Chocolate Peppermint Bark

$- 2 cups dark chocolate chips - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes) - Pinch of sea salt The key to great chocolate peppermint bark lies in the right ingredients. I always use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Dark chocolate brings rich notes, while white chocolate adds sweetness. Peppermint extract gives that fresh taste we all love. Crushed peppermint candies add a nice crunch and visual appeal. A pinch of sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. - Nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) - Additional flavorings (e.g., vanilla extract) If you want to mix things up, consider adding nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well and add texture. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the white chocolate for extra depth. I love to experiment with different add-ins, but the classic recipe is perfect on its own. To start, we will melt the chocolate. For the dark chocolate, grab a microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cups of dark chocolate chips. Heat it in the microwave. Use 30-second intervals. Stir the chocolate after each interval. This helps it melt smoothly. For the white chocolate, use a separate microwave-safe bowl. Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips in the bowl. Follow the same 30-second heating method. Stir until it becomes smooth and creamy. Now comes the fun part: assembling the bark! First, pour the melted dark chocolate onto a lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Next, place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Let that dark chocolate set well. After the dark chocolate has set, it’s time for the white chocolate. Pour the melted white chocolate over the dark layer. Spread it evenly with your spatula. Then, take ½ cup of crushed peppermint candies. Sprinkle them on top of the white chocolate. Press them down gently. This helps them stick to the bark. Let’s talk about setting and serving the bark! After you finish layering, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. This adds great flavor. Now, return the baking sheet to the fridge. Leave it there for another 30 minutes. This gives the bark time to set fully. Once it is set, take it out of the fridge. Break the bark into pieces. You can choose any size you like. Now you can enjoy your tasty chocolate peppermint bark! Choosing the right chocolate makes a big difference. I recommend using high-quality chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips give a rich taste while white chocolate adds sweetness. Avoid cheap brands, as they may not melt well. To keep your chocolate smooth, avoid seizing. Seizing happens when chocolate gets too hot or comes into contact with water. Always melt chocolate in a dry bowl. Use short bursts in the microwave. Stir after each interval to check for smoothness. Pick a pure peppermint extract for the best taste. A small amount goes a long way. Start with one teaspoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more if needed. Adding a pinch of sea salt is key. It brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness. Just a little sprinkle on top makes a big impact. For serving, break the bark into uneven pieces for a rustic look. This adds charm and makes it easy to share. Arrange pieces on a festive platter for a beautiful display. If you want to gift the bark, package it in clear bags. Tie them with a colorful ribbon for a nice touch. You can also use decorative boxes. This adds a personal feel to your gift. {{image_2}} You can change the type of chocolate in your bark. Milk chocolate is sweeter and creamier. Dark chocolate has a rich, bold taste. A blend of both gives a nice balance. Try mixing equal parts of dark and milk chocolate for a fun twist. This gives you a unique flavor that pleases everyone. You can switch up flavors for different holidays. For Halloween, add orange food coloring and sprinkle black candies. For Easter, use pastel-colored candies or add fruity flavors. If you want a vegan option, use dairy-free chocolate chips. These options let you enjoy bark all year round. Adding mix-ins can make your bark even more special. Dried fruits like cherries or apricots add a chewy texture. You can also add nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy bite. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavor. Just a pinch can change the whole taste. This makes your bark unique and fun to eat. To keep your chocolate peppermint bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and keeps it crisp. I recommend using a container with a tight seal. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This prevents sticking and damage. Avoid storing the bark in warm or humid areas. Heat can melt the chocolate, and moisture can create a sticky mess. The best place is a cool, dry cupboard or pantry. If your home is warm, the fridge is a safe option. Just be sure to seal it well to avoid moisture. When stored properly, chocolate peppermint bark lasts about two weeks. You can enjoy it fresh for the best taste. After two weeks, the flavor may fade, and the texture can change. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see white spots or a dull appearance, this may mean the chocolate has bloomed. It’s still safe to eat but may not taste great. If it smells off or has a strange texture, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can use chocolate bars. Just chop them into small pieces. This helps them melt evenly. Using bars may give a richer taste. - Tips for using chocolate bars: - Choose good-quality chocolate. - Use a knife to chop the bars into small, even pieces. - Follow the same melting instructions as with chips. Yes, refrigerating is key for good texture. Cooling helps the chocolate set up firm. If you skip this step, the bark may stay too soft. - Importance of cooling for texture: - It allows the layers to bond well. - Proper cooling keeps the bark from melting easily. - A firm bark is easier to break into pieces. You can make this treat your own! Add flavors or swap ingredients. Try different toppings for a unique twist. - Suggestions for personalizing flavors and ingredients: - Use milk chocolate instead of dark. - Add nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. - Mix in dried fruits for a chewy surprise. - Change the extract, like using vanilla. You learned how to make delicious chocolate bark with peppermint. Essential ingredients include dark and white chocolate, peppermint extract, and crushed candies. You can add nuts or other flavors to personalize it. Remember to store your bark properly to keep it fresh. Each small tweak can bring a new taste. By exploring variations and mixing in your favorite treats, you can make this treat your own. Now, get creative in your kitchen and enjoy every bite!$

Indulge in the festive delight of homemade chocolate peppermint bark! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create this delicious treat that combines rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate, all topped with crunchy peppermint candies. Perfect for holiday gifts or a sweet snack, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prep. Click through to discover how to make your own delightful chocolate peppermint bark today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups dark chocolate chips

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

½ cup crushed peppermint candies (or candy canes)

Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal once the bark is set.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.

Once melted, pour the dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer using a spatula.

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the dark chocolate to set.

While the dark chocolate is setting, melt the white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, following the same 30-second heat intervals.

Once melted, stir in the peppermint extract to infuse the white chocolate with a refreshing flavor.

After the dark chocolate has set, remove it from the refrigerator and pour the melted white chocolate over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dark layer.

Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the melted white chocolate layer, pressing them down gently to ensure they adhere.

Finish by sprinkling a pinch of sea salt over the top to enhance the flavors.

Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, or until the entire bark is fully set.

Once set, break the bark into pieces of your desired size and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12