Homemade Peppermint Bark is an easy no-bake holiday candy made with rich dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes. It sets quickly, cuts into clean pieces, and is perfect for gifting.
Peppermint Bark That Sets Cleanly: The Simple Timing Trick for Perfect Layers
There's something so satisfying about the contrast of the two chocolate layers with that bright peppermint finish. It also sets fast, cuts into clean pieces, and looks beautiful in a tin without any extra decorating, especially alongside fudge and toffee in a holiday treat box.
Most peppermint bark recipes come down to timing and gentle heat. If you melt the chocolate slowly in a microwave and let the first layer chill properly, you'll get clean layers that hold together and a crisp bite every time.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: I start with dark or semi-sweet chocolate because it gives the bark a deeper chocolate flavor and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- White Chocolate: White chocolate is what I use for that creamy top layer, and it's the part that makes peppermint bark look so classic and festive.
- Peppermint Extract: I divide the peppermint extract between both layers so the flavor stays fresh and even, not too strong in one bite.
- Candy Canes: I like to crush the candy canes into a mix of fine crumbs and a few bigger pieces, then I press them in gently so every piece has crunch and a pretty top.
How to Make Peppermint Bark
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Make the dark layer: Melt the chopped dark chocolate in the microwave, then stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour the dark chocolate into the baking tray lined with parchment paper, and spread it into an even layer. Chill for 20-25 minutes, until mostly set.
2. Add the white layer: Melt the chopped white chocolate in the microwave, then stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate over the dark layer and spread evenly.
3. Top it with Candy Canes: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top and gently press them in.
4. Chill and Cut: Chill for 45-60 minutes, until fully set, then lift out and break into pieces.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Crush the Candy Canes Well: I like to crush them into a mix of fine crumbs and a few bigger pieces so you get crunch in every bite and a pretty top.
Keep the Layers Clean: I like to chill the dark chocolate for the full 10-15 minutes, so it's mostly set before I add the white chocolate.
Storage: I store peppermint bark in an airtight container (I add parchment between layers). It keeps it crisp, and the candy canes stay looking fresh.
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Recipe
Peppermint Bark
Ingredients
- 350 g Dark Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate - Chopped
- 400 g White Chocolate - Chopped
- ½ teaspoon Peppermint Extract - Divided
- 5 Regular-Size Candy Canes - Crushed
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish, or a 9x13-inch baking dish, with parchment paper.
- Place the chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, then stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour the dark chocolate into the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer. Chill for 10-15 minutes, until mostly set.
- Place the chopped white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth, then stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour the white chocolate over the dark layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top and gently press them in.
- Chill for 45-60 minutes, until fully set, then lift out and break into pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Maureen says
Simple, festive, and always a favorite, this homemade peppermint bark is perfect for gifting, sharing, or enjoying with a cup of coffee during the holidays.