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.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family as everyone loved the combination of sweet chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
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 We always enjoy breaking apart the peppermint bark together as a family and sharing it with friends during the holiday season.
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 This peppermint bark is a delightful holiday treat that's sure to impress and bring festive cheer to any gathering.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Avoid direct heat to prevent burning.
- → Can I use dairy-free chocolate for this?
Yes, substituting dairy-free chocolate works well and keeps the texture smooth and rich while accommodating dietary needs.
- → What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or mallet for coarse, crunchy pieces.
- → How long should the bark chill for best results?
Allow the dark chocolate layer to chill about 10 minutes before adding white chocolate, then chill fully for 20–30 minutes to set completely.
- → Can I add other toppings to the bark?
Yes, toppings like toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles add variety and enhance flavor.
- → What is the ideal thickness for the chocolate layers?
Spread each chocolate layer about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick to allow for easy breaking into shards and balanced texture.