When it comes to holiday treats, peppermint bark is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a top chocolate gift and makes a fun recipe for home cooks and confectioners. The rich taste of quality baking chocolate and smooth notes of peppermint are enough to get anyone in a festive mood. If you love bright and creamy flavors, we’ll show you how to make peppermint bark in your kitchen.
What Is Peppermint Bark?
Before you start on your peppermint bark recipe, let’s find out what it is and why it’s in demand this time of year. Peppermint bark is a holiday-themed chocolate confection made with peppermint candy pieces or crushed candy canes. This colorful and festive recipe also features different types of chocolate to complete the recipe.
The first layer contains bittersweet or dark chocolate. The second layer features white chocolate. To complete the bark, you’ll need a quality peppermint extract. Now that you know more about what peppermint bark is, you can DIY it in your kitchen! It’s a fun activity for the entire family, including the kids. Let everyone join in on the recipe and eat their freshly made snack together. After you learn to make the bark, you can give it or serve it at holiday parties. It’s one of the best treats to showcase those magical winter flavors.
Ingredients for Making Peppermint Bark
- 12 oz. bittersweet or dark chocolate discs for baking (we like Sweet & Sassy; you can also use semisweet chocolate)
- 12 oz. chopped white chocolate pieces or discs for baking (we like using white plant-based oat milk chocolate like Choco Blanco)
- ½ tsp. of peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes
Steps to Make Peppermint Bark
Step 1: Make the Bittersweet/Dark Chocolate Layer
Line a pan with parchment paper, and then set the pan aside. Place your bittersweet or dark baking chocolate pieces in a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate discs in short pulses for 15-30 seconds at a time until melted. Take care not to scorch the chocolate. Stir the mixture until smooth.
Add the peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture, and then stir once again until it’s smooth and uniform. Now spread the chocolate onto your pan lined with parchment paper. Place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to chill.
Step 2: Make the White Chocolate Layer
While the bittersweet or dark chocolate chills, melt the white chocolate pieces using the same microwave method as the bittersweet or dark chocolate. When the white chocolate is melted and uniform, add the crushed candy canes. Stir to mix completely and evenly.
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Chocolate Layers
Remove the pan of bittersweet or dark chocolate from the fridge and place it on your kitchen counter or another flat surface. Now pour the white chocolate evenly over the layer of bittersweet or dark chocolate.
Once you create the two layers, you can sprinkle the remaining peppermint candy cane pieces over the white chocolate. Press the pieces into the white chocolate layer to ensure they stick, and then place the bark in the refrigerator to allow it to chill for an hour.
Step 4: Break in Pieces and Enjoy
When the chocolate layers are completely chilled, break them into smaller pieces to make the peppermint bark. Serve and enjoy!
Storing Peppermint Bark
Once you try your fresh peppermint bark, you’ll want to enjoy it for as long as possible. Keep it in the refrigerator except when you’re eating it or transporting it. Leave it in the fridge to preserve it. If it’s kept chilled, the treat should retain its shelf life for a few weeks. You can also put it in the freezer to enjoy it for a bit longer.
Make Your Own Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark combines delicious chocolate and energizing notes of peppermint for a festive holiday flavor. While it’s sure to taste like the best time of year, the red and white candy cane pieces will make the treat look as seasonal as it tastes. Once you make this treat for the first time, you’ll be amazed at just how simple and straightforward it is to make something so beautiful and indulgent. You can even make it into a gift! Wrap your peppermint bark in printed cellophane gift bags or a cute holiday tin. Everyone will be impressed by your skills in the kitchen.