Pile of peppermint bark on a white plate
All Things Chocolate

Peppermint Bark

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I am a bit of a chocolate addict. In fact, I have a whole category called, All Things Chocolate, here on my website devoted to chocolate. One of my favorite holiday treats to eat and make is peppermint bark.

What is Peppermint bark? Peppermint bark is a classic candy that is very popular here in the United States during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a dual-layered chocolate topped with crushed candy canes. It is often given as gifts to family, friends, and neighbors. You can buy the famous Ghiredelli kind, or just make it at home, it is incredibly easy to make with just 4 ingredients. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Gather the ingredients

Bowls of chocolate and candy cane next to a sheet pan with parchment paper.

In order to make homemade peppermint bark, you need these simple ingredients:

  • Chocolate – You can use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate. Chocolate chips work great, or use the candy melts, chocolate bars, or the specific “bark” chocolate. Usually it will say Almond bark on the package.
  • White chocolate – The top layer is always some sort of white chocolate. Again use chocolate chips, candy melts, or the white almond bark chocolate.
  • Candy Canes – You can’t make peppermint bark without candy canes! I usually just use the small ones for this, but you can use any size. You just need to be able to break them up.
  • Peppermint Extract – This is added to the white chocolate to amp up that mint flavor.
Pile of peppermint bark on a white plate.

Tools

  • Bowls
  • Spoon
  • Spatula, offset spatula works great
  • Baking pan or sheet
  • Parchment paper or a silicone mat

Step 2: How to make peppermint bark at home

Bowl of melted semi-sweet chocolate being poured on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.

Begin by melting the semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate which will be the bottom layer for the peppermint bark. There is also a candy coating called Almond Bark which of course works well too.

Place the chocolate chips, bars, candy melts in a bowl and melt in the microwave on bursts of 30 seconds and then stir, etc, until melted. Or use the double boiler method on the stovetop if you don’t want to use a microwave.

Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Smoothed out melted semi-sweet chocolate on a sheet pan.

Smooth out the chocolate until it is pretty thin. Use a spatula or an offset cake spatula. The thicker it is the harder it will be to break apart later.

Place the pan of chocolate in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Take 20 to 22 mini candy canes, and place them in a bag, and then crush them up. I just slam the bag on the counter or use a meat tenderizer to break them.

Step 3: Melt, Pour, and Smooth that white chocolate

Melted white chocolate being poured on top of a layer of semi-sweet chocolate.

When there are about 2 to 3 minutes left on the time for the bottom layer of chocolate, melt the white chocolate using the same technique. Once melted add the peppermint extract and stir until well combined.

Remove the pan of chocolate from the fridge or the freezer and then pour the melted white chocolate on top. Smooth it out like you did the bottom layer.

Try and line it up so it matches the bottom as best as possible. Remember to keep the layer fairly thin.

Crushed candy canes being poured on the white chocolate.

Take the crushed-up candy canes and equally distribute them across the top of the white chocolate.

Place the pan back in the fridge for 45 minutes to an hour or in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 4: I love you peppermint bark, but it is time to break up

Freshly made homemade peppermint bark piled on a white plate.

Once the peppermint bark has set, it is time to break it up. Depending on how thick it is, it may be a little difficult to break but just keep at it. I just tug at the corners until they break.

You can try using a chef knife or meat cleaver as well.

Once broken up, it is time to serve. Enjoy!

Peppermint bark makes a great gift for friends and neighbors. I like to go to the dollar store and get these holiday tins which are perfect for holding this candy.

How long does peppermint bark last?

Store the peppermint bark in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for a few weeks. If it is warm in your house you can store it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for a few months.

Easy homemade peppermint bark pin for Pinterest
(Pin it!)

Here are some other recipes you may like:

Homemade Twix Bars

Hot Chocolate Bombs

Oreo Pops

Sugared Cranberries

Peanut Brittle

Pile of peppermint bark on a white plate
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4.75 from 4 votes

Peppermint Bark

This homemade peppermint bark is so easy to make with just 4 simple ingredients. This double-layered chocolate treat is a classic thing to make and eat during the Holidays. If I can do it, you can do it.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Chilling Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Candy, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate, Christmas, Holidays, sweet
Servings: 20 people
Calories: 261kcal
Author: Matt Taylor

Equipment

  • Bowls
  • spoon
  • Spatula, offset spatula works great
  • Baking pan or sheet
  • parchment paper or a silicone mat

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chocolate chips candy melts, bark chocolate (semi-sweet, milk, or dark) doesn’t have to be exact
  • 2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips bark chocolate, candy melts, doesn’t have to be exact
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract can use a little more if you like
  • 20 to 22 mini candy canes crushed, doesn’t have to be exact

Instructions

  • Place the candy canes in a bag and smash/crush them.
  • Place the semi-sweet, dark, etc. chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in the microwave with bursts of 30 seconds, then stir, then 30 seconds, then stir, until melted. Or use the double-boiler method on the stovetop.
  • Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  • Pour the melted chocolate in the middle, then spread it out thin with a spatula. Place in fridge for 15 to 20 minutes or the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Melt the white chocolate chips the same way as the other chocolate. Then mix in the peppermint extract.
  • Remove the pan from the fridge or freezer and pour the white chocolate on top. Spread it out thin.
  • Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top evenly. Then place the pan back in the fridge for 45 to 60 minutes for the freezer for 30 to 45 mins.
  • Remove the pan and break that peppermint bark into pieces. Enjoy!

Video

How to Make Peppermint Bark | Easy Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe

Notes

The servings amount will vary depending on the size of the pieces that you make. As well as the calories per serving.
List of nutritional facts for peppermint bark
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal

Do you like the recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it.  If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.

Check out my other website 101 Creative Dates for fun date ideas. Food and dating go hand in hand!

8 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    I love peppermint bark! When I make it, though, I omit the peppermint extract and just fold some crushed candy cane directly into the white chocolate right before pouring it out (stir it too long and the white chocolate turns a lovely pink), then top it with more crushed candy cane. Delicious!

  2. 5 stars
    My absolute favorite! A must make for the holidays!

  3. 5 stars
    My kids had so much fun making and eating this!! So delicious!

  4. Andrea Thueson

    5 stars
    I had not attempted to make peppermint bark before making this recipe. It was so much easier than I thought it would be, and it was soooo good!

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