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I am a bit of a chocolate addict. In fact, I have a whole category called, All Things Chocolate, here on my website devoted to chocolate. One of my favorite holiday treats to eat and make is peppermint bark.
What is Peppermint bark? Peppermint bark is a classic candy that is very popular here in the United States during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a dual-layered chocolate topped with crushed candy canes. It is often given as gifts to family, friends, and neighbors. You can buy the famous Ghiredelli kind, or just make it at home, it is incredibly easy to make with just 4 ingredients. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
In order to make homemade peppermint bark, you need these simple ingredients:
- Chocolate – You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate. Chocolate chips work great, or use the candy melts, chocolate bars, or the specific “bark” chocolate. Usually it will say Almond bark on the package.
- White chocolate – The top layer is always some sort of white chocolate. Again use chocolate chips, candy melts, or the white almond bark chocolate.
- Candy Canes – You can’t make peppermint bark without candy canes! I usually just use the small ones for this, but you can use any size. You just need to be able to break them up.
- Peppermint Extract – This is added to the white chocolate to amp up that mint flavor.
Tools
- Bowls
- Spoon
- Spatula, offset spatula works great
- Baking pan or sheet
- Parchment paper or a silicone mat
Step 2: How to make peppermint bark at home
Begin by melting the semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate which will be the bottom layer for the peppermint bark. There is also a candy coating called Almond Bark which of course works well too.
Place the chocolate chips, bars, candy melts in a bowl and melt in the microwave on bursts of 30 seconds and then stir, etc, until melted. Or use the double boiler method on the stovetop if you don’t want to use a microwave.
Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Smooth out the chocolate until it is pretty thin. Use a spatula or an offset cake spatula. The thicker it is the harder it will be to break apart later.
Place the pan of chocolate in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Take 20 to 22 mini candy canes, and place them in a bag, and then crush them up. I just slam the bag on the counter or use a meat tenderizer to break them.
Step 3: Melt, Pour, and Smooth that white chocolate
When there are about 2 to 3 minutes left on the time for the bottom layer of chocolate, melt the white chocolate using the same technique. Once melted add the peppermint extract and stir until well combined.
Remove the pan of chocolate from the fridge or the freezer and then pour the melted white chocolate on top. Smooth it out like you did the bottom layer.
Try and line it up so it matches the bottom as best as possible. Remember to keep the layer fairly thin.
Take the crushed-up candy canes and equally distribute them across the top of the white chocolate.
Place the pan back in the fridge for 45 minutes to an hour or in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 4: I love you peppermint bark, but it is time to break up
Once the peppermint bark has set, it is time to break it up. Depending on how thick it is, it may be a little difficult to break but just keep at it. I just tug at the corners until they break.
You can try using a chef knife or meat cleaver as well.
Once broken up, it is time to serve. Enjoy!
Peppermint bark makes a great gift for friends and neighbors. I like to go to the dollar store and get these holiday tins which are perfect for holding this candy.
How long does peppermint bark last?
Store the peppermint bark in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for a few weeks. If it is warm in your house you can store it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for a few months.
Here are some other recipes you may like:
Homemade Twix Bars
Hot Chocolate Bombs
Oreo Pops
Sugared Cranberries
Peanut Brittle
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Peppermint Bark
This homemade peppermint bark is so easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. This double-layered chocolate treat is a classic thing to make and eat during the Holidays. If I can do it, you can do it.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time0 minutes mins
Chilling Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate, Christmas, Holidays, sweet
Servings: 20 people
Calories: 261kcal
Author: Matt Taylor
Equipment
Bowls
spoon
Spatula, offset spatula works great
Baking pan or sheet
parchment paper or a silicone mat
Ingredients
- 3 cups chocolate chips candy melts, bark chocolate (semi-sweet, milk, or dark) doesn’t have to be exact
- 2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips bark chocolate, candy melts, doesn’t have to be exact
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract can use a little more if you like
- 20 to 22 mini candy canes crushed, doesn’t have to be exact
Instructions
Place the candy canes in a bag and smash/crush them.
Place the semi-sweet, dark, etc. chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave with bursts of 30 seconds, then stir, then 30 seconds, then stir, until melted. Or use the double-boiler method on the stovetop.
Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Pour the melted chocolate in the middle, then spread it out thin with a spatula. Place in fridge for 15 to 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes.
Melt the white chocolate chips the same way as the other chocolate. Then mix in the peppermint extract.
Remove the pan from the fridge or freezer and pour the white chocolate on top. Spread it out thin.
Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top evenly. Then place the pan back in the fridge for 45 to 60 minutes for the freezer for 30 to 45 mins.
Remove the pan and break that peppermint bark into pieces. Enjoy!
Video
How to Make Peppermint Bark | Easy Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe
Notes
The servings amount will vary depending on the size of the pieces that you make. As well as the calories per serving.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!
Nutrition
Calories: 261kcal
Do you like the recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it.If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
Check out my other website101 Creative Datesfor fun date ideas. Food and dating go hand in hand!
Tags
candy Christmas easy holidays sweet
Matt Taylor
YouTuber and food blogger with a passion for cooking, eating, being outdoors and watching movies. Did you know I wrote an ebook cookbook called "All Things Chocolate: 30 of my favorite chocolate recipes."? Help support the food blog and YouTube channel by buying a copy in my shop. :)
8 Comments
LadyGwynn
December 21, 2022 at 7:59 pm·Reply
I love peppermint bark! When I make it, though, I omit the peppermint extract and just fold some crushed candy cane directly into the white chocolate right before pouring it out (stir it too long and the white chocolate turns a lovely pink), then top it with more crushed candy cane. Delicious!Matt Taylor
December 22, 2022 at 10:24 am·Reply
Nice! Yeah, peppermint bark is awesome.
Pat Jenner
December 3, 2021 at 10:14 am·Reply
My absolute favorite! A must make for the holidays!Matt Taylor
December 3, 2021 at 10:43 am·Reply
Agreed! 🙂 🙂
December 3, 2021 at 9:40 am·Reply
My kids had so much fun making and eating this!! So delicious!Matt Taylor
December 3, 2021 at 10:43 am·Reply
Awesome!! 🙂
Andrea Thueson
December 3, 2021 at 9:19 am·Reply
I had not attempted to make peppermint bark before making this recipe. It was so much easier than I thought it would be, and it was soooo good!Matt Taylor
December 3, 2021 at 10:43 am·Reply
So glad you tried it and liked it!
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