Save to Pinterest A festive, no-bake dessert featuring crisp layers of chocolate and white chocolate, studded with crushed peppermint candies and served as playful, shareable shards.
I love making peppermint bark during the holidays because it is simple but impressive, and everyone enjoys breaking apart the shards together.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Layers: 200 g (7 oz) good-quality dark chocolate, 200 g (7 oz) good-quality white chocolate
- Peppermint Topping: 8 peppermint candy canes or 120 g (4 oz) hard peppermint candies crushed, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional for extra flavor)
- Garnish: 20 g (0.7 oz) freeze-dried raspberries crushed (optional), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet, spreading it with a spatula into a rough rectangle about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick.
- Step 4:
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until just set but not hard.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile melt the white chocolate using the same method If using peppermint extract stir it in now.
- Step 6:
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate spreading evenly.
- Step 7:
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies (and optional garnishes) over the white chocolate pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Step 8:
- Chill again for 20–30 minutes until fully set.
- Step 9:
- Break or cut the bark into irregular shards.
- Step 10:
- Arrange the shards loosely on a large wooden board for serving allowing guests to help themselves.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table to crack and share pieces of the peppermint bark each holiday season, making it a treasured tradition.
Notes
For a dairy-free version use dairy-free chocolate Vary the toppings with toasted nuts dried cherries or festive sprinkles Serve with mugs of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat
Required Tools
Heatproof bowls Saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave Spatula Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin or mallet (for crushing candies)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (unless using dairy-free chocolate) May contain soy (check chocolate labels) Peppermint candies may contain traces of gluten—verify if serving to gluten-intolerant guests Manufactured chocolates may contain nuts—always read labels
Save to Pinterest This peppermint bark is a simple yet festive treat that adds joy and sweetness to any celebration.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- → Can I use dairy-free chocolate alternatives?
Yes, substitute with dairy-free chocolate to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- → What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place candies in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or mallet until small pieces form for easy sprinkling.
- → How long should the layers chill between steps?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes until set, then the white chocolate layer with toppings for 20-30 minutes until fully firm.
- → Can the shards be stored for later?
Store in an airtight container in a cool place or fridge to maintain freshness and texture for up to one week.
- → What garnishes complement the peppermint toppings?
Freeze-dried raspberries and mini chocolate chips add appealing color and subtle texture contrasts to the peppermint candies.