Peppermint Bark Recipe
This Peppermint Bark recipe features luscious layers of melted milk and white chocolate infused with peppermint extract and topped with crushed peppermint candy canes. It is a festive, no-bake treat perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying as a minty sweet snack. The bark sets up beautifully at room temperature and is easy to break into shards for serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus setting time
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Milk Chocolate Layer
- 7 oz milk chocolate, broken into chunks or melts
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
White Chocolate Layer
- 3 1/2 oz white chocolate, broken into chunks or melts
Topping
- 5 small peppermint candy canes, broken into chunks
Instructions
- Prepare Your Work Surface: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Melt the Chocolates: In two separate heatproof bowls, melt the milk chocolate and white chocolate either over pans of simmering water (making sure the bowls do not touch the water) or in the microwave in 20-second bursts until smooth.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Stir the peppermint extract gently into the melted milk chocolate bowl to infuse it with flavor without causing it to seize.
- Form the Base Layer: Pour the peppermint-flavored milk chocolate onto the center of the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula to an even 1/16 inch thick layer.
- Drizzle and Swirl: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the milk chocolate layer, then use a teaspoon to gently swirl the white chocolate through the milk chocolate to create a marbled effect.
- Add Candy Cane Topping: Sprinkle the broken peppermint candy cane chunks evenly over the swirled chocolates.
- Set the Bark: Allow the bark to set at room temperature completely; avoid refrigerating to prevent discoloration of the milk chocolate.
- Freeze Briefly and Break: Once set, place the bark in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm it up further, then snap it into shards of desired size.
- Store Properly: Keep the peppermint bark in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to maintain freshness for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate melts or bars for the best flavor and texture.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate when melting to avoid scorching.
- Room temperature setting prevents the milk chocolate from discoloring, which can happen if refrigerated.
- The peppermint extract is concentrated, so a little goes a long way—don’t over-add.
- Breaking candy canes into chunks can be done by placing them in a plastic bag and gently tapping with a rolling pin or mallet.
- This bark is excellent for gift-giving; wrap shards in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons.
Keywords: peppermint bark, chocolate bark, holiday dessert, peppermint candy, no bake dessert, festive treat
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/peppermint-bark-recipe/
