Peppermint Bark
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Homemade Peppermint Bark is an easy delicious no-bake sweet treat that is perfect for gifting. Decadent layers of rich dark and white chocolate with a touch of peppermint and topped with crushed candy canes. A classic favorite recipe for Christmas, Valentine’s Day or any day.
Chocolate and peppermint is a classic flavor combo. During the holidays you’ll also find us making Peppermint Surprise Crinkle Cookies, Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Cake, Peppermint Oreo Fudge Brownies, and Christmas Tree Peppermint Bark.
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{this recipe was originally shared in February 2009 and has been updated in 2016}
Table of Contents
Peppermint Bark
Don’t you just love super easy recipes? This chocolate peppermint bark is so simple, you can hardly call it a recipe.
I’ve made this peppermint bark treat at Christmas time, but it also makes a wonderful treat for Valentine’s Day as well!! It’s SO simple to make it’s always a huge hit with family and friends. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy here.
How to Make Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark it the perfect last-minute treat because it’s so quick and simple!
You just chop and melt semi-sweet chocolate, spread it in a pan and set aside. Then chop and melt white chocolate and carefully spread over the semi-sweet chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and you’re done!
The secret here is to use good quality chocolates like Lindt, Ghirardelli, Guittard or Bakers. The better the chocolate the richer the flavors will be, so if you can let yourself splurge a little when it comes to this recipe. You won’t regret it!
*some people have had a problem with the layers separating, to avoid this you could slightly swirl the white layer into the chocolate layer using a butter knife, then top with crushed candy canes.
How to Melt Chocolate
How do you melt chocolate? You have a couple options for this, microwave or stovetop. Also, make sure the chocolate is chopped into uniform pieces to ensure even melting. Never try to melt large bars or blocks of chocolate that have not been chopped.
Melting Chocolate in Microwave: Place the pieces in a large heatproof bowl and microwave on low in increments of 30 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir between each increment. When melting a lot of chocolate you’ll want to be sure to stir well at each stop so the ones on the bottom get melted, not burnt. Chocolate will seize up (get clumpy and turn into a hard paste) if you overheat it.
Melting Chocolate on Stovetop: You will need a double boiler when melting chocolate on the stovetop. Place a glass bowl at least an inch above a pot of simmering water so that the steam melts the chocolate. Stir frequently and make sure none of the water below or the condensation from the steam reaches the chocolate.
All Of Your Peppermint Bark Questions Answered
What is Peppermint Bark? It’s a delicious holiday treat made of two types of chocolate with peppermint candy pieces, such as candy canes. It is especially popular around during the Christmas season.
Williams-Sonoma is famous for theirs. And for good reason, it’s delicious, but peppermint bark is so easy to make that once you do, you’ll never want to pay for it again.
When do you add the peppermint flavoring? Food-grade Peppermint oil can be added directly to melted chocolate. Peppermint extract, on the other hand, will take an extra step, because melted chocolate doesn’t mix readily with tiny amounts of liquids. So, don’t add peppermint extract or any other liquid to the melted chocolate, as this may cause the chocolate to suddenly harden. (A few drops of peppermint oil, on the other hand, can be added.)
If you want to use peppermint extract, you will want to melt a little shortening in the microwave (this should only take a few seconds for a teaspoon). Add peppermint extract to melted shortening and stir well, then stir into melted chocolate.
How long will peppermint bark keep? The bark should keep in an airtight container in a cool or room temperature dark place for several months. Keep it out of temperature changes and direct sunlight.
Can you freeze peppermint bark? Yes! Start by wrapping it in waxed paper, then a tight layer of plastic wrap and then into an airtight container.
You want to keep out as much moisture as possible. It should keep several months in the freezer this way. When ready to defrost, leave it in the wrapping until it is room temperature to help cut down on the condensation.
Secrets for Perfect Peppermint Bark
Don’t forget the peppermint flavoring: YES!! The peppermint flavoring is a key ingredient, just as is the chocolate. You can use either peppermint oil or peppermint extract.
Just note, peppermint oil (food-grade) is concentrated, and you will need much less than peppermint extract. In the case of this recipe, you would probably only need 1/8 teaspoon or less of peppermint oil, whereas you will need 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Grab your rubber spatula: Do not use a wooden spoon to stir chocolate; it retains odor and moisture which will ruin the chocolate. For best results, use a rubber spatula.
Let the bark set: Allow peppermint bark to harden completely at room temperature before cutting/breaking into pieces. Depending on the temperature in your house, this will take a few hours.
If you’re in a hurry you can chill in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes or until set. Just don’t leave it in the refrigerator too long uncovered or it will become too cold and will sweat or even crack when brought into room temperature.
Give the Gift of Peppermint Bark
Peppermint Bark makes a cute gift when packaged. I put mine in cellophane bags, with a ribbon tied around it. You could also put them in a cute tin, box or even an antique cup & saucer.
If you really want to make an extra cute gift this season, use tree-shaped cookie cutters for Christmas Tree Peppermint Bark. Then in no time, you’ll have an indulgent luxurious looking treat that’s great for gifting!
click over to see my video on how to make Christmas Tree Peppermint Bark
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TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS PEPPERMINT BARK
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Silicone Spatula: It ideal for stirring and spreading the chocolate.
Aluminum Half Sheet Pan: I love my half sheet pans so much I have four of them! I use them for everything, they are a great size and have held up wonderfully for years.
Wax Paper: This is used so the candy doesn’t stick to your pan.
Peppermint Oil or Peppermint Extract: You need peppermint oil or extract to flavor the chocolate. The steps are a little different depending on which you use, so be sure to read the directions closely.
Guittard, 70% Bittersweet Cocoa Baking Bars and Ghirardelli Premium Baking Chips : The better the quality of chocolate you use the better your peppermint bark will be! Use the best quality you can afford.
Candy Canes: I find the mini candy canes to be the easiest to work with when you need crushed pieces.
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Peppermint Bark
Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Bark is easy, delicious and makes a great holiday gift. Perfect for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or any day of the year.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of white chocolate, chopped
- 1 pound of bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 box of peppermint candy canes (11-12oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract* (divided)
- 1 teaspoon shortening (divided)
Instructions
- Break up peppermint candy canes in a plastic bag, setting aside 1/4 of the pieces.
- Line a sheet pan with wax paper and set aside.
- Melt the bittersweet chocolate in microwave or on stovetop using a double boiler until all pieces are smooth.
- Once chocolate is melted, place 1/2 teaspoon of shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for a few seconds until melted. Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and stir well. Then add peppermint shortening to melted chocolate and stir well.
- Pour onto the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly. Set aside (do not refrigerate) while you follow the same steps for melting the white chocolate, and prepare peppermint shortening with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of shortening and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Add peppermint shortening into melted white chocolate, stir then and 3/4 of the crushed peppermint pieces.
- Spread the white chocolate gently over the dark chocolate layer using a spatula and spread to the edge of the pan.
- Immediately sprinkle the top with the remaining peppermint pieces.
- Allow peppermint bark to harden completely at room temperature before cutting/breaking into pieces. This will take several hours at room temperature. If you're in a hurry, you can place the pan of bark in the refrigerator for no longer than 20 minutes to harden. Once set, break bark apart into bite size pieces and serve or package into gifts.
Notes
- *you can use about 1/8 teaspoon (divided) peppermint oil, instead of extract. (oil is concentrated so you will need much less). Just place a drop of peppermint oil into each chocolate as soon as chocolate is melted. If you use oil, you can skip the step with the shortening, because oil can be added directly to melted chocolate.
- Bark will keep in airtight container room temperature or in refrigerator for a few months.Keep out of direct sun or temperature changes.
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Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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Yum. I wonder if I could try this recipe with cinnamon candies and cinnamon flavoring? Or maybe leave out the flavoring – it may be a bit too much. Thoughts?
yum to the peppermint bark. Love that stuff.
That recipe looks yummy!!
I love peppermint bark! What a great idea for Valentine’s Day!
tj I bet that would work – use cinnamon oil/flavoring instead of the peppermint! If you try it, let me know how it turns out!!
~Tidymom
This looks stunning. I can’t wait to make it.
I used this recipe and left my bark to harden overnight. When I went to break it, the bottom layer of chocolate and the top layer of chocolate were separating. Where did I go wrong??
oh I’m sorry! I have not had that happen. where did you leave it to harden overnight? on the counter? fridge? freezer? it’s best to leave it on the counter (unless your home is really warm)
did your bottom chocolate layer set completely before you added the white peppermint layer? You don’t want the first layer to set hard before adding the top layer.
good quality chocolate can make a difference
I’ve also read that You need to make sure your white chocolate has chocolate in it and NOT palm or coconut oil or any other type of oil.
I’m so confused, forgive me! I had the exact same thing happen today, as I’m making the bark tomorrow for an event with 100-people. Your recipe itself says to NOT let the first layer set. Then, in the blog post it says to chill the first layer. I have tons of bark that has separated (using Ghirardelli White and Bittersweet … HELP!
I’ve never had a problem with the layers separating. I’ve let the first layer chill while I make the white layer, but most often I just leave it on the counter while I make the second layer. I will update the body of the post to suggest not chilling between layers, as that could be the culprit sometimes. Another option would be to slightly swirl the layers after pouring the second (white) layer.
To clarify, I did exactly as the recipe itself specified. I did *not* chill the layers. I made a batch a few days ago as written: left on the counter to set overnight, and it separated with Guittard + Toll House. Thought the chocolate may be the culprit. Yesterday, bought Ghirardelli for both, and let it set for nearly six hours: separated.
gosh I’m so sorry – I’m just stumped as to why that happens for some people — I’ve never had it happen
I have just finished making this and there is no way to spread the white chocolate with peppermint over the chocolate layer without mixing some of the chocolate in with the white.
the chocolate layer should be set up some by the time you add the white layer. If it’s cool enough in your house you can just set the pan aside to set up while you get the white layer ready. Or you can put the pan of chocolate in the freezer for a few minutes to set up while you get the white layer ready. – I have done it both ways successfully
Tidymom I was understanding that, if you did let the chocolate layer set up, then the white chocolate would separate from the dark chocolate. So mine turned out kind of mixed white and dark but it is great tasting so who cares.
yeah, it seems like some were having problems with it separating. I’ve never had that problem before, so it’s hard to say exactly why that happens, but I agree with you – even mixed it’s still delicious!! Glad you enjoyed it!!