Peppermint Bark

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up the best Peppermint Bark at home! With layers of creamy chocolate and white chocolate sprinkled with crushed candy canes, this festive treat is a holiday staple that everyone adores.

Creating peppermint bark is a breeze with only five basic ingredients. This easy recipe lets you whip up a traditional Christmas favorite consisting of three delectable layers of white and dark chocolates jazzed up with peppermint extract. The final touch? A sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top for that extra holiday cheer!

The best part? This homemade peppermint bark recipe is a fantastic and quick treat for the holiday season. You won’t have to wait long for your delightful treat to set. Give it an hour and a half in the fridge, and it’ll be all set for munching and sharing with friends and family. 

Why You’ll Love Peppermint Bark

• Easy to Make: This easy peppermint bark recipe is not only a classic holiday treat, but it is super simple to make. Requiring only five ingredients and a little time, you can put together this festive peppermint bark in what seems like no time. 
• Festive Flavors: Peppermint is a classic holiday flavor that instantly puts people in a festive mood. Combining white and dark chocolates with peppermint extract creates a delicious and seasonal taste that’s hard to resist.
• Great Gift: You can wrap peppermint bark in decorative cellophane bags or boxes to give as gifts during the holiday season. It’s a thoughtful and homemade present that your friends and family will appreciate.
• Versatile: Peppermint bark can be broken into pieces, crushed, and used as a topping for desserts or enjoyed on its own. Its versatility makes it a hit for various occasions, not just during the holidays.

Ingredients 

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• White chocolate 
• Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate 
• Coconut oil 
• Peppermint extract
• Candy canes 

How to Make Peppermint Bark

• Step One: Line the bottom and sides of a small baking sheet or an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper (or aluminum foil). Set aside.
• Step Two: Crush candy canes by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and hitting them gently with a rolling pin.
• Step Three: Place half of white chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut Oil in a small heatproof bowl. Place in microwave oven and melt in 20-second bursts, stirring after each increment until smooth. Don’t overheat; it should only take 3 or 4 bursts. When melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour melted white chocolate into the prepared baking pan and spread into a smooth layer. Place in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes until nearly set.

• Step Four: Place semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil in a small heatproof bowl. Place in microwave oven and melt in 20-second bursts, stirring after each increment until smooth. Don’t overheat; it should only take 3 or 4 bursts. When melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour over the white chocolate layer and smooth out quickly. Place in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes until nearly set.

• Step Five: Place the remaining white chocolate and 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil in a small heatproof bowl. Place in the microwave oven and melt in 20-second bursts, stirring after each increment, until smooth. Pour melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and smooth out quickly.
• Step Six: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top. Chill in the fridge for an hour.
• Step Seven: When set, remove from the pan and peel away the parchment paper. Cut or break into the desired size pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

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• Baking sheet or 8-inch square baking pan 
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil 
• Offset spatula
• Rolling pin 
• Small microwavable bowls 

What to Serve with Peppermint Bark

Serve this peppermint bark with your favorite holiday dishes. 

• Old-Fashioned Iced Oatmeal Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Cake
• Snowball Cookies
• Reindeer Chow
• Christmas Cake Mix Cookies

Variations and Substitutions 

• Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, or flavored chocolates like mint or orange. This will create unique flavor combinations for your Peppermint Bark. 
• Nut Additions: Add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and flavor. Sprinkle them on top of one of the chocolate layers before it sets. This is a fun way to amp up the crunch of your peppermint bark.
• Flavored Extracts: Explore alternative extracts like almond, orange, or raspberry to give your peppermint bark a distinctive twist in flavor. Adding in these extracts can totally elevate the flavor profile of your bark. 
• Coloring: To make your peppermint bark more colorful and festive, add a few drops of food coloring to the white chocolate layers. The red or green coloring is particularly fitting for holiday themes.
• Mix-and-Match Layers: Get creative by combining different types of chocolates or flavors in the layers. For instance, layer milk chocolate, white chocolate with almond extract, and dark chocolate to create a diverse taste experience.

Storage Instructions

There are several ways to store this classic peppermint bark. It can be sealed in an airtight container and stored on the counter for a few days at room temperature. If you want to extend the life of your peppermint bark, place it in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

Can I Freeze?

 Freezing chocolate bark is generally not recommended as it can cause the candy cane pieces to become sticky when thawed. This occurs due to moisture in the candy cane, which can crystallize during freezing and result in an undesirable texture. It’s best to store chocolate bark in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and quality.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• High-Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for the best results. The taste of your peppermint bark greatly depends on the quality of the chocolate you use.
• Microwave Care: Be cautious when melting chocolate in the microwave. Use short bursts of heat and stir well between each increment to prevent overheating and ensure a smooth texture.
• Pre-Chilling the Pan: Place your lined baking pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate layers. This will help the layers set more quickly.
• Quick Topping: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes immediately after adding the top white chocolate layer. The chocolate sets fast, so work quickly to ensure the candy cane pieces adhere well.
• Cutting Technique: For clean and neat cuts, use a sharp knife or a bench scraper. Dip it in hot water to help make slicing through the chilled bark easier.

Why Is It Called Peppermint Bark?

Peppermint bark gets its name because it’s a sweet treat made of layers of minty chocolate, usually with crushed peppermint candy canes on top. The “bark” part is because it looks a bit like tree bark, with its rough, broken appearance. It’s a fun and festive holiday treat with a cool and minty taste.

Can I Change the Layers?

Yes, you can change the layers in your peppermint bark to suit your preferences. Instead of the traditional white and dark chocolate layers, you can experiment with various types of chocolate flavors or even add different ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, or cookies to create a personalized and unique twist on this classic treat. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

How to Keep Peppermint Bark from Separating?

• Properly Melt Chocolate: When melting the chocolate, use gentle heat and stir it thoroughly to ensure a smooth, uniform texture. Overheating or not stirring enough can cause separation.
• Tempering: Consider tempering the chocolate to stabilize it. This involves melting and cooling the chocolate in a controlled manner, which helps prevent separation and gives a glossy finish.
• Avoid Overheating: Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate during the melting process. Use short bursts in the microwave or low heat on the stove, stirring well in between.
• Allow Cooling Time: Let the chocolate layers cool and set adequately between each layer. This helps in binding the layers together.
• Chill in the Fridge: Place the bark in the refrigerator to ensure the layers are correctly set. This prevents any premature separation.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality chocolate and ingredients are less likely to separate compared to low-quality alternatives.

Christmas Candy Recipes

• Microwave Peanut Brittle
• Frito Candy
• Peppermint Crockpot Candy
• Caramel Nut Brittle
• Crockpot Candied Nuts

FAQ

Bark Recipes

• Rainbow Bark
• Easter Bark
• Buddy the Elf Christmas Crack

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