Save 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 enjoy making this peppermint bark every year to share with friends and family. It brings a festive touch without needing to turn on the oven.
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 This recipe always sparks joy when shared at holiday gatherings. Kids love picking their favorite shards and the optional garnishes add a personal touch.
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. Manufactured chocolates may contain nuts check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 210 total fat 11 g carbohydrates 27 g protein 2 g.
Save This peppermint bark is a delightful and easy holiday treat that everyone will love. Enjoy the festive flavors and the simple prep.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Melt chocolate gently over simmering water or in short microwave bursts, stirring regularly to prevent overheating.
- → Can I substitute peppermint candies with other toppings?
Yes, try toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles to customize the flavor and texture.
- → What is the best way to achieve thin, even layers?
Spread melted chocolate with a spatula into a rough rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, chilling between layers to set.
- → How long should the layers chill for proper setting?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes, then after adding white chocolate and toppings, chill for 20 to 30 minutes.
- → Are there dairy-free options available?
Use dairy-free chocolate to make the treat suitable for dairy-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.