Jolly Peppermint Bark Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat!

Chocolate lovers can’t resist the festive magic of homemade peppermint bark that combines rich chocolate with a refreshing minty crunch.

This seasonal treat captures the essence of winter celebrations with its delicate layers of dark and white chocolate.

Crisp peppermint candies create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

The simple recipe requires just a few ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and cool mint flavor.

With just 15 minutes of preparation, you can create a stunning dessert that looks like it came from an expensive candy shop.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next holiday gathering with this irresistible confection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 16

Peppermint Bark Ingredient Essentials

• Dark Chocolate: Rich foundational layer that provides deep, intense flavor and creates a luxurious chocolate backdrop for the bark.
• Peppermint Extract: Enhances chocolate's depth with cool, refreshing minty notes and elevates the overall sensory experience.

• White Chocolate: Creates a creamy, sweet contrast to the dark chocolate and serves as a smooth canvas for decorative elements.

• Peppermint Candies: Adds delightful crunch, festive visual appeal, and bursts of sharp peppermint flavor that complement the chocolate layers.
• Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during chocolate setting process.

Tools That Help Spread and Chill Peppermint Bark

• Baking sheet: Used for creating and spreading chocolate layers.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes removal easy.
• Microwave or double boiler: Essential for melting chocolate smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading and evening out chocolate layers.
• Mixing bowl: Helpful for melting and stirring chocolate.
• Measuring spoon: Precise for adding peppermint extract.
• Cutting board or kitchen surface: Great for crushing peppermint candies.

Make Classic Peppermint Bark with Crunchy Bits

• Prep Your Workspace

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy candy creation.

• Create Dark Chocolate Base

Carefully melt dark chocolate in short microwave bursts or using a double boiler. Spread smoothly across the lined sheet and chill until firm.

• Layer White Chocolate

Gently melt white chocolate and pour over the dark chocolate layer. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the surface, pressing lightly to ensure they stick.

• Chill and Set

Refrigerate the bark until completely hardened, which takes about 30-45 minutes.

• Break and Enjoy

Remove the bark from the parchment and crack into delightful irregular pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for future sweet moments.

Tips to Layer Chocolate and Peppermint Just Right

• Use high-quality chocolate chips or chopping chocolate bars ensures smoother melting and better flavor.
• Adjust peppermint extract according to personal taste preference – start with less and add gradually.
• Experiment with different candy crush sizes or mix crushed candy canes with sprinkles for added texture and visual appeal.
• Replace dark and white chocolate with dairy-free chocolate options for vegan versions, or use sugar-free chocolate for low-sugar diets.
• Wrap individual bark pieces in wax paper before storing to prevent sticking and maintain crisp texture.

Serve Peppermint Bark as Holiday Treats

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap bark pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade present that delights friends and family.
• Dessert Companion: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or as a delightful after-dinner treat that adds a refreshing minty crunch to your sweet moment.
• Festive Platter Presentation: Arrange broken bark pieces on a decorative holiday plate, creating an eye-catching display that showcases the chocolate's elegant layers and peppermint sprinkles.
• Winter Party Nibble: Include as a delectable addition to cookie trays or dessert buffets, offering guests a sophisticated and seasonal chocolate treat that everyone will love.

Store Peppermint Bark in Cool, Dry Places

• Keep your peppermint bark delightful and fresh with these smart strategies.
• Refrigerate the bark in a sealed container to maintain its crisp texture and prevent melting. Ideal temperature range sits between 32-40°F for optimal quality.
• Room temperature storage works wonderfully for short-term enjoyment. Select an airtight container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent chocolate separation.
• Separate bark pieces with parchment paper or wax paper when stacking to prevent sticking. This technique keeps each delicate piece looking pristine and prevents unexpected chocolate merging.
• Create your bark up to one week before serving. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a sealed container to lock in freshness and protect against moisture and potential flavor absorption from surrounding foods.

FAQs

• How do I prevent chocolate from seizing or burning when melting?

Always use low heat and stir frequently. For microwave method, use 20-second intervals and stir between each interval. If using a double boiler, ensure water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl and keep heat low and gentle.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate. Just ensure the chocolate is high-quality and melts smoothly. The key is using chocolate that has good melting properties.

• What if I don't have peppermint extract?

No problem! You can skip the extract entirely, and the bark will still taste delicious. The crushed peppermint candies will provide plenty of peppermint flavor. Alternatively, you can use a small amount of mint flavoring from your baking supplies.

• How fine should I crush the peppermint candies?

Aim for a mix of fine and small chunks. Some pieces should be powdery, while others can be slightly larger. This creates a more interesting texture and ensures peppermint flavor is distributed evenly across the bark.

Delightful Peppermint Bark Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Homemade Peppermint Bark delights holiday guests with its festive chocolate layers and crushed candy cane topping. Crisp peppermint pieces and rich chocolate create a simple yet irresistible seasonal treat you’ll enjoy sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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• 200 g (7 oz) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 200 g (7 oz) white chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional)
• ½ cup (75 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, ensuring complete surface coverage for easy chocolate removal.
2. Dark Chocolate Base: Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring constantly to achieve a smooth, glossy consistency. Blend in peppermint extract, then spread evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
3. Initial Setting: Refrigerate the dark chocolate layer for 20 minutes until firm and stable, creating a solid foundation for the white chocolate topping.
4. White Chocolate Layer: Melt white chocolate with gentle heat, stirring continuously. Incorporate remaining peppermint extract and pour carefully over the chilled dark chocolate base.
5. Garnishing: Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies across the surface, pressing lightly to ensure they stick to the chocolate.
6. Final Chilling: Return the bark to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing it to solidify completely.
7. Serving: Break the chilled bark into irregular, rustic pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Notes

Prevent Chocolate Burning: Use low, steady heat when melting chocolate to avoid scorching, which can create a bitter taste and grainy texture.

Temperature Control: Allow melted chocolate to cool slightly before spreading to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.

Candy Crushing Technique: Place peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine pieces that distribute evenly.

Storage Smartness: Layer parchment paper between bark pieces when storing to prevent sticking and maintain the chocolate’s pristine appearance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg