You know how some people say “I have a sweet tooth”? Well I have sweet TEETH. That’s right – a whole mouthful. But as I have gotten older, the 5 cent candy aisle at the nearest convenience store just won’t cut it anymore. I want sweet, but I always want beneficial. I want “treat yourself”, but I also want “it’s kind of good for you!”. I want it all.

For that very reason, I’ve gotten into the habit of making my own chocolate. I know what’s in there, I can control the amount and type of sweetener used, and I can create it particularly to my…. particularities.

This Pink Chocolate Coconut Bark is not only a sight to behold, but it’s also delicious. With eight super simple ingredients and the only sweetener being maple syrup, this is a treat I feel good about making for myself. And you can do! Just keep reading and follow the simple steps below.

Ingredients

• 3/4 a cup cacao butter, melted (I used Organic Traditions)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1.5 cups of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened to your taste)
• 1/2 TBSP vanilla extract
• 3 TBSP organic pure maple syrup
• 1/4 TSP beet powder
• 1/2 TSP Himalayan salt
• A handful of sliced almonds for topping

Directions: Mix melted cacao, melted coconut oil, and shredded coconut in a food processor – just pulse a few times to get it mixed relatively well. Add vanilla extract, maple syrup, beet powder, and Himalayan salt. Blend the ingredients together in the food processor on low. Once all ingredients are equally incorporated, transfer the mix to a parchment lined brownie pan ( I actually just make mine on a parchment lined plate that has a lower base than it’s edges – I mean whatever works). Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and set in the freezer for one hour at least.

Once the bark has firmed up, you can break it up into as many pieces as you like – I like mine generous.

I love that these are only sweetened with maple syrup – yes, to your body it is still sugar – but it’s one that your body can recognize and easily process. It is also paired in this bark with tons of fat, which helps to slow the absorption of sugar and promotes stabilization of blood sugar.

That’s what I’m talkin’ about.

Treat yourself. Be human. Eat that dessert. Just look for simple, organic, and quality!

Until next time babes!