Festive Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe for Holiday Magic

Cold winter nights call for a delightful chocolate and peppermint bark that melts in your mouth.

Breaking through a crisp, shimmering layer of sweet indulgence right from your kitchen counter.

Sweet peppermint carries memories of holiday cheer and cozy moments shared with loved ones.

Chocolate and crushed candy canes create a magical combination that sparkles with festive joy.

Crafting this treat requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques anyone can master.

The rich dark chocolate blends perfectly with cool, refreshing mint flavors.

You’ll absolutely adore how quickly this elegant dessert comes together, promising smiles and delighted taste buds.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make something wonderfully delicious!

Why Peppermint Bark Is A Treat Everyone Loves

• Celebrate Festive Flavor Fusion: This peppermint bark delivers a delightful combination of dark and white chocolate with a refreshing peppermint kick that screams holiday cheer.
• Create Effortless Gourmet Dessert: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques, allowing even novice bakers to craft a professional-looking treat with zero stress.
• Enjoy Quick and Versatile Treat: From start to finish, this dessert takes less than an hour to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings, gift-giving, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Customize with Personal Touches: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting peppermint intensity, chocolate types, or adding extra toppings like crushed nuts or different sprinkles for a unique twist.

Simple Ingredients For Peppermint Bark

• Dark Chocolate: Rich base layer with deep cocoa flavor, choose high-quality chocolate for best results, semisweet or bittersweet varieties work well.
• White Chocolate: Smooth top layer providing creamy contrast, select good quality white chocolate with high cocoa butter content.

• Peppermint Extract: Adds refreshing mint essence, pure extract provides the best flavor intensity.

• Peppermint Candies: Crunchy festive garnish that adds color and peppermint crunch, candy canes or hard peppermint candies work perfectly.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean presentation, silicone baking mat can be a good alternative.

FAQs For Peppermint Bark Fans

• What makes peppermint bark so special during the holiday season?

Peppermint bark is a festive treat that combines the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate with the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint. It’s a beloved holiday classic that brings instant joy and nostalgia to people of all ages.

• Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for dark and white chocolate, you can experiment with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. Just ensure you use high-quality chocolate that melts smoothly for the best results.

• Is peppermint extract necessary for the recipe?

Peppermint extract is optional but highly recommended. It intensifies the mint flavor and gives the bark a more pronounced peppermint taste. If you don’t have extract, you can skip it, but the flavor will be more subtle.

• How do I crush peppermint candies without making a mess?

Place unwrapped peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently crush them. This method contains the fragments and gives you control over the size of the pieces.

How To Make Peppermint Bark In Minutes

Step 1: Prep the Workspace

Line a 9×13‑inch baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure the surface is completely covered and smooth.

Step 2: Melt and Chill the Dark Chocolate

Melt the dark chocolate in 20‑second microwave bursts or over a double boiler, stirring between intervals to prevent overheating. Stir in peppermint extract, then spread the chocolate in an even layer on your prepared sheet. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

Using the same method, melt the white chocolate and blend in more peppermint extract. Keep it warm and smooth for layering.

Step 4: Layer and Decorate

Pour the white chocolate over the chilled dark layer and gently spread until smooth. Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top and press lightly so they stick.

Step 5: Final Chill

Return the tray to the fridge and let the bark harden completely, 30 to 45 minutes, until solid and crisp.

Step 6: Break into Pieces

Remove the bark from the fridge and crack it into irregular, rustic chunks using your hands or a knife.

Step 7: Store and Enjoy

Place the pieces in an airtight container and keep at room temperature or in the fridge. The bark stays fresh for up to two weeks, perfect for gifting or snacking.

Tips To Get Peppermint Bark Just Right

• Prep Like a Pro: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy chocolate removal and zero mess.
• Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Use short microwave intervals or a double boiler, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve a glossy texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add peppermint extract to both chocolate layers for an intense, refreshing mint taste that elevates the traditional bark.
• Candy Crush Technique: Gently press crushed peppermint candies into the wet white chocolate layer to ensure they stick and create a beautiful, festive finish.
• Storage Secret: Keep your peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain its crisp texture and prevent chocolate bloom.

How To Store Peppermint Bark Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store peppermint bark in an airtight container, layering pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep at room temperature for soft texture or refrigerate for firmer consistency.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for extended enjoyment. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Prevent Moisture: Ensure the bark is completely cool before storing to avoid condensation. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain crisp texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Serving Tip: Remove from storage 10-15 minutes before serving to allow chocolate to soften slightly, enhancing its rich flavor and smooth texture.

What Goes Well With Peppermint Bark

• Pair With Festive Hot Chocolate: Sip a rich, creamy hot chocolate alongside the peppermint bark for a classic winter treat that amplifies the candy's cool minty flavor and creates a cozy, indulgent experience.
• Complement With Espresso: Enjoy a strong, bold espresso that cuts through the sweetness of the bark, providing a robust contrast and enhancing the chocolate's deep notes while cleansing the palate.
• Match With Peppermint Tea: Brew a warm cup of peppermint tea to echo the bark's minty essence, creating a harmonious and refreshing combination that intensifies the peppermint flavor profile.
• Serve With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Crumble the bark over a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, adding a delightful crunch and festive peppermint twist to the smooth, cold dessert.

Ways To Make Peppermint Bark A Little Different

• Chocolate Chip Candy Cane Crunch: Swap peppermint candies with chocolate chips and crushed candy canes for a festive holiday variation.
• Nutty Peppermint Sensation: Add chopped almonds or pecans between chocolate layers for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Dark and White Marble Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling dark and white chocolate together before adding peppermint pieces.
• Sea Salt Chocolate Bark: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the white chocolate layer for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast.

Peppermint Bark Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Festive holiday “Peppermint Bark” brings delightful chocolate and candy cane magic to seasonal celebrations. Crisp mint layers and smooth chocolate create a simple yet irresistible treat you can easily craft at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Chocolate Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 200 grams (7 ounces) white chocolate, chopped

Flavoring and Extract:

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)

Topping:

• ½ cup (75 grams) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for chocolate layering.
2. Craft the dark chocolate foundation by gently melting chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring carefully to prevent scorching. Infuse with a hint of peppermint extract for enhanced flavor.
3. Carefully spread the melted dark chocolate across the prepared surface, creating an even, glossy layer that will serve as the bark’s base.
4. Allow the dark chocolate layer to solidify in the refrigerator, giving it time to set and create a sturdy foundation for the white chocolate topping.
5. Repeat the melting process with white chocolate, maintaining a smooth, velvety consistency and incorporating the remaining peppermint extract.
6. Delicately pour the white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a seamless surface.
7. While the white chocolate remains soft, generously scatter crushed peppermint candies across the top, gently pressing them to ensure they adhere to the chocolate.
8. Return the bark to the refrigerator, allowing it to completely harden and the layers to unite into a cohesive confection.
9. Once fully set, lift the parchment paper and break the bark into rustic, irregular pieces, creating an artisanal appearance.
10. Transfer the peppermint bark to an airtight container, preserving its crisp texture and festive flavor for up to two weeks at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Avoid overheating chocolate by using gentle, low-heat melting techniques to prevent seizing or burning, which can ruin the smooth texture.
• Work quickly when spreading chocolate layers to ensure even coverage and prevent premature setting.
• Crush peppermint candies finely for a more uniform topping that distributes flavor evenly across the bark.
• For a dietary twist, use dairy-free chocolate alternatives and sugar-free peppermint candies to create vegan or low-sugar versions of this festive treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg