Peppermint bark is the ultimate holiday treat, perfect for adding a festive touch to your celebrations. Featuring indulgent layers of creamy chocolate and crisp peppermint crunch, this easy peppermint bark recipe requires only a few simple ingredients. Ideal as a quick homemade gift or a crowd-pleasing dessert for holiday parties, it’s a must-have for your holiday recipe collection. Make this delicious peppermint bark your go-to sweet treat for Christmas and holiday gatherings!
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Bark
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in decorative tins, it’s a thoughtful homemade present.
- Customizable: You can tweak the layers, chocolate type, or toppings to match your preferences.
Key Ingredients You Need & Why
- Dark Chocolate: Provides a rich, slightly bitter base that balances the sweetness of the peppermint and white chocolate.
- White Chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and creates a striking visual contrast.
- Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: Crushed for a signature festive crunch and flavor.
- Peppermint Extract (optional): Enhances the peppermint flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: Helps the chocolate set with a glossy finish.
Best Chocolate to Use for Peppermint Bark
Choosing high-quality chocolate is essential for achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Dark Chocolate: Look for 60-70% cocoa content for a balanced flavor. Brands like Ghirardelli or Lindt work exceptionally well.
- White Chocolate: Use real white chocolate with cocoa butter as the primary ingredient. Avoid compound chocolate or candy melts as they often lack richness.
Tip : Chop the chocolate into even pieces for consistent melting.
Can I Change the Layers?
Absolutely! The beauty of peppermint bark lies in its versatility.
- Single Layer: Use only dark chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top for simplicity.
- Marbled Effect: Swirl dark and white chocolate together for a decorative pattern.
- Extra Layers: Add a middle layer of milk chocolate or caramel for added indulgence.
Remember: Adjust the ratios to ensure the layers don’t overpower each other.
Best Pan Size to Use?
- A 9×13-inch baking pan or half-sheet pan is ideal for evenly spreading the chocolate layers.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make it easier to lift the bark out of the pan once set.
Delightful Peppermint Bark Creations for the Holiday Season
The Ultimate Holiday Treat: Peppermint Bark
This holiday delight is peppermint bark known for its refreshing taste because its flavorful profile combines creamy white and dark chocolate. In their peppermint chocolate bark look and irresistible flavor have always placed it among Christmas popular treats. Peppermint bark, however they prefer it, whether eating by itself or as a mixed with other ingredients recipe forms one of the things worth trying holiday desserts due to simple preparation. For those looking to try the best peppermint bark, there are high-end brands like Ghirardelli and Williams Sonoma, but nothing compares to homemade with love, as seen in these recipes.
Creative Twists on Peppermint Bark
The peppermint bark cookies or Christmas peppermint bark fans have a whole world of ideas for playing around with this holiday classic. Sprinkle some crushed peppermint candy on top for an added crunch, or make chocolate bark using a mix of milk and dark chocolate. For something different, then no-bake peppermint bark cheesecake or brownies with peppermint bark is just the thing to add to your festive table. Want to accommodate gluten-free diets? Ghirardelli peppermint bark and many other peppermint bark candy options are gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this holiday favorite.
Peppermint Bark and More
But in addition to peppermint bark, there are countless holiday treats that will find inspiration in the flavors of Christmas. For instance, a peppermint fudge recipe, peppermint ice cream, or peppermint bark bites will be excellent additions to your dessert table. More nostalgic, however, is an old-fashioned peppermint bark recipe or even white peppermint bark recipe, bringing memories of Christmases long, long ago. To spice things up, make your peppermint bark infused with RumChata for an exciting twist. These should be paired with other holiday desserts such as snowball cookies or peanut butter balls in order to end the holidays right.
Tips for Making the Best Peppermint Bark
- Melt Chocolate Properly: Use a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals to avoid scorching. Stir frequently for a smooth texture.
- Layer Carefully: Allow the first layer to set slightly before adding the second layer to prevent mixing.
- Crush Peppermint Gently: Place candies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Avoid reducing them to powder for better texture.
- Store Correctly: Keep the peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Add Extract Sparingly: If using peppermint extract, use just a few drops as it’s very concentrated.
References
- For more information about chocolate selection, check out this guide from Ghirardelli.
- Learn more about the history of peppermint candies on Wikipedia.
- Baking tips and techniques inspired by King Arthur Baking.
Looking for more holiday recipes and tips? Comment below and Explore our website for festive baking ideas to make your holidays even sweeter. Happy baking!
Follow the recipe.
Peppermint Bark Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Heatproof bowls
- Spatula
- Microwave or double boiler
- Small rolling pin or mallet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped or chips
- 8 ounces white chocolate finely chopped or chips
- ½ cup peppermint candies or candy canes crushed
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract optional, for enhanced flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Melt the Dark Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate using a microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Once smooth, pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly using a spatula. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set slightly.
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate. If desired, stir in the peppermint extract for added flavor.
- Add the White Chocolate Layer:
- Gently pour the melted white chocolate over the set dark chocolate layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the Peppermint Candy:
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the white chocolate while it’s still warm. Press lightly to ensure they stick.
- Chill and Set:
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes or until the bark is completely set.
- Break into Pieces:
- Once hardened, remove the bark from the baking sheet and break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.
