Chocolate Peppermint Bark is that holiday treat people lose their minds over. Seriously, every year, my family sort of panics if I haven’t made it by, like, December 10th. It’s way easier than tricky cookies or something wild like gingerbread houses (do not get me started on failed frosting roofs). If you’ve tried fancy versions at stores or wondered how they get all those pretty layers, let me set you up. No need for candy thermometer drama, trust me. Oh, and if you love other simple bark or festive sweets, you should peek at these fun ones: deliciously simple white chocolate Halloween Oreo bark recipe and, I’m not kidding, this bright and cheery Easter chocolate bark. The for-real simple way to get that stuff everyone grabs at the dessert table is right here.
Easy Holiday Gift Idea
Anytime I get behind on gifts (like, every holiday season), chocolate peppermint bark saves the day. There’s just something impossibly cheerful about unwrapping a little bag of it. It looks impressive. Tastes out-of-this-world. But here’s the secret—people think you worked super hard on it. You really didn’t.
Basically, you can customize the shape. Just break it up all rustic and “handmade” looking. I’d even say it’s a five-star restaurant treat, but easier. And kids, neighbors, or even your grandma—everybody gobbles it up. If you’re tired of giving out the old cookie tins, try little cellophane bags or festive boxes. People lose it. I even saw someone stuff it in a stocking last year, ha. Don’t overthink holiday gifts; sometimes the old favorites like chocolate peppermint bark are the most memorable of all.
“I handed out bags of this bark to my co-workers, and every single one asked for the recipe. It’s now my secret weapon for any last-minute gift.”
How to Make this Recipe
Let me just say—making chocolate peppermint bark will make you feel like a baking genius, no matter your skill level. You don’t need mountains of ingredients, just a couple of crucial ones. Grab both semi-sweet or dark chocolate and white chocolate. Crush up some peppermint candies or candy canes (I go wild and smack them in a zip-lock with a rolling pin).
Line your baking tray with parchment paper. Melt your dark chocolate slowly (microwave works…just take it slow and don’t burn it, or trust me, you’ll be scraping chocolate out of your favorite mug for weeks). Spread a layer, not too thick. Cool it for a few. Melt your white chocolate, then drizzle or spread on top. Sprinkle those peppermint bits all over while it’s still soft, so they stick. That’s the magic. Let it set in the fridge till firm, then break it up. Not too fussy—actually, the chunks shouldn’t be perfect. More fun to eat that way anyway.
Variations on Chocolate Peppermint Bark
People like chocolate peppermint bark classic style, but honestly, you do you. Some days I mix in festive sprinkles if I’m dealing with kids who think peppermint is “too spicy” (their words, not mine). Use milk chocolate if you like it sweeter. Swap out the white chocolate for a drizzle of red or green candy melts, just to amp up the vibe for a party.
Actually, if you’re into experimenting check out holiday chocolate bark treats for more ideas that keep things fresh. Sometimes I even add crushed Oreo or tiny marshmallows, but only for the bold, ya know? Endless options, and not a lot of rules. Just don’t forget plenty of crushed peppermints.
“I made the bark with dark chocolate and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt. Friends said it tasted like a fancy chocolate shop version. Super easy but impressive.”
Best Chocolate Options for Peppermint Bark
So, about the chocolate: don’t cheap out too much, but also, you don’t need the ultra-exclusive stuff. Aim for a decent-quality bar or good baking chips for melting. I skip the “milk chocolate coating” because, well, it kind of tastes waxy. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate makes it grown-up delicious but still crowd-pleaser. White chocolate: just make sure it says “cocoa butter” in the ingredients, not “white candy.” That’s basically fake chocolate, my friend.
If you want wild flavor, there’s even chocolate orange bark like chocolate orange traybake for those looking to try something new after perfecting peppermint. But classic chocolate peppermint bark really shines when you use chocolate you’d actually want to eat out of the bag. Trust me.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Okay, people always ask: does chocolate peppermint bark last? Yep, if you don’t devour it in two days. I store it in an airtight container. The trick—keep it cool and dry, like in your pantry or fridge. Warm counter… not a good plan unless you want a chocolate puddle.
If you’re gifting, make sure it’s all set before wrapping. Candies on top might get less crunchy if you have it out for days, so I say, make it a couple of days ahead max. Honestly though, it disappears fast at my house, so storage barely comes up.
- Store in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.
- If stacking pieces, put parchment or wax paper between layers.
- Avoid super humid rooms to keep it snappy.
Common Questions
Nope, just melt it gently and let it set. Getting fancy isn’t required for bark.
You totally can. Sometimes I’ll toss in a peppermint chocolate layer when I’m feeling adventurous.
Sometimes if the under-layer is too cold, the top won’t stick. Just let the bottom layer be cool, but not rock-hard.
Yes, just wrap it tight and pop in the freezer. Tastes really good straight from there too, if you ask me.
Wrap-Up: You Really Have to Try This
So, that’s the scoop on chocolate peppermint bark—how you can whip it up, make it your own, and totally wow your friends without breaking a sweat. It’s honestly the dessert I come back to year after year. For more fun variations, don’t skip white chocolate peppermint cheesecake mousse pie or the almost-too-cute cherry chocolate drizzle wraps.
If you want another take, peek at this great Chocolate Peppermint Bark for extra tips and tricks. If you’re craving even more inspiration, swing by the holiday chocolate bark treats. Jump in, make a batch, and then—try not to eat it all yourself. I dare you.
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An easy and impressive holiday treat made with layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candies.
Ingredients
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 8 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Parchment paper for lining
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate gently in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Spread the melted dark chocolate evenly on the lined tray and refrigerate for a few minutes to set.
- Melt the white chocolate in the same manner.
- Spread or drizzle the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the soft white chocolate layer so they stick.
- Refrigerate until firm, then break into rustic pieces.
Notes
For variations, consider adding festive sprinkles, using milk chocolate for a sweeter version, or mixing in cookies like crushed Oreos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg