Peppermint Bark - EASY Christmas Dessert (2024)

Peppermint Bark is a simple and classic holiday treat. This easy chocolate peppermint bark recipe is easy to make and has just 5 ingredients. With tasty layers of white chocolate and milk chocolate, topped with crushed peppermints or crushed candy canes (if that is what you have on hand) this simple treat is always a hit.

Peppermint Bark

Chocolate Peppermint bark is one of the traditional sweets of the holiday season that must be included on every treat list. Whether you are passing out trays of goodies for Christmas, or looking for a gift to give to the teacher, mailman, or groomer­ peppermint bark is a pretty good option for sharing.

One things thing that I love about homemade peppermint bark aside from how tasty it is, is that it is super budget-friendly. It makes a great addition to cookie trays and cookie baskets.

When making cookie gifts this is my favorite filler item to make. After spending hours making cookies you want something quick, this peppermint bark has a quick prep time, and the total time needed to make it is about 30 minutes. Then just let it set and break it apart once it is set.

There is no oven needed for this recipe, it is so easy that anyone can do it. The basics are melting chocolate, spreading it, then topping it with crushed candy canes or crushed peppermints and letting it set and harden.

It is the easiest Christmas treat recipe ever and it is always the first one gone from the dessert table.

Peppermint Dessert Recipes

• Peppermint Oreo Pops
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Peppermint Bark Brownies
• Candy Cane Meringues
• Peppermint Patties
• Peppermint Ice Cream Bread
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate Spoons

What is Peppermint Bark?

Peppermint bark is a delicious holiday treat made from layers of melted chocolate, typically dark or white, mixed with peppermint flavoring. It often includes crushed peppermint candies or candy canes sprinkled on top. The mixture is spread out, allowed to harden, and then broken into irregular pieces or chunks. It’s a festive and popular treat during the winter holiday season.

Tips for Making Peppermint Bark

Choose the Right Chocolate.Use chocolate you enjoy eating as it greatly impacts the final taste. Make sure it’s suitable for melting. Using good quality chocolate is important for melting and flavor.

Melt the Chocolate Gently.Use a microwave or a double boiler to melt the chocolate slowly and avoid burning or scorching it.

Add Peppermint Extract Sparingly.Peppermint extract is strong in flavor. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more if needed.

Spread evenly. Be sure to spread the melted chocolate in an even layer.v

Add Toppings Quickly.Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies onto the melted chocolate layer immediately after pouring it. This helps the candies stick before the chocolate sets.

Let It Set Completely.Allow the bark to harden completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before breaking it into pieces. This could take around 1-2 hours.

Break it Into Chunks.Once the bark is completely set, break it into irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler. It is best to melt the chocolate in a double boiler. If you do not like this method you can use a microwave safe bowl and melt the chocolate in the microwave instead.

How to Melt chocolate in the microwave

I prefer melting chocolate in a double boiler, but if you prefer using the microwave you can do that for this recipe as well.

• Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. You want to melt each type of chocolate on its own.
• Microwave the chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. Heating it at a lower power helps prevent burning or overheating.
• After the first 30 seconds, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the chocolate thoroughly. Even if it doesn’t look melted, stirring helps distribute the heat and melt the chocolate more evenly.
• Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring each time until the chocolate is mostly melted. Be careful not to overheat or burn the chocolate—remove it from the microwave before it’s completely melted, as the residual heat will continue melting it while you stir.
• Once most of the chocolate is melted, continue stirring until the residual heat melts the remaining pieces completely. The goal is to have a smooth, lump-free consistency.

Variations of this Recipe

Add peppermint between the layers of chocolate. If you love peppermint then you can spread the first layer of melted chocolate and then sprinkle crushed peppermint and then spread the second layer of melted chocolate.

Add sprinkles. You can add holiday colored sprinkles on top of the peppermint bark to make it even more festive.

More or less peppermint.If you like your peppermint flavor a bit more subtle cut the extract in half I like a strong blast of peppermint flavor myself.

Crushed Peppermints or crushed candy canes. If you do not have crushed peppermints or peppermint flavored candy canes in place of the crushed peppermint. Place the peppermints or candy canes (whichever you are using) in a plastic bag and zip it shut. Then using a rolling pin roll over the bag to crush them.

Change up the chocolate. I personally prefer to use a layer of white chocolate and a layer of milk chocolate. You can use semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate in place of the milk chocolate.

Use chocolate bars instead of chips. I like using chocolate chips as it makes things easier but you can use bars of chocolate chopped up instead.

Add an extra chocolate layer. If you want to have 3 layers of chocolate for your chocolate bark you can easily do so. Just melt your choice of chocolate for the third layer and place the crushed peppermints on top of the top layer. I personally do the bottom with a white chocolate layer, the middle layer a dark chocolate layer and then the top layer another white chocolate layer if I am doing 3 layers.

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Combinations

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark.Use dark chocolate for both the base and top layers and place the crushed peppermints in between the layers and on top. The contrast with the peppermint is bold and classic.

White chocolate peppermint bark.Use white chocolate for both the base and top layers and place the crushed peppermints in between the layers and on top.

Milk chocolate peppermint bark.Use milk chocolate for both the base and top layers and place the crushed peppermints in between the layers and on top.

Marbled chocolate bark.Create a marbled effect by swirling dark and white chocolates together for the top layer while keeping the bottom layer a solid chocolate base.

Double Chocolate Peppermint Bark. This is what this chocolate peppermint bark recipe is, using a milk or dark chocolate for one layer and then a white chocolate for the top layer. You can use any combination of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate to make the different chocolate layers.

Triple Chocolate peppermint bark.Layer dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolates sequentially to create a visually appealing and decadent bark with multiple chocolate flavors.

What is the best chocolate to use for Peppermint Bark?

When choosing chocolate, opt for good-quality chocolate chips or bars. Look for options with higher cocoa content for dark and milk chocolate, as they tend to have better flavor. For white chocolate, choose a brand that contains cocoa butter for the best taste and texture.

You want to use real chocolate when making chocolate peppermint bark. While chocolate morsels are good for cookies and candy melts are good for cake pops when making chocolate bark you want to use good chocolate.

Can I double this recipe?

If you need to double or even triple the recipe it is super easy to do so. I just suggest using a larger baking sheet to accommodate the extra, unless you want a thicker peppermint bark.

How to store Peppermint Bark

Once the peppermint bark is fully set, place the peppermint bark pieces in an airtight container, placing layers of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking between them. Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Room temperature is fine unless it’s a particularly warm environment.

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups white chocolate chips
• 2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 1⁄2 cup crushed peppermints
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil or coconut oil

How to Make Peppermint Bark Recipe

Cover an 11×13 pan or a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper.

Place the white chocolate chips Melt the white chocolate until it is completely melted and smooth using a double boiler.

Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon of oil, and mix well.

Pour the melted white chocolate onto the waxed paper and spread it to a thickness of 1⁄8” to 1⁄4 “ using an offset spatula.

Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to let it harden. If the chocolate is not hardened, leave it in the freezer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Heat the milk chocolate chips and add the remaining teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon of oil.

Quickly spread the milk chocolate over the white chocolate layer.

Then top it with the crushed peppermint.

Place the tray back in the freezer for 20­ to 25 minutes.

Remove the tray from the freezer and break the peppermint bark into smaller pieces.

Recipe FAQ

Why did my chocolate bark separate?

You might have chilled the layers for to long. You want to chill the bottom and middle layer (if making a 3 layer peppermint bark) just until it is hardened before adding the next layer. Keeping them slightly soft helps the layers adhere to each other better.

Can I use Peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

You can but keep in mind that peppermint oil is strong and potent, you will only need one drop of peppermint oil per layer.

Easy Holiday Recipes

• Snowman Poop Cookies
• Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies
• Homemade Sugar cookies
• No spread Sugar Cookies Recipe
• Reindeer Poop Christmas Cookies
• Chocolate Dipped Nutterbutter snowmen
• Grinch Fruit Kabobs