Easy Peppermint Bark
Easy Peppermint Bark layers melted dark and white chocolate infused with peppermint extract, topped with crushed candy canes for a festive and crisp holiday treat. The method involves setting and chilling the dark chocolate base before adding the white chocolate layer, ensuring clear separation and a visually striking dessert. The candy cane pieces provide crunchy texture and peppermint flavor that contrasts the creamy chocolate layers.
Ingredients
- 9 oz dark chocolate baking chips or bark
- 9 oz white chocolate baking chips one without palm oil, or bark
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 candy canes regular sized
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper. I like to cut two pieces and have one going in each direction so that the whole pan is covered.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth. It will likely take 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your microwave). Do not overheat as the chocolate will scorch. Stir 1/2 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Pour melted chocolate into the prepared pan and spread it with the back of a spoon until an even layer is formed. Place in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes or until firm to the touch.
- While dark chocolate is chilling, crush your candy canes. You can do this in a food processor or place candy canes in a freezer bag and crush using a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass. Once candy canes are crushed, set aside.
- Once dark chocolate has set start, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth. It will likely take 1 to 3 minutes (depending on your microwave). Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Pour melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate and spread it with the back of a spoon until an even layer is formed.
- Sprinkle the candy cane pieces evenly over the white chocolate layer and lightly press with your hands.
- Place pan back in the fridge to chill until set, about 30-60 minutes.
- Once chocolate has hardened, bring it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 5-10 minutes before cutting or breaking into pieces. If you try to cut it when it's too cold the chocolate layers may separate.
- Store peppermint bark in a dark, cool place. It should last about 7-10 days in a cool kitchen or even longer (about 3 weeks or so) in the fridge or freezer. If you keep the bark in the fridge or freezer, be sure to bring it out and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before eating because the chocolate gets really hard when chilled.
Notes
- Lily's chocolate chips are a suitable low-sugar option used in this recipe.
- Yum Earth candy canes offer an organic, allergen-friendly, and artificial-dye-free peppermint option.
- You can melt chocolates using a double boiler to avoid microwave overheating risks.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 125
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1piece | |
| Calories | 125kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 21g | 7% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 11mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.