Healthy Chocolate Protein Yogurt Bark (Sugar-Free)

Protein Yogurt Bark

Yogurt is already amazing on its own. But if you have never tried making yogurt bark, then today is the day!

In essence, yogurt bark is like a glorified version of frozen yogurt–without the ice cream churn.

And one wonderful feature of homemade yogurt bark is that you can dress it up to your liking, even using a variety of mix-ins on the same batch.

When we make yogurt bark in our kitchen, our goal is to create a protein-rich snack that will nourish our bodies and satisfy us without any refined sugar.

So this recipe, as you might guess, is all of these things: nourishing, high-protein, and sugar-free.

Why Protein?

So many dietitians and people in the food creation space are highlighting protein.

What’s the big fuss about?

Well, for starters, our bodies are made up amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Protein fuels our bodies by giving them the building blocks that they need to stay healthy and strong.

Atrium Health has an impressive list of the benefits of protein consumption:

“Helping your body create antibodies to ward off illnesses and infections

Helping your bloodstream carry oxygen throughout your body

Blood sugar balance

Diabetes management

Increased energy

More strength and muscle growth from strength training workouts

Increased satiety and feelings of fullness”

In sum, protein helps with a variety of body functions and needs.

Why You Will Love This Protein Yogurt Bark

This chocolate protein yogurt bark recipe features

• the flavor duo of chocolate and peanut butter….what more can I say?
• high protein content
• sweetness without using refined sugar
• a boost of polyphenols (source)
• flexible and easy steps
• a variety of possible recipe variations
• easy long-term storage (so you can prepare it ahead of time)

What Is in This Chocolate Protein Yogurt Bark

Dark chocolate.

Not only is dark chocolate one of the best flavors on planet earth (in my opinion), but it also is high in nutrients, including antioxidants and magnesium (source).

Plain Greek yogurt.

In addition to giving us the benefit of gut-friendly bacteria, Greek yogurt is two times higher in protein content than regular yogurt (source). And by using plain, unsweetened yogurt in this recipe, we avoid added sugars.

Raw organic honey.

We love using raw honey whenever we can! This recipe is a great opportunity for that.

In my opinion, honey enhances the flavor of many sweet treats, while adding benefits to the food that refined sugar simply cannot. And the Mayo Clinic has an impressive list of the benefits of honey, if you need more convincing. 😉

Pure vanilla extract.

Real vanilla extract does not include coloring agents and may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties not present in imitation vanilla (source).

Peanut butter.

Peanut butter gives this protein yogurt bark a protein boost (source). Natural peanut butter is ideal, but any kind of peanut butter will work in this recipe.

How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home in a Pinch

This recipe obviously relies on Greek yogurt.

However, if all you have is normal yogurt on hand at the moment, you can still make this recipe.

How? You can make your own!

Here’s how:

1. Drape a fine cheesecloth over a fine mesh strainer laid on top of a bowl.
2. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth.
3. Allow to sit for several hours, until most of the liquid has drained from the yogurt into the bowl.
4. You should be left with a very thick yogurt inside the cheesecloth.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Skip the peanut butter and add another nut butter instead.
• Add small bits of dried cherries, cranberries, or orange to the bark before freezing.
• Drizzle Coconut Milk Caramel Sauce over the top of the bark.
• Sprinkle a variety of crushed nuts (especially walnuts) on the bark before freezing.
• Add some seeds to the mix! Chopped pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are a great option.
• Sprinkle bits of dark chocolate (or mini dark chocolate chips) on top of the bark–or even mix them into the yogurt before freezing.
• If you have leftover healthy brownies, break them into pieces and add them to the yogurt bark batter before freezing it.

How to Make This Chocolate Protein Yogurt Bark Recipe

Step One: Prepare a 9″x9″ baking dish by lining it with a reusable silicone mat. Set aside.

Step Two: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil, stirring every 10 seconds until completely melted.

Step Three: In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate. Spread the yogurt mixture in the prepared pan.

Step Four: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top of the yogurt. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate on top.

Step Five: Place in the freezer and freeze for one hour, or until firm to the touch.

Step Six: To serve, break into pieces.

Step Seven: Wrap any leftovers in parchment paper and store in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months.

Storage Instructions

As with all frozen treats, chocolate protein yogurt bark must be stored in the freezer in order to retain its consistency. While it is possible to eat it when thawed, it will be just like normal yogurt, not frozen yogurt bark.

Before freezing, wrap this chocolate protein yogurt bark in parchment paper or a reusable silicone baking mat and then place it in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container. (The parchment paper will help prevent the yogurt from sticking to the container and will make it easier to remove each time you want a snack.)

When you want to eat a bite, simply remove a piece of the yogurt bark and return the rest of the container to the freezer immediately.

Does yogurt bark melt?

Yes, homemade yogurt bark does melt.

Yogurt bark does not retain its solid frozen texture when kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It must be stored in a freezer to remain frozen.