Homemade peppermint bark is one of the best crowd-pleasing sweets, crafts to make with kids, and last-minute gifts, all wrapped up in one bite-sized package. All you need is chocolate and peppermint extract to make it happen!
Give your bark more bite this year by incorporating crispy rice cereal and cacao nibs, creating a texture that’s both lighter and more satisfying. It’s an easy and fun treat that everyone will love!
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Did you dark chocolate is actually good for you? It’s the things we add to chocolate that makes it unhealthy like refined sugar, butter, dairy, and eggs.
But dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and minerals that are good for your bones, heart, and immunity.
It’s also a great source of fiber!
Dark chocolate contains polyphenols, flavanols, and catechins that act as antioxidants. The polyphenols make even lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, especially when combined with other foods like almonds.
The flavanols in dark chocolate may also protect your skin from sun damage and increase skin hydration & density.
You want to look for a vegan dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa or higher and the least amount of sugar added.
Vegan Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Bark
Peppermint bark is an ideal standalone treat, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enhanced with some thoughtful pairings. Serve after dinner with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, either on the side or melted within. Alternately, chop the bark finely and sprinkle it over a scoop of ice cream, or a pan of brownie batter before baking.
Other whole food plant-based recipes you might like:
- Vegan Cranberry Banana Bread
- Vegan Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Date Caramel Sauce
- Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie (oil free, WFPB, gluten free)
- No-Bake Vegan Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheescakes
- Healthy Vegan Carrot Cake
Vegan Dark Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Bark
Ingredients
- 12 ounces vegan dark chocolate chips about 2 cups
- 2 cups crispy brown rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
- Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on full power for 60 seconds. Stir thoroughly. Repeat at intervals of 15 – 30 seconds, stirring very well after each round, until completely smooth.
- Add the rice cereal and peppermint extract into the bowl of melted chocolate, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Pour the chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into a thin layer, about ¼-inch or less. Sprinkle evenly with cacao nibs and flaky salt, if using.
- Place the sheet in the fridge and chill until the chocolate has set; 20 – 30 minutes. Break the bark into pieces and store in an airtight container or individual sealed goodie bags. It makes a great gift!
Notes
Nutrition
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