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Crave-Worthy Peppermint Bark Protein Bites

Print Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats use certified gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavored whey (or plant) protein powder smooth, not gritty
  • 1/3 cup almond butter or cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey use a sugar-free syrup if preferred
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted; helps with set and richness
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract food-grade; not mint oil toothpaste vibes
  • 1/8–1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt to sharpen flavors
  • 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies or sugar-free peppermint bits optional, for “bark” crunch
  • For white drizzle optional but festive; 1/3 cup white chocolate chips + 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • For extra protein shell optional; 2 tablespoons vanilla protein mixed with 1–2 teaspoons milk for a drizzle
  • 1–3 tablespoons milk or water only if needed to adjust texture

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Clear some freezer space. Yes, you'll use it.
  2. In a large bowl, stir oats, protein powder, and salt. This keeps clumps away later.
  3. In a microwave-safe cup, warm almond butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil for 15–20 seconds until fluid. Stir in peppermint extract.
  4. Pour wet over dry and mix with a sturdy spoon. If it looks dry or crumbly, add milk or water 1 teaspoon at a time until it holds when pressed.
  5. Fold in dark chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. Keep some for topping if you're fancy.
  6. Scoop 1–1.5 tablespoons per bite and roll into balls. Place on the lined sheet. Lightly press tops to flatten if you want a “bark bite” look.
  7. Freeze 10–15 minutes to set the surface. This step keeps drizzles tidy.
  8. Melt white chocolate with coconut oil in 10-second bursts, stirring between. Drizzle over set bites and sprinkle extra peppermint crumbs.
  9. Whisk vanilla protein with milk until pourable. Drizzle thinly over bites for style points and a touch more protein.
  10. Freeze another 10 minutes until firm, then transfer to an airtight container.