Healthy, Sugar-free Chocolate Bark Recipe
- Emma Lisa
- May 9, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 26
Calling all chocoholics! You need this decadent chocolate bark in your life! Bookmark this guiltless, sugar-free recipe, a nutritious, homemade chocolate that tastes as good as store-bought - only better because it is packed with oh-so-good-for-you ingredients. Mixers ready? Let's start making this healthy, chocolate recipe together.
Mmmmm, that hit of chocolate mid-afternoon, there's nothing else like it! It's so satisfying, and that is mainly because chocolate is usually high in sugar and fat. The fat gives you that smooth, mouth-watering taste as the chocolate melts in your mouth, which might be partly why you find it so pleasurable. Chocolate also contains sugar, which triggers your sweet taste receptors, provides as boost of energy, and adds to the overall pleasurable experience.
While this all seems warm and lovely, many chocolate bars are made with a slue of not so good stuff - the artificial flavours, excess sugars and preservatives. So, today I am going to teach you how to make your own healthy chocolate that is full of superfoods and actually good for you!
What Makes This Recipe Healthy?
We can all agree that chocolate is a delectable treat, but it has no real nutritional value in a healthy diet - that is, unless you make your own. Yes, that's right; you might be delighted to learn you don't have to give it up entirely to eat clean and healthier. Depending on how its made and the ingredients used, chocolate can offer some surprising health benefits, and can have a place in an otherwise well-balanced diet. Here's why my chocolate recipe is a super healthy alternative for you:
wholefood-based: real food ingredients that provide many health benefits (see below)
dairy-free, refined sugar-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly: so it works for a variety of diets
easy to make: only a few, wholefood ingredients and minimal steps are involved
adaptable: uses natural flavours such as healthy mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits
healthier: raw cacao is a more nutritious than confectionary chocolate
guiltless: by making it sugar-free, you can enjoy it totally guilt-free
Making a simple homemade version, like my healthy, sugar-free chocolate recipe, will provide you with a healthy alternative to sugary, store-bought varieties. Once you make this chocolate bark, I promise you won't look back. However, moderation is still key. Chocolate, even homemade, can still be high in calories and fat. Consider it a treat, but one that you can feel good about consuming!
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Key Ingredients Used
What I love about making my own healthy chocolate bark, is that you can control the ingredients and create a fabulous alternative to unhealthy, store-bought bars with heaps less sugar, and absolutely no preservatives or additives. The recipe I have shared below provides many nutrients, such as a heaping serving of essential magnesium, flavodilols, and antioxidants all bundled with a kick of natural sweetness from the stevia. Here's several reason why my raw cacao-based chocolate recipe is so good for you:
Raw Cacao Power
mood & PMS relief: raw cacao provides high levels of magnesium, which can help regulate hormones and reduce symptoms of PMS like cramps, mood swings, and anxiety
stress reduction: contains compounds that promote the production of feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin, potentially lowering stress levels naturally
improved energy: source of iron, which can combat fatigue often experienced during menstruation due to iron loss, and in women in general
skin health: antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from damage and contribute to a healthy glow; yes eating raw cacao is anti-ageing
Coconut oil
densely nutritious: coconut oil, unlike other common oils used in chocolate such as palm oil, is rich with nutrients
appetite control: coconut oil can help increase feelings of fullness due to a type of fat it contains (MCTs) that gets metabolised differently
Nuts & Seeds
healthy fats: both nuts and seeds provide forms of healthy fats, dietary fibre, protein and trace minerals needed for good health; this balance helps make a satisfying snack or treat
dietary fibre: fibre is the indigestible part of plant foods which takes time to digest, even in small nut sand seeds, helping to reduce the impact of sugar and other sweeteners
Stevia & Alternatives
stevia sweetener: is a plant from the mint family that tastes 10x sweeter than sugar but has no effect on blood sugar levels; an excellent sweeter for diabetics, those with insulin issues or who are watching there body weight
alternative sweeteners: other sweeteners that have little effect on blood sugar levels are erythritol and xylitol, two alcohol-based sugars that can be used in moderation to sweeten foods
Now if all of this isn't enough to excite you to try the recipe, how's about the fact my recipe is 100% sugar-free.! This means you can truly enjoy chocolate without the sugar spike or hangover!
Sugar-free Chocolate Bark Variations
This healthy, sugar-free chocolate recipe is very versatile and can be flavoured in any number of ways to using healthy, wholefood ingredients that provide added nutrition:
dried or fresh fruit: dates are a good source of iron and other dried fruits provide additional nutrients; try blueberries, cranberries, dates, mandarin orange, strawberries or raspberries.
mix in wholegrains: add to the fibre content and hep control blood sugar levels with high fibre grains such as puffed brown rice, quinoa puffs, or other wholegrains.
nuts and seeds: add crunch and nutrients with chia, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds or nutrient-dense nuts choices such as almond, cashew, pecans, and walnuts.
swap chocolate for yoghurt: bonus, make this same recipe by swapping out the oil and chocolate for plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt. Add a scoop of sugar-free protein powder for an equally delicious dessert or treat.
Making your own chocolate means you can flavour it just the way you like whether that is sweet, rich, or spiced. You get to control the ingredients, so it’s free from refined sugars and unnecessary additives. And the best part is that it is also a fun and nourishing way to enjoy a guilt-free treat!
Batch Cook & Meal Prep
Yes, you can easily batch cook chocolate bark. Double or triple the recipe to make several batches and flavour each bark with different toppings. They'll keep exceptionally well in the freezer if stored in a tightly sealed container, or last a few weeks in the fridge. Due to the oil content, however, the chocolate can soften in warmer temps, so keep chilled at all times until serving.
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How To Make Sugar-free Chocolate Bark
The secret ingredient to making this healthy, sugar-free recipe is the coconut oil; it naturally solidifies in cooler temperatures, acting as a nutritious binder to create a stable, solid chocolate bark. You can add just about any wholefood ingredients to flavour your bark or enjoy it plain like a piece of chocolate. Some healthy additions that add texture and nutrition are chia seeds, berries, dried fruit crushed rice cakes, puffed rice, quinoa or other high fibre grain. Adding 1-2 scoops of a low carb, high quality protein powder is also a fabulous way to make a well-balanced treat that can also help reduce the appetite.
Sugar-free Chocolate Bark Recipe |
PER SERVING: 62 CAL | CARBS 2.8g | FAT 5.9g | PROTEIN 0.8g |
Ingredients |
|
Raw Cacao Option |
If you are diabetic and on a sugar-free diet like myself, or just wish to enjoy a superfood option that is rich in magnesium, try this version: |
PER SERVING: 82 CAL | CARBS 0.5g | FAT 9.4g | PROTEIN 0.1g |
|
Method |
In a bowl, add and whisk all the ingredients while the chocolate and oil is still melted. If using the Raw Cacao Option, taste-test for sweetness as cacao powder can be quite bitter; adjust the stevia as needed. Pour the mixture into a lined baking tray and scatter the nuts evenly over the top. Pop in the fridge or freezer for 1 hour to set. To serve, simply break off bite-sized pieces to enjoy. |
Recipe Note |
WARNING: just because this recipe is "healthy" and sugar-free, doesn't mean you can go crazy on serving portions. One or two bite-sized pieces is a proper portion, although I will warn you, this recipe it so good it may be a struggle just to stick to only small piece! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chocolate bark without sugar?
Absolutely. This recipe is completely sugar-free and sweetened naturally with stevia or monk fruit, making it perfect for diabetics or anyone reducing sugar. As mentioned, natural sweeteners like liquid stevia, monk fruit extract, or a pinch of vanilla work well. These options won’t spike blood sugar and still give you that rich, chocolatey satisfaction.
Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?
Yes, but cacao powder is less processed and contains more nutrients. Either works in this recipe, depending on what you have on hand.
How do I stop homemade chocolate from melting at room temperature?
Store it in the fridge or freezer. Because this bark is made with coconut oil, it will soften at room temp, but stays crisp and snappy when chilled.
Can I eat chocolate if I’m diabetic?
Yes, but not just any chocolate. It should be safe if it’s made using this recipe which contains no added sugars and only ingredients that support balanced blood sugar. This recipe is safe for most diabetics like myself, just be mindful of your portion sizes and total carbs. Keep portions bite-sized.
What can I add to chocolate bark to make it more nutritious?
Once you have the base chocolate bark recipe you can begin to experiment with natural flavours and add in more goodness with supplements, superfoods, whey or vegan protein or collagen to create densely nutritious bites. Nut butter melted into the coconut oil at the time of heating is also a delicious touch and provide extra flavour and nutrients.
Nutritionist Note
If you really enjoy sugar-free recipes... stick around with a cup of peppermint tea and browse this blog for more sugar-free nutrition and healthy eating guides, or come join my Sugar Free Life program. You'll receive a Nutritionist's support to detox from sugar and feast from a meal plan of delicious sugar-free recipes. Learn how to finally ditch sugar and eat healthier for life. Come join us today, click here.
Healthy + happiness,
Emma Lisa xx
HEALTH & NUTRITION PRACTITIONER
Emma Lisa, Nutritionist & Women's Practitioner
Emma Lisa is a Nutritionist & Women's Health Practitioner with over 14+ years experience in clean eating nutrition, meal planning and health coaching. She is a published cookbook author, passionate food recipe creator and lifestyle blogger, and an advocate for women's health and anti-diet culture. When she's not in clinic, Emma is mum to five kids, in her test kitchen and sharing her creative talents as a wellness digital creator. She lives in Sydney, Australia. FOLLOW: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
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