📝 About This Recipe
This sophisticated keto-friendly treat proves that indulgence doesn't require sugar. We marry the intense, earthy notes of high-quality cacao with the crunch of toasted superfoods and a finishing touch of hand-harvested sea salt. It’s a snap-worthy, antioxidant-rich bark that delivers a complex flavor profile while keeping you perfectly in ketosis.
🥗 Ingredients
The Chocolate Base
- 9 ounces Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (at least 70% cacao, sweetened with stevia or erythritol)
- 1 tablespoon Unrefined Coconut Oil (helps achieve a smoother melt and glossy finish)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (ensure it is alcohol-based and sugar-free)
- 1/4 teaspoon Espresso Powder (optional, to intensify the chocolate flavor)
The Keto Crunch & Texture
- 1/4 cup Raw Macadamia Nuts (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup Slivered Almonds (lightly toasted)
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) (raw or roasted)
- 1 tablespoon Shelled Hemp Hearts (for a nutty, soft texture)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Shredded Coconut (large flakes preferred)
The Finishing Touches
- 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon or Fleur de Sel recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Freeze-Dried Raspberries (crushed into small bits for a tart pop)
- 1 tablespoon Cacao Nibs (for extra crunch and bitterness)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Prepare a standard baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Ensure the surface is completely flat.
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2
In a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, lightly toast the slivered almonds and macadamia nuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool.
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3
Create a double boiler by placing a heat-proof glass bowl over a small saucepan filled with 1 inch of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
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4
Add the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and the coconut oil to the bowl. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula as the chocolate begins to melt.
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5
Once the chocolate is 80% melted, remove the bowl from the heat. Continue stirring until the residual heat melts the remaining chips; this prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning.
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6
Stir in the vanilla extract and espresso powder until the mixture is glossy and completely smooth.
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7
Pour the melted chocolate onto the center of your prepared baking sheet.
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8
Using an offset spatula, spread the chocolate into an even rectangle, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Avoid spreading it too thin, or the bark will be fragile.
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9
While the chocolate is still wet, evenly scatter the toasted almonds, macadamias, and pumpkin seeds across the surface.
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10
Follow with a sprinkle of hemp hearts, shredded coconut, and the crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a vibrant contrast.
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11
Gently press down on the toppings with the back of a spoon to ensure they are partially embedded in the chocolate.
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12
Finish by sprinkling the flaky sea salt and cacao nibs from a height to ensure even distribution.
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13
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 45-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm and set.
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14
Once set, lift the parchment paper and break the bark into irregular, rustic shards using your hands or a sharp knife.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a high-quality coconut oil to ensure the bark has a clean snap and doesn't feel waxy. If your chocolate seems too thick, add one extra teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out for easier spreading. Avoid getting even a single drop of water into the melting chocolate, as this will cause it to 'seize' and become grainy. For the best flavor, toast your nuts fresh; the oils in the nuts provide a much deeper aroma when warmed. Store the finished bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from blooming (turning white) in humid air.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair a few shards with a cup of bulletproof coffee for a decadent morning treat. Serve alongside a glass of dry red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the dark cacao. Crumble smaller pieces over keto-friendly vanilla bean ice cream for added texture. Package in a glass jar with a ribbon as a thoughtful, low-carb homemade gift. Enjoy as a post-workout snack for a quick hit of healthy fats and magnesium.