Indulge in Deliciously Low Calorie Peppermint Bark Mocha This Holiday Season

Indulge in Low Calorie Peppermint Bark Mocha This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for enjoying cozy sweaters, twinkling lights, and comforting seasonal flavors. For many people, peppermint is a quintessential flavor that evokes feelings of nostalgia and cheer during the winter months. This year, you can indulge in delicious peppermint flavors without overdoing it on calories by making a simple yet scrumptious low calorie peppermint bark mocha right at home.

Peppermint Bark Mocha for the Holidays

Peppermint bark is a beloved holiday treat, with its crisp dark chocolate paired with cool and creamy white chocolate studded with bits of candy cane. While regular peppermint bark can be high in calories and sugar, you can give this seasonal favorite a lighter makeover by turning it into a cozy low calorie peppermint bark mocha.

This easy low calorie mocha recipe combines the rich chocolate and bright peppermint flavors of classic peppermint bark with a boost of coffee. Using low calorie hot cocoa mix and a splash of peppermint extract, you can create a decadent mocha that perfectly captures the essence of peppermint bark while keeping calories and added sugar low.

A Skinny Peppermint Mocha

One of the keys to creating a low calorie peppermint bark mocha is to use a lower calorie hot cocoa mix rather than sugary instant cocoa powder or homemade hot chocolate. Look for a skinny hot cocoa mix that is naturally sweetened with an alternative like stevia so you can cut back on calories without sacrificing any richness of chocolate flavor.

To give your mocha an extra burst of peppermint, add a few drops of peppermint extract along with your skinny cocoa mix. The peppermint extract will intensify the cool, refreshing mint notes. A touch of vanilla extract also complements the chocolate and peppermint combo nicely for a well-rounded mocha flavor.

Whip it Up

This low cal peppermint bark mocha comes together in just a few easy steps:

• Brew 8 ounces of coffee and pour into your favorite mug.
• Add 2 tablespoons of low calorie hot cocoa mix and 1/4 tsp each of peppermint and vanilla extracts. Whisk until fully blended.
• Heat in the microwave for 1 minute until hot. Be careful not to boil or overheat.
• Top with light whipped cream and crushed candy canes for garnish (optional).

The whole mocha can come in around 100 calories, depending on the exact ingredients you use. Compare that to a 16 ounce Starbucks Peppermint Mocha which packs in 420 calories!

Customize Your Peppermint Mocha

One of the great things about making peppermint bark mocha at home is that you can customize it to suit your preferences.

Play around with different extract combinations like orange and cinnamon or even a little gingerbread flavor for more seasonal variation. For an iced peppermint mocha, just pour the mixture over ice and add cold milk or cream.

For a vegan low cal peppermint mocha, use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. You can make a homemade vegan whipped cream by whipping chilled full-fat canned coconut milk. The options are endless for creating your own signature skinny peppermint mocha!

Low Calorie Peppermint Mocha on the Go

Enjoy your low cal peppermint bark mocha at home all season long. But you can also take it to go by preparing it in a reusable cup and topping it off with a lid.

For a grab-and-go morning treat, mix up the mocha base ahead of time and store in a sealed container in the fridge. When you're ready for your morning peppermint pick-me-up, simply fill your cup with coffee, heat the mocha base, and mix. Add your whipped cream and crushed candy on top.

With just a little planning, you can take your low cal peppermint bark mocha to work, on shopping trips, or wherever you need a bit of chocolate-peppermint deliciousness this holiday season!

Indulge Guilt-Free in Peppermint Bark Flavors

Peppermint bark mocha is a great way to indulge your cravings for rich seasonal flavors without going overboard on calories or sugar. By making your own low calorie peppermint mocha at home, you can enjoy every cozy sip knowing it is a lighter yet still delicious treat.

Let the combination of cool peppermint and creamy chocolate transport you straight to holiday bliss. Peppermint bark mocha is sure to become your new favorite skinny holiday drink!

FAQs

How many calories are in a peppermint bark mocha?

The peppermint bark mocha recipe in this article contains around 100 calories for an 8 oz serving. This is compared to 420 calories in a 16 oz Starbucks Peppermint Mocha!

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If you don't have peppermint extract, you can substitute crushed peppermint candy or 1/8 tsp pure peppermint oil. You can also use peppermint syrup if you have it on hand.

Can I make a vegan version of this mocha?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by using dairy-free milk like almond, oat or soy milk. You can also make vegan whipped cream with chilled full-fat coconut milk.

How do I make a hot peppermint mocha?

To make a hot peppermint mocha, follow the recipe as written using hot brewed coffee. Heat up the mocha base before adding it to the coffee and top with whipped cream.

What unsweetened cocoa powder is best to use?

Look for natural unsweetened cocoa powders without any added sugars. Hershey's Unsweetened Cocoa is a great option for making skinny mochas at home.