American · Holiday Specials

Peppermint Bark

A layer of dark chocolate topped with peppermint white chocolate and crushed candy canes, set and snapped into shards. A Christmas sweet that takes 20 minutes of work.

Not yet ratedThis recipe has no ratings yet 20 min hands on plus 1 hr Setting Serves 20 servings Easy
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How to Make Peppermint Bark

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  1. Line a 23 x 33 cm baking tray with baking paper.

  2. Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water, or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.

  3. Pour the dark chocolate onto the tray and spread it into an even layer about 3 mm thick. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, until just set.

  4. Melt the white chocolate in the same way, stir in the peppermint extract, and spread it over the dark chocolate.

  5. Scatter the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate right away and press them in lightly.

  6. Refrigerate for 1 hour, until firm, then lift the bark out on the paper and break it into rough pieces.

Tips for Making Peppermint Bark

  • Let the dark layer set before adding the white. If it is still wet, the two colours swirl together instead of forming layers.
  • Melt the chocolate gently and stop as soon as it is smooth. Overheated chocolate turns grainy and dull, and white chocolate is the more delicate.
  • Crush the candy canes in a bag with a rolling pin, and keep them dry. Moisture makes them sticky and they can melt into the chocolate.

What to Serve with Peppermint Bark

  • Hot chocolate
  • Coffee
  • A holiday cookie plate

Storing & Reheating Peppermint Bark

Keeps in an airtight tin in a cool place for up to 2 weeks, with baking paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Peppermint Bark FAQ: Common Questions

How long does Peppermint Bark take to make?

About 20 minutes of hands-on work — 15 minutes of preparation and 5 minutes of cooking — plus 1 hour of Setting, so allow 1 hour 20 minutes from start to finish. The recipe serves 20.

What are the key tips for making Peppermint Bark?

Let the dark layer set before adding the white. If it is still wet, the two colours swirl together instead of forming layers. Melt the chocolate gently and stop as soon as it is smooth. Overheated chocolate turns grainy and dull, and white chocolate is the more delicate. Crush the candy canes in a bag with a rolling pin, and keep them dry. Moisture makes them sticky and they can melt into the chocolate.

What should I serve with Peppermint Bark?

Hot chocolate; Coffee; A holiday cookie plate.

Can Peppermint Bark be made ahead or frozen?

Keeps in an airtight tin in a cool place for up to 2 weeks, with baking paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Is Peppermint Bark suitable for a special diet?

This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.

How many calories are in Peppermint Bark?

About 182 kcal per serving, with 2 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate and 10 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.

Peppermint Bark Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

182Calories
2gProtein
21gCarbs
10gFat
1gFibre
19gSugar
20mgSodium

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Written and tested by Turab

One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.