Peppermint Bark Recipe (2024)

This recipe for classic peppermint bark is layers of white and dark chocolate topped with crushed candy canes. A holiday favorite that’s quick to make and perfect for parties and gift giving.

When the holidays roll around I make all kinds of minty desserts including peppermint patties, peppermint brownies and this super easy peppermint bark.

Peppermint Bark Recipe (1)

Sometimes you just need a quick and easy treat for the holidays, and this classic peppermint bark is my go-to recipe. Peppermint bark only has a handful of ingredients, doesn’t require any baking and the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. I make countless batches of peppermint bark every holiday season!

Peppermint bark ingredients

Peppermint Bark Recipe (2)

The ingredients in this recipe include semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract and candy canes.

How do you make peppermint bark?

The first step is to melt your semisweet chocolate. You can melt your chocolate in the microwave or use a double boiler on the stove. Spread the chocolate into a thin layer on a sheet pan, then put it in the fridge to set up. After that, you simply add a layer of white chocolate flavored with peppermint extract and your crushed candy. Chill the bark until it is completely set. Break or cut your peppermint bark into pieces and serve.

Peppermint Bark Recipe (3)

Tips for the perfect candy

  • You can use crushed candy canes or crushed peppermint candies, whichever you prefer.
  • I find that the easiest way to crush the candy is to place it in a resealable bag, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to break it into small pieces.
  • This recipe only has 4 ingredients which means quality really counts. Use the highest quality chocolate you can find, and look for white chocolate that contains real cocoa butter and not just palm oil. My favorite brand is Guittard.
  • Use an offset spatula to easily spread the chocolate into a thin even layer.
  • Don’t have peppermint extract? You can omit it or use peppermint oil. If you choose to omit it, your bark won’t be quite as minty tasting.
Peppermint Bark Recipe (4)

Recipe FAQs

How long does peppermint bark last?

his candy can be stored for up to 2 weeks at room temperature and up to 3 weeks in the fridge. I wouldn’t recommend freezing chocolate bark, because when it thaws the candy cane pieces will become sticky.

Why is it called peppermint bark?

Chocolate bark is referred to as “bark” in reference to a layer of bark on trees, which is what it sometimes resembles. A bark is a type of candy that is a thin layer of chocolate with other flavors layered on or sprinkled over the top.

How do you keep peppermint bark from separating?

The main reason that peppermint bark layers can separate is it you try to layer a white chocolate made with palm oil over a dark chocolate that’s made with cocoa butter. The palm oil can prevent the two layers from sticking together. Be sure to let the bark chill until it’s completely set. If you try to break it before the layers are totally firm and bonded together, it can come apart. The final tip is to let your finished bark come back to room temperature before you break it up. I find that cutting it with a knife produces the best results in terms of the layers staying together.

Peppermint Bark Recipe (5)

Peppermint bark variations

This is a basic recipe for this classic holiday treat, but you can absolutely customize it to your liking. I often make changes to the recipe, some of my favorite variations include

  • Sprinkle Bark: Reduce the amount of crushed candy canes by half and add a few handfuls of holiday sprinkles.
  • Milk Chocolate Bark: Substitute milk chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips.
  • Snow Bark: Use all white chocolate instead of semisweet.
  • Triple Layer Bark: Start with a layer of white chocolate, add a layer of semisweet chocolate, and finish with another layer of white chocolate and crushed candy canes.
  • M&M Bark: Add a handful of holiday M&M’s, either in the classic or mint flavor.

I like to package up my peppermint bark in pretty gift tins and give it away to friends, family and teachers around the holidays. Everyone loves this sweet treat!

More Christmas candy recipes

  • Crock Pot Candy
  • Rocky Road Fudge
  • 50 Irresistible Christmas Candy Recipes
  • Christmas Crack
  • Microwave Caramels

Peppermint Bark Video

This recipe for classic peppermint bark is layers of white and dark chocolate topped with crushed candy canes. A holiday favorite that’s quick to make and perfect for parties and gift giving.

Time

Prep Time10 minutes minutes

Cook Time5 minutes minutes

Chill Time30 minutes minutes

Total Time15 minutes minutes

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semi sweet chocolate
  • 16 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

  • Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl and microwave for 30 second increments until melted. Stir until smooth.

  • Spread the chocolate into a roughly 9″x 13″ rectangle on a piece of parchment paper. Place the chocolate in the fridge for 10 minutes to partially set. Do NOT go past 10 minutes in the fridge. The chocolate should be just set around the edges but still partially melted in the middle. If you let the semisweet layer harden completely, the white chocolate may not stick to it.

  • Place the white chocolate chips in a medium bowl and microwave for 30 second increments until melted. Add the peppermint extract and stir until smooth.

  • Spread the white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate layer. Top with candy canes. Let harden in the fridge for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate is completely set.

  • Remove from the fridge and let the bark sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Use a straight edge chef's knife to cut the bark into pieces by cutting straight down through the layers of the bark. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

  1. I find that the easiest way to crush the candy is to place it in a resealable bag, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to break it into small pieces.
  2. This recipe only has 4 ingredients which means quality really counts. Use the highest quality chocolate you can find, and look for white chocolate that contains real cocoa butter and not just palm oil. My favorite brand is Guittard.
  3. For best results, chill the bark completely to let the layers fuse together, then bring it back to room temperature for cutting. I find using a knife produces nicer results than breaking the bark apart with your hands.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Did you make this recipe?Tag @dinneratthezoo on Instagram and hashtag it #dinneratthezoo

Originally Posted November 28, 2022

CategoriesChristmas Dessert

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Peppermint Bark Recipe (12)
Peppermint Bark Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you get peppermint bark to stick together? ›

The trick for chocolate peppermint bark layers that stick together is to add the white chocolate layer before the semisweet layer is completely set.

What is peppermint bark made from? ›

What is peppermint bark made of? It's just three simple ingredients: white chocolate, peppermint oil, and peppermint candies! If you have extra candy canes lying around, crush 'em up and use those instead.

How long does store bought peppermint bark last? ›

A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year.

What can I use instead of parchment paper for peppermint bark? ›

Silicone Pad

Silicone baking pads, often referred to by the brand name Silpat, are a great replacement for parchment paper. Just drop one onto your baking sheet, and whatever you cook or bake on it will come right off. There's no need to grease your pan, and there's very little to clean up afterward.

What is the best glue for candy canes? ›

A hot glue gun works best, but tacky glue can also be used. I choose to use the hot glue gun, with silver sparkle glue sticks.

What happens if my dog eats peppermint bark? ›

Can dogs eat peppermint candy? If your dog eats peppermint candy such a candy canes, peppermint bark, or peppermints, it might just cause an upset stomach. But it could also be life-threatening.

Why is peppermint bark so good? ›

The cooling, refreshing taste pairs perfectly in nearly every wintertime treat: cookies, co*cktails, and even cheesecake. Most of us can agree, however, that peppermint bark is the best minty dessert of all time. What's not to like? It's chocolatey, crisp, crunchy, and super festive.

Who made the original peppermint bark? ›

After 20 rounds of recipe testing, in 1998, Williams Sonoma founder Chuck Williams and the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen team developed the signature recipe for The Original Peppermint Bark that sparked a food trend that is celebrated by chocolate enthusiasts around the world during the holiday season.

How do you keep peppermint bark layers from separating? ›

If your bark chilled in the refrigerator for longer than 3–4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to slightly soften before breaking/slicing. (Or else the layers might separate.)

Where do you store peppermint bark? ›

Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break, or cut, the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Why is it called peppermint bark? ›

The name "bark" or "candy bark" doesn't exactly explain itself, does it? Barks like this peppermint bark are called that because of the way the chocolate candy breaks into craggy pieces that resemble the layers and borders of tree bark. Also, many barks are made with dark chocolates, so the color is similar, too.

Does peppermint bark need to be in the fridge? ›

Homemade peppermint bark will last for several weeks. You can store it in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge. If you store it in the fridge, I recommend letting it sit out for awhile before serving it (or else the chocolate gets a little bit hard!).

Does peppermint bark liqueur need to be refrigerated? ›

(2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. No refrigeration necessary.

Can peppermint extract go bad? ›

Store your bottle of peppermint extract covered tightly in a cupboard or pantry shelf away from light. Peppermint extract should last about 3 to 4 years.

Why is my chocolate bark separating? ›

Other tips for preventing peppermint bark from separating

If you use a type of white chocolate made with palm kernel or coconut oil, the dark and white chocolate layers will separate from each other because the oil won't allow it to bond to the dark chocolate layer.

How do you crush peppermints easily? ›

Look to this quick, mess-free tip for crushing peppermint candies. Coarsely crush the peppermint candies in a resealable plastic bag using the smooth side of a meat mallet. Since the candies are so hard, the heftiness of the mallet is the best thing for breaking them up quickly.

How do you keep crushed candy canes from sticking? ›

Humidity is the enemy of hard candy. It will turn it into hard, sticky, goo. I'd try sealing a few pieces in an air-tight container along with some dry rice (or better, silica gel packets) and see if that works better. Instead of powdered sugar, try dusting the candies with a tiny bit of cornstarch.

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