October 12, 2023
Review RecipePeppermint Bark
Table of Contents
This peppermint bark is a quick holiday treat that is so simple and delicious. Our decadent peppermint bark recipe combines white chocolate, semi-sweet milk chocolate, and candy cane bits layered into an almost-famous, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Peppermint Bark Candy Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of mini candy canes, crushed
- 2 (12-ounce) bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 (12-ounce) bags of white chocolate chips
- ½ tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Substitutions And Additions
CHOCOLATE: You could also use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips if that’s your preference. I crave all the dark chocolate, but not everyone feels the same as I do.
PEPPERMINT EXTRACT: Peppermint oil will work in a pinch if you don’t have peppermint extract on hand.
COCONUT OIL: You could use vegetable oil instead.
How To Make Peppermint Bark
STEP ONE: Place mini candy canes in a Ziploc freezer bag and seal it shut.
Crush the candy with a rolling pin until you have varying sizes of crushed candy canes to sprinkle on the top of your bark. Set aside.
STEP TWO: Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
STEP THREE: Place semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass bowl and heat for 30 seconds.
Stir chocolate and microwave in 15-second intervals until completely melted, stirring in between each increment.
PRO TIP:
When you are melting the chocolate in the microwave, be sure to do it in short bursts so you can check on the chocolate. You don’t want to burn it!
STEP FOUR: Once the chocolate has melted, pour melted chocolate over the top of the prepared cookie sheet for the bottom layer.
Place the chocolate in the refrigerator while preparing the white chocolate mixture.
STEP FIVE: Place your white chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peppermint extract in a microwave-safe glass bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir the chocolate mixture and microwave in 15-second intervals until completely melted, stirring in between each session.
STEP SIX: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the semi-sweet chocolate mixture and immediately sprinkle the crushed mini candy canes over the top of the white chocolate layer.
Press crushed peppermint candy into the white chocolate mixture and then refrigerate for about 1 hour until fully set.
PRO TIP:
Make sure to give the bark enough time to harden. If it doesn’t set, it won’t break cleanly.
STEP SEVEN: Remove from the refrigerator and break into pieces.
PRO TIP:
When it is removed from the refrigerator, the bark will be quite hard to break.
You’ll want to make sure you allow your peppermint bark to come to room temperature before trying to break it into pieces.
How To Serve Homemade Peppermint Bark
This sweet treat would be a great gift during the holiday season. Add pieces of peppermint bark to cellophane bags and tie them with a pretty bow before delivering them to friends and neighbors.
For another homemade gift to add to the package, try our hot chocolate on a stick recipe.
Looking for more yummy recipe ideas? Head to the kitchen and make this Oreo peppermint bark or rocky road fudge, too.
MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES
How To Store Peppermint Chocolate Bark
IN THE FRIDGE: Peppermint bark will definitely keep longer if you pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Be sure to wrap it well to keep moisture out to preserve it for the longest amount of time possible. You’ll be able to keep it for 2 to 3 weeks that way.
IN THE FREEZER: If you want to freeze the peppermint bark, you’ll want to make sure to wrap it well.
You may want to start with waxed paper and then some plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then into an airtight container or large resealable plastic bag.
It should keep for several months in the freezer.
Peppermint Bark For The Holidays
There is something magical about the chocolate and peppermint flavoring in this delish treat — you’ll think it’s the best! I hope you will enjoy this simple homemade peppermint bark with your loved ones this holiday season.
Peppermint Bark Recipe FAQ
These delicious treats will keep well sealed in an airtight container for up to three months.
This bark has plenty of possibilities. While this traditional version is peppermint flavored, there are plenty of other candy cane flavors you could try out.
Peppermint bark can be stored on the counter, but it will last longer if you keep it in the fridge.
Peppermint bark will last at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.
You can avoid having your peppermint bark separate by not rushing the chilling process.
The longer you allow the peppermint bark to set, the less likely it will be for the layers to separate. Also, make sure to bring the chocolate to room temperature before breaking it.
You don’t need to temper your chocolate to make peppermint bark, but it will benefit from it.
Tempered chocolate will give a glossy, uniform appearance, while untempered chocolate could develop a dull appearance.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Gingerbread Cookies
- Eggnog Fudge
- Gingerbread Fudge
- Christmas Pinwheels
- Oreo Fudge
- Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Candy Cane Dessert
- Candy Cane Cookies
- Layered Peppermint Fudge
- Homemade Eggnog
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- Coconut Chocolate Balls
- Coconut Cookies
- Peppermint Cheesecakes
- Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Peppermint Bark Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mini candy canes, crushed
- 24 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips (two 12-ounce bags)
- 24 ounces white chocolate chips (two 12-ounce bags)
- ½ tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Instructions
- Place mini candy canes in a ziplock freezer bag and seal it shut. Crush candy until you have varying sizes of crushed candy canes to sprinkle on the top of your bark. Set aside.
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Place semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir chocolate and microwave in 15-second intervals until completely melted, stirring in between each session.
- Once the chocolate has melted, pour over the top of the parchment paper. Place the chocolate in the refrigerator while preparing the white chocolate mixture.
- Place your white chocolate chips, coconut oil, and peppermint extract in a microwave-safe glass bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir chocolate mixture and microwave in 15-second intervals until completely melted, stirring in between each session.
- Pour the white chocolate mixture over the semi-sweet chocolate mixture and immediately sprinkle the crushed mini candy canes over the top of the white chocolate. Press crushed candy canes into the white chocolate mixture and then refrigerate until fully set about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator and break into pieces.
Video
Notes
- When you are melting the chocolate in the microwave, be sure to do it in short bursts so you can check on the chocolate. You don’t want to burn it!
- Make sure to give the bark enough time to harden. If it doesn’t set, it won’t break cleanly.
- When it is removed from the refrigerator, the bark will be quite hard to break. You’ll want to make sure you allow your peppermint bark to come to room temperature before trying to break it into pieces.
Comments
Toni Thomason says
You do not want to miss out on these!! I cannot keep this on hand. It is always a household favorite!
Sandy says
What can you use in the peppermint bark recipe instead of the coconut oil?
Layne Kangas says
You could use vegetable oil instead.
Beth Henry says
Easy and delicious!!
Maria says
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Layne Kangas says
I would suggest grabbing some so you can enjoy the delicious flavor of this bark!
Katie says
How long will these keep in the fridge?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Katie – you’ll be able to keep it for 2-3 weeks. Enjoy!! ๐
Teresa says
Love this bark. I would change it up by using all dark chocolate as my base.
Mona says
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi sweet?
Layne Kangas says
Yes! Dark chocolate is my personal favorite! Enjoy ๐
Gloria says
This is the perfect treat for the holidays!
Linda G. says
Can I use chocolate bark i stead of morsels. I like the way the melt better.
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Linda – we haven’t tested it that way, but I would assume it would work ok. Enjoy!
Veronica says
Can u use shortening instead of coconut oil?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Veronica – we haven’t tested it with shortening but vegetable oil would work for sure, we’ve tested that. Enjoy!
Ellie K says
Would I pair this with a hot chocolate on a stick? Absolutely!