When it comes to festive holiday treats, Peppermint Bark is a timeless favorite that’s both simple to make and absolutely delicious. This sweet, minty confection combines layers of rich chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, creating a crunchy, refreshing dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or just a seasonal snack. Let’s dive into how to make the best peppermint bark from scratch and a few variations you can try!
What is Peppermint Bark?
Peppermint Bark is a holiday candy made from layers of chocolate, usually dark or semisweet, topped with crushed peppermint candy canes or peppermint-flavored white chocolate. It’s known for its delicious combination of smooth chocolate and cool mint, making it a popular treat during the Christmas season.
Whether you’re making it as a holiday gift or simply adding it to your dessert table, peppermint bark is an easy-to-make dessert that brings festive cheer with every bite.Ingredients for Peppermint Bark
To make this classic Peppermint Bark recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:- 12 oz dark or semisweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)
- 6 large peppermint candy canes or about 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to help with melting the chocolate smoothly)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peppermint Bark
1. Prepare Your Pan and Crush the Candy Canes
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will make it easier to remove the bark later.- Place the candy canes in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin until you have small, uneven pieces. Set aside.
2. Melt the Dark Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark or semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.- Stir in ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil to create a smooth consistency. If you like, add the peppermint extract for extra flavor.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the lined baking sheet, using a spatula to smooth it out.
- Place the sheet in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
3. Melt the White Chocolate
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.- Stir in the remaining ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil for a glossy finish.
- Once the dark chocolate layer has set, pour the melted white chocolate over it, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Add Crushed Peppermint
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy evenly over the top of the white chocolate layer, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the chocolate as it cools.- Return the baking sheet to the fridge and let the bark chill for another 30 minutes, or until fully hardened.
5. Break and Serve
- Once the bark has set, remove it from the fridge. Gently lift the bark from the baking sheet and break it into pieces of various sizes.- Serve the peppermint bark on a festive plate, or package it in holiday gift bags to share with friends and family.
Variations of Peppermint Bark
One of the best things about Peppermint Bark is how easy it is to customize! Here are some fun variations you can try:- Milk Chocolate Version: Swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier taste.
- Triple Layer Bark: Add an extra layer of dark chocolate on top of the white chocolate for a triple-layered peppermint bark with more chocolatey goodness.
- Flavored Peppermint Bark: Experiment by adding a few drops of different flavored extracts like almond or vanilla to the melted chocolate for a unique twist.
- Peppermint Oreo Bark: Add crushed Oreo cookies to the layers of chocolate for a crunchy and decadent variation.
Tips for Making the Perfect Peppermint Bark
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better your peppermint bark will taste. Go for high-quality chocolate chips or baking bars for a rich, smooth texture.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Be careful when melting the chocolate, as overheating can cause it to seize up. Use short bursts in the microwave and stir often for the best results.
- Press the Peppermint Candy: After sprinkling the crushed peppermint, press it down slightly to make sure it sticks to the chocolate as it cools.
- Store in a Cool Place: To prevent the bark from softening or melting, store it in a cool, dry place. It will last for about 2 weeks in an airtight container
Perfect for Gifts or Parties
Peppermint Bark makes a great holiday gift because it’s easy to package and stays fresh for a long time. You can break it into bite-sized pieces and place them in decorative tins or holiday gift bags. It also works wonderfully as a treat to pass around at holiday parties, where its refreshing minty flavor offers a great contrast to heavier desserts.