Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Peppermint Chocolate Bark is a simple treat that’s full of crunchy, minty, and chocolatey goodness. It features smooth chocolate layered with crunchy bits of peppermint candy, creating a delicious mix…
Tip: save now, cook later.Peppermint Chocolate Bark is a simple treat that’s full of crunchy, minty, and chocolatey goodness. It features smooth chocolate layered with crunchy bits of peppermint candy, creating a delicious mix of flavors and textures that are perfect for the holidays or any time you want a little sweet and refreshing snack.
I love making this bark because it’s fast and easy to put together, but it always impresses everyone. One of my favorite things is how the peppermint candies add just the right amount of cooling sparkle that balances the rich chocolate perfectly. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it’s cooling!
I usually break the bark into little pieces and serve it in a pretty bowl next to hot cocoa or coffee. It’s great for sharing with friends or adding a festive touch to any party. If you want a quick dessert that feels special without a lot of fuss, this Peppermint Chocolate Bark is definitely the way to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: This chocolate forms the rich base layer. I prefer bittersweet for a deeper chocolate flavor. If you like it sweeter, semisweet works great. You can also use milk chocolate for an even milder taste.
White Chocolate: White chocolate adds sweetness and a lovely creamy color contrast. Use good quality chips or bars for smooth melting. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan white chocolate alternative.
Peppermint Candy Canes: Crushed peppermint candies bring that refreshing crunch. Regular candy canes or peppermint hard candies both work well. For less mess, finely crush them in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
How Do You Get Smooth, Even Chocolate Layers Without Mess?
Spreading the melted chocolate evenly is easier with these tips:
- Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate in thin, even layers.
- Cool the first chocolate layer in the fridge until just firm, but not hard. This helps the layers stay separate and looks neat.
- Pour the second layer of white chocolate gently over the first—don’t stir after spreading to keep layers distinct.
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint while the white chocolate is still soft so the pieces stick well.
Working quickly but carefully helps keep things neat and ensures a pretty bark with crisp layers and peppermint pieces on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – a flat surface perfect for spreading your chocolate thinly and evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – keeps the bark from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Microwave-safe bowls – easy for melting chocolate gently in short bursts.
- Offset spatula or spoon – helps you spread chocolate smoothly and evenly.
- Rolling pin or heavy pan (optional) – handy for crushing peppermint candies evenly inside a sealed bag.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peppermint for crushed ginger snaps or toffee bits for a warm, crunchy twist.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweet chocolate and peppermint.
- Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
- Try dark chocolate with a hint of orange zest for a festive citrus-chocolate combo.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 1 1/3 cups) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 8 oz (about 1 1/3 cups) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candy canes or peppermint candies
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and melt the chocolate. Then, you’ll need about 45 minutes for chilling the layers so everything sets up nicely before breaking it into pieces. So, roughly 1 hour total including prep and chill time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will keep your peppermint bark from sticking and make it easier to remove once set.
2. Melt and Spread Dark Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until smooth and completely melted. Pour the melted chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
3. Chill the Dark Chocolate Layer:
Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This helps the dark chocolate set just enough to hold the next layer without mixing.
4. Melt and Spread White Chocolate:
While your dark chocolate chills, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second bursts, stirring well after each, until smooth. Remove the baking sheet from the fridge, then pour and spread the melted white chocolate evenly over the firm dark chocolate layer.
5. Add Peppermint Topping:
Quickly sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the soft white chocolate layer while it’s still soft so the candies stick well.
6. Final Chill and Break Into Pieces:
Put the baking sheet back in the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes or until the bark is completely set and firm. When ready, break the bark into irregular pieces by hand or with a knife.
7. Serve or Store:
Store your peppermint chocolate bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Enjoy as a festive treat or share with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bark. Just be sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
How Should I Store Peppermint Chocolate Bark?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crisp for up to two weeks. If you prefer, you can also store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place for a few days.
Can I Use Pre-Crushed Peppermint Candies?
Yes, pre-crushed peppermint candies work great! Just sprinkle them evenly over the white chocolate while it’s still soft to ensure they stick well.
Is There a Way to Make This Nut-Free or Dairy-Free?
For a nut-free option, ensure all ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities. For dairy-free, use dairy-free or vegan chocolate alternatives and check that your peppermint candies are free of dairy ingredients.