With Christmas just around the corner, my family is in full holiday mode. That means hosting, baking, and making delicious treats like peppermint date bark. Dates are naturally sweet and nutritious.
This dessert looks pretty on a plate for guests, but it also shines as an everyday dessert for the family. I’ll make a double batch and freeze any extras so you can quickly and easily prepare the dessert.
Peppermint Jujube Peel Ingredients
You’ve probably heard of chocolate bark before. It typically includes very sweet chocolate covered in waxy flavors, fruit, nuts or candy. Bark candies have gotten an upgrade in recent years and there are many great recipes out there. But they can still rely on a lot of sugar.
Mighty Medjool Date
However, this version relies on Medjool dates for most of its sweetness. These dates are high in fiber and contain moderate amounts of iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It is also a good source of vitamin B6 and copper. Medjool Dates are rich in antioxidants that help prevent damage caused by free radicals.
Researchers have studied carotenoids and phenolic acid antioxidants to discover their heart health benefits. A 2021 study concluded that eating whole dates helps improve heart health indicators. These included better cholesterol levels and lower oxidative stress and inflammation.
Cacao vs Chocolate Chips
For this peppermint jujube peel, I used two types of cacao wafers instead of regular chocolate chips. Cacao wafers are pure chocolate with no added milk or sugar. They contain calcium, iron, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are good for your overall health.
Cacao butter wafers are made from the pure fatty portion of the cacao bean. It’s similar to white chocolate chips, but without the added milk and sugar. When melting the cacao butter wafers and cacao wafers, I added a little coconut oil to give it a more spreadable texture.
These additions make this peppermint bark a great vegan, allergen-friendly option for anyone looking to avoid dairy.
Nut Butters (and Substitutes)
I love the smooth, creamy taste of almond butter. You can also make date shells with peanut butter. Need a nut-free option? To make date crust without peanut butter or another nut butter, use sunflower butter. And try using pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds instead of chopped almonds.
The original date skin recipe tasted more like a Snickers bar, but this one tastes like mint. I added crushed candy canes to the top for some extra festive sweetness. Most peppermint candies have ingredients I like to avoid, but I really enjoy these products from Yum Earth for an occasional treat. Naturally flavored with natural mint, made with organic sugar, and colored with fruits and vegetables.
Peppermint date peels are high in calories, but they’re also full of healthy fats and nutrients to help you feel full. Here’s how to make it!
Peppermint Jujube Bark Recipe
Fold a sheet of parchment in half and spread it out on a flat surface. Cut the pitted jujube in half lengthwise, but do not cut all the way through, making sure the halves are still attached. Arrange the dates in 4 rows of 3 on each half of the parchment.
Lightly moisten the parchment paper. Fold the parchment paper over the dates and gently roll with a rolling pin to spread evenly.
Spread the almond butter evenly over the flattened dates. Sprinkle chopped almonds over the almond butter layer.
Fill the bottom of a saucepan or double boiler with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. Add chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil to the top pot or bowl.
Pour the melted chocolate over the almond butter and date layers and spread evenly.
Put candy canes or peppermint candies in a small bag and crush them with a rolling pin or heavy object. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint evenly over the chocolate.
Melt the cacao butter wafers with 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil in the top of a double boiler or glass bowl. Sprinkle or pipe cacao butter over the top of the bark.
Sprinkle peeled sea salt over the top.
Using parchment paper, place the bark on a baking sheet and place in the refrigerator or freezer until completely set, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Cut into pieces or split and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Peppermint Jujube Bark Recipe
Amount per serving (per serving)
calorie 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 more healthy bark ideas? Try this healthy, high-protein yogurt crust!
Have you ever made bark before? What is your favorite topping? Let us know by leaving a comment!
