Chocolate Fig Trail Mix Bark

Make a chocolate gift for your Valentine! This Chocolate Fig Trail Mix Bark combines crunchy nuts, seeds, coconut and chewy figs for a decadent, healthy dessert that you'll "heart."

Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and you know what that means—chocolate! It's sharing special desserts and meals that tells someone "I love you." It's candy hearts, a box of truffles, or even coming home to a chocolate cherry cake made by Mom that has made my day. So, I naturally thought of sharing one of my favorite recipes to date! I'm treating you to a thick, dark chocolate bark recipe that’s decadent and perfect for gifting to your loved ones. And yes, it’s easy enough to make AND enjoy the same day!

If you’re a chocolate fanatic, you’re going to absolutely love the rich 70-80% dark chocolate mixed with crunchy nuts, and sweetened with chunks of dried figs and gooey brown rice syrup. The syrup almost becomes like caramel when drizzled on the bark last—like a gooey caramel surprise.

As a great source of antioxidants, fiber and protein, you can feel good about nibbling on this healthy, "guilty" pleasure. Here's what you'll need for the trail mix:

The Trail Mix

AlmondsPumpkin seedsBuckwheat groats Toasted coconut flakesFigs

I used Go Raw sprouted seeds and Living Intentions activated almonds, but you can find nuts at your local health food store in the bulk section for a good price.

What is “Activated” and “Sprouted"?

"Activated" and "sprouted" nuts/seeds are when they have been soaked in water for a period of time, which allows the phytate compounds (the problematic acids that are hard to digest) to break down. Soaking them enhances their digestibility, making them easier for you to digest.

After pouring melted chocolate over the trail mix, it takes about 30 minutes for the chocolate bark to firm up in the freezer. Once hardened, chop into squares. Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with string for a cute, DIY gift. Enjoy, and Happy Valentines Day! xoxo

Print here: Chocolate Fig Trail Mix Bark

Prep time: 00:40 Cook time: 00:00 Servings: 16

Ingredients

1 (3.5 oz) chocolate bar, 80% or 70% green & black's brand* 1 t coconut oil 2 t buckwheat groats* 2 t toasted coconut flakes 1/4 c sprouted almonds 2 t pumpkin seeds 3 t dried figs, chopped (or dates) 2 tsp brown rice syrup pink himalayan sea salt

Recipe Steps

1. Line a small 5x5 baking dish or medium sized plate with parchment paper and spray with coconut oil.

2. Break chocolate up into small pieces and add coconut oil to a medium bowl. Use a double boiler to melt chocolate, or use microwave (stirring every 10-20 seconds). Stir often until smooth. Set aside.

3. Add next 5 ingredients to melted chocolate (everything except the brown rice syrup and salt) and stir until combined. Mixture will be very chunky and be loaded with trail mix (this is good!). Spoon into dish or on plate, then flatten.

4. Sprinkle with salt and spoon/drizzle syrup over chocolate. Slightly mix/press syrup in, but don't need to combine. Press chocolate flat with backside of spatula until packed. Should be 1 1/2 inch or so thick.

5. Place in freezer until set, 30 min or until hard. When ready, pull up on parchment and transfer to cutting board. Cut into small squares.

6. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Additional Notes

*Use 80% for rich chocolate bark, or 70% for a little sweeter chocolate. I really like using half and half (80% and 70%). *Make with raw buckwheat groats, not the toasted kasha groats. Raw groats are lighter in color.