Happy, Healthy Holidays: Organic Vegan Peppermint Bark (Raw and Paleo-Friendly!)

Nothing screams "Christmas is near" quite like the sweet and refreshing scent of peppermint. It's enough to get anyone in the holiday spirit - both kids and adults alike. However, traditional minty holiday treats like candy canes and peppermint barks offer a whole lot of refined sugar, with very little in the way of actual whole food nutrition. So we decided to whip up a healthier alternative that is much lower in sugar, contains extra antioxidants, magnesium, and iron thanks to our Organic Raw Chocolate Essentials Bars, and even features an ingredient that helps support digestion, curb food cravings, and uplift the spirit - pure, therapuetic-grade peppermint essential oil. 

This recipe is also very kid-friendly - it doesn't taste like a "healthy" treat. So if you have any kiddos in your life begging you for sugary treats this time of year - this is perfect for you. It is 100% vegan, dairy-free and soy-free, and is also raw and paleo-friendly. If you'd like to keep it all-raw, or remove any form of cane sugar, simply emit the organic candy canes and sub in chopped goji berries or dried cranberries for a little pop of red, or emit all together. 

This festive peppermint chocolate bark is perfect for all of your holiday entertaining and treat-sharing needs.

The Recipe

Organic Vegan Peppermint Bark

Fills 1, 8 x 8 baking pan

Ingredients

Peppermint White Chocolate Layer 

1/2 cup raw cacao butter, gently melted
1/3 cup Dastony Stone Ground Whole Coconut Butter, gently melted
2 Tbs maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 drops therapeutic-grade peppermint oil (we used Young Living)

Peppermint Dark Chocolate layer

2 Rawmio Raw Chocolate Essentials Bars - Mint, gently melted

Candy Cane Topping

2 organic candy canes, crushed - optional (we used this brand, which is colored with plant extracts, not artificial dyes)  or use goji berries or dried cranberries 

Instructions

Peppermint White Chocolate Layer

1. Prepare your dish by taking a 8 x 8 baking pan and lining it with parchment paper. 

2. Using a double boiler method (1 smaller heat-safe bowl submerged in a larger heat safe bowl containing hot water), gently melt cacao butter and coconut butter together. Once combined add in additional ingredients and stir well. 

Peppermint Dark Chocolate Layer

1. Using the same double boiler method as for white chocolate, gently melt Rawmio Essentials bars until liquid-like. 

Assembly

1. Pour white chocolate into your lined dish. Follow up with dark chocolate - simply pour it onto the white chocolate in a swirl design. The dark chocolate is denser and will actually sink to the bottom of the pan. 

2. Place pan in freezer for a few minutes to set slightly, then top with crushed candy cakes, dried cranberries, or goji berries (optional step). 

3. Place back in fridge or freezer to fully set. 

NOTE: This recipe will melt at warmer temperatures due to the coconut butter in the white chocolate, so it is not entirely shelf stable. Store in freezer and serve from there. Will not melt at normal room temperatures.