes for the topping, these are pretty good!

    For a non-chocolate variation, try my Peppermint Ice Bark!

    Healthy peppermint bark recipe
    Print Recipe
    4.84 from 6 votes

    Healthy Homemade Peppermint Bark

    This homemade double layer peppermint bark is addictive and delicious!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Chocolate, Dairy-free, Grain-free
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 159kcal

    Ingredients

    BOTTOM CHOCOLATE LAYER:

    • 4 Tablespoons cocoa butter melted
    • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
    • 4 Tablespoons cocoa powder
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
    • dash sea salt

    TOP WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER:

    • 2 Tablespoons cocoa butter melted
    • 3 Tablespoons coconut butter melted
    • 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
    • dash sea salt
    • 1 candy cane crushed into small pieces

    Instructions

    BOTTOM CHOCOLATE LAYER:

    • Gently melt the cocoa butter over low heat.
    • Measure out four tablespoons of melted cocoa butter and stir in the honey or maple syrup until combined.
    • Add the rest and whisk until everything is combined.
    • Pour into a small glass dish of some type (I use a 7 x 5 inch Pyrex baking dish) that is lined with parchment paper.
    • Set in the freezer to harden while you make the top layer.

    TOP WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYER:

    • Again, gently melt the cocoa butter.
    • Measure out two tablespoons of melted cocoa butter and pour into a small bowl.
    • Gently melt the coconut butter in the same way.
    • Measure out three tablespoons of coconut butter and mix the two butters along with the remaining ingredients until smooth.
    • Pour the mix over the top of the hardened chocolate layer.
    • Top with crushed candy canes. To avoid the candy canes sinking to the bottom of the white chocolate layer, let it set a bit in the freezer first.
    • Once confection has solidified, break apart and enjoy!

    Notes

    Nutrition facts based on using honey.
    WW SmartPoints: 8

    Nutrition

    Sugar: 5.1g | Fiber: 1.6g | Calories: 159kcal | Saturated Fat: 9.8g | Fat: 14.6g | Protein: 0.9g | Carbohydrates: 8.1g

    If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!

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    Filed Under: Healthy Desserts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Andreina

      December 25, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      Hi Lauren and Merry Christmas to you! I was so delighted when I came across your peppermint bark recipe because I have gotten away from table sugar and have been looking for a way to still have a nice treat over the holidays. I purchased all the ingredients as listed and the chocolate turned out fine however the white chocolate was separate and runny and didn't coagulate very well. Could it be that I was supposed to melt the cocoa butter separate from the coconut butter? I didn't quite understand that in the recipe and I'm thinking that's the problem. Now that it has all solidified portions of the white chocolate look like yours and other portions of it look translucent. Any ideas? Thanks much! 🙂 Andreina

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 27, 2018 at 2:02 pm

        Hi Andreina,

        Sorry for the late reply! I do melt the butters separately to measure, though that shouldn't be the issue. Make sure that the chocolate is on a flat surface (some plates and dishes have higher or lower areas that can cause uneven separation) and that you mix well right before pouring. Get the bark into the freezer right after you pour it. Those tips should help!

        Reply
        • Andreina Pierro

          December 27, 2018 at 5:05 pm

          Will do.

          Thank you! 🙂

          Reply
    2. Kathy James

      December 06, 2013 at 11:19 am

      This looks AWESOME! My 9 yr. old granddaughter found out last year, she's allergic to Milk, Eggs, Wheat & Pork (of all things!) Anyway, I've been going nuts trying to find different candy/desert recipes so she can have "equal-opportunity-FUN" @ holidays, birthdays, parties, etc.... just like her friends have! Her Momma is working full-time & going back to school, & they live with me, so... I'm the designated "Head Cook!" This whole experience has really taught me about so many "different" ingredients, we usually don't think of incorporating! We truly have to just "make lemonade" when "Life hands you Lemons!" Thanks sooooooooooo much for sharing with those of us who are "Culinarily Challenged!" (is that a word?) LOL 😉

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 06, 2013 at 1:11 pm

        Thanks so much Kathy! I hope you find some recipes here that she enjoys! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Marissa Seath

      November 23, 2013 at 8:46 pm

      This looks amazing and its so easy to make. I'm dairy and gluten intolerant so finding this little gem has made my day. This is the perfect introduction to paleo eating for my family and friends. I cant wait to taste it once its sets from the fridge. Thanks

      Reply
    4. Nancy Olson

      January 04, 2013 at 9:50 am

      Wow! I just love how it looks. I bet this is so delicious!

      Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        January 04, 2013 at 5:40 pm

        Thank you Nancy! It really is scrumptious...I need to make it again! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Karen

      December 20, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      Oh my goodness! I made this peppermint bark last night, (I even made my own coconut butter!) and today I am trying to keep myself from eating the whole pan! It is delicious and I am a true William Sonoma peppermint bark addict! Seriously this recipe is much better! I even did the organic candy canes and they are the perfect topping! Thank you so much for inventing this wonderful recipe! <3 your blog too!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 20, 2012 at 2:20 pm

        Oh, thank you so much Karen! You just made my day! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Stephanie Wilson

      December 19, 2012 at 11:40 am

      I know I already commented on this one when you first posted it, but I just looked it up today because my husband is going to make it for me for Christmas!! Cannot wait to try it out!! Thanks again! 🙂

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 19, 2012 at 11:47 am

        Hahaha....WHAT?! Your husband cooks?!! Lucky girl.... 🙂 Let me know what you guys think!

        Reply
        • Stephanie Wilson

          December 19, 2012 at 11:50 am

          Haha! No! However, he makes me peppermint bark ONCE a year though...I wanted it to be full proof so I sent him this recipe!

          Reply
    7. Mary

      December 17, 2012 at 2:04 pm

      Hi! Im making this for Christmas and am wondering what to sub for coconut butter... Coconut oil, regular butter? Thanks for your help! It looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 17, 2012 at 2:11 pm

        I believe regular butter would be your best option, although I haven't tried it. Let me know how it works out if you do try it! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Devin @ Nom Yum & Free

      December 14, 2012 at 11:15 am

      I love peppermint bark - recently made one with little more than a microwave.

      Your allergy friendly double-layer peppermint bark looks delicious!! And the white chocolate layer looks easier than I would have thought. Where do you buy your food grade cocoa butter? I would love to try your recipe.

      I just pinned this on my Allergy Friendly Christmas pintrest board!!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 14, 2012 at 2:24 pm

        Thank you Devin! I buy my cocoa butter from a local health food store, but I've bought it online from iHerb as well. I'm not too particular about getting it raw (which is super pricey) so I just buy the regular cheap stuff. Thanks for the pin and the visit! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Katie @Mexican Wildflower

      December 13, 2012 at 9:19 am

      This looks amazing! I'm sharing it on my facebook page this morning. I was thinking just last week that I needed to make something similar to this. 🙂 Thanks for sharing with Natural Living Monday. I hope you will join us again next week!

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 13, 2012 at 9:21 am

        Thank you Katie! I definitely will! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures

      December 09, 2012 at 10:04 am

      Thank you for your submission on Nourishing Treasures' Make Your Own! Monday link-up.

      Check back tomorrow when the new link-up is running to see if you were one of the top 3 featured posts! 🙂

      Reply
    11. Natalie @ freshlifefindings

      December 05, 2012 at 11:54 am

      I love love peppermint bark! And I've never made a healthy version, I usually just stay away from it but now you've got me wanting to make some! Now to find cocoa butter 🙂 Ps you should sell your baked goods, id buy 🙂

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 05, 2012 at 2:50 pm

        Haha, thanks girl!! You can find it on Amazon for pretty cheap (it's no more expensive than coconut oil). It is definitely worth it! 🙂

        Reply
    12. Lou (@fridgescrapings)

      December 04, 2012 at 9:35 pm

      Cocoa butter is the BEST - so delicious. It's definitely the key to amazing home made chocolate. Plus it's a fabulous skin moisturiser (I make my deoderant from it too!)

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 05, 2012 at 9:47 am

        I am LOVING it as well! It's the new coconut oil...hehe...

        Reply
    13. Kylie @ immaeatthat

      December 04, 2012 at 8:48 pm

      I've been looking for a dairy free peppermint bark recipe! Looks so good:) Thanks:)

      Reply
      • Lauren

        December 04, 2012 at 9:13 pm

        Thanks Kylie! Your blog name makes me laugh... 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi there, I'm Lauren Goslin, and I've been a food blogger for over ten years. My goal with this blog is to show you healthy, lower sugar recipes that my family and I enjoy.

    More about me →

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