Homemade Keto Peppermint Chocolate Crunch Bars (Paleo, Vegan)
An easy 6-ingredient recipe for homemade keto and sugar free peppermint chocolate crunch bars! Loaded with seeds and a hint of peppermint flavor, these homemade healthy crunch bars are paleo, vegan, nut-free and sugar free!
Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Recipe
The peppermint chocolate combination is easily one of the most underrated- You either love it or hate it, and I’m definitely in the team of loving it.
My obsession started at a young age when I first tasted chocolate peppermint ice cream. I loved it so much, I recreated a healthy recipe in my first cookbook.
Since then, I’ve shared homemade healthy peppermint patties, no bake chocolate peppermint cookies and of course, my peppermint mocha no bake bites.
It’s due time to give it some candy bar treatment.
To make these easy healthy chocolate peppermint crunch bar recipe, I adapted my original healthy homemade crunch bar recipe. I used the base of that recipe and filled it with the ingredients in my keto crunch bar recipe.
The final result? Keto friendly peppermint chocolate crunch bars!
You only need SIX ingredients to make these homemade keto peppermint chocolate crunch bars-
- Seeds (or crushed nuts)
- Chocolate
- A smooth nut or seed butter
- A sticky sweetener of choice
- Coconut Oil
- Peppermint Extract
Keto alternatives to crunchy and crispy cereal
Traditional chocolate peppermint crunch bars rely on crispy rice cereal for the crunch and crispiness factor.
To maintain the crunchiness and crispiness, but without using cereal, we’ll be using a mixture of seeds.
Using seeds ensures that these chocolate peppermint crunch bars are keto and paleo friendly, along with being low carb.
Bonus? Using seeds ensures this recipe is 100% nut-free!
I used a combination of raw sunflower seeds and raw pepitas. Ensure that the ones you use aren’t salted, or your peppermint crunch bars will be a little salty!
Nut-Free alternatives to peanut butter
The original and keto crunch bar recipes use smooth peanut butter or smooth almond butter. While both of these will be fine for the peppermint version, they aren’t nut-free.
Instead, I used my favorite no added sugar sunflower seed butter, which has the same consistency of peanut butter. It’s also mild tasting, which really doesn’t overpower the overall healthy candy bar copycat!
Keto and vegan baking chocolate options
There are several options for the chocolate portion of the recipe.
Using store-bought chocolate chips makes it easiest, as it is a simple one-ingredient process. If you follow a ketogenic diet, you would use these stevia sweetened chocolate chips.
Paleo and vegan friends, these chocolate chips are dairy free and perfect for those diets.
Making your own keto AND vegan chocolate is quite easy, and the process is included in these chocolate coconut fat bombs.
The coconut oil and sticky sweetener of choice are technically optional, but omitting them will make the chocolate peppermint crunch bar recipe more crumbly, rather than smooth and creamy.
Keto followers, I use this keto-friendly maple syrup, which has a good texture and flavor. If you want to keep this recipe 100% sugar free, please use this.
If this isn’t an issue, pure maple syrup is paleo and vegan-friendly.
Skeptics of coconut flavors, you won’t taste the coconut oil– It simply helps the bars stable and cut into even pieces.
Peppermint Extract or Peppermint Oil
I’ve tried using peppermint oil before and found that the flavor was considerably overwhelming and actually had a rancid aftertaste.
To combat this, use several drops of natural peppermint extract. Again, be careful- An extra drop or two can give them a very evident peppermint flavor.
For all of you lovers of the chocolate peppermint combination, this healthy keto and low carb candy bar makeover has you covered! Loaded with loads of texture, crunch and peppermint flavor, you’ll be obsessed!
Homemade Keto Peppermint Chocolate Crunch Bars (Paleo, Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips of choice
- 1 cup sunflower seed butter Can use any nut butter of choice
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 cup sticky sweetener of choice * See notes
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 3 cups seeds of choice Can use nuts and/or crispy cereal
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or stovetop, melt your chocolate chips with your sunflower seed butter, coconut oil, sticky sweetener of choice and peppermint extract.
- Add your seeds of choice and mix very well, ensuring it is all mixed together.
- Pour the peppermint chocolate crunch bar mixture into the lined pan. Spread evenly into an even layer. Refrigerate until firm. Cut into 20 bars and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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I would love to try this with pumpkin seeds, almonds, sunflower seeds, or a mixture of all of them! Peppermint chocolate is great–though it’s not my favorite aside from peanut butter or salted chocolate–given that it’s nearing the winter already! There’s no too early of a time to celebrate Christmas. I’m already in the holiday spirit!
What can I use instead of coconut oil
I’d say butter. Or you can just Google “coconut oil substitute”. I think EVOO or Avocado oil might give it a weird taste. Butter shouldn’t though
I haven’t tried, but perhaps butter!
You need the coconut oil.
Just made this! Fabulous! I used a high quality coconut oil and it made it taste naturally sweeter. I pureed 1/4c chopped dates and 1/2 c raisins and 1/4 c water for my sweetner. I know this makes it higher in calories and carbs, but I like more fiber and potassium in my diet. 🙂 GREAT RECIPE. (You have so many great ones!!!) Thanks.
You are too sweet!