Homemade Peppermint Bark
User Reviews
5
Homemade Peppermint Bark
Description
This peppermint bark begins by melting premium dark chocolate and stirring in peppermint extract before spreading it evenly in a lined pan, forming a flavorful bottom layer. While the dark chocolate sets at room temperature, white chocolate is melted and combined with peppermint extract and crushed candy canes. This mixture is gently spread over the dark layer without allowing the initial chocolate to harden too much, so the layers meld slightly. The bark is cooled until firm, resulting in distinct dark and white chocolate layers with crunchy peppermint fragments dispersed in the top coating.
The flavor showcases the cool, fresh notes of peppermint extract and candy canes balanced by rich chocolate. The texture contrasts smooth, solid chocolate with crisp candy cane pieces. Avoiding refrigeration during and after assembly prevents bloom and preserves texture and gloss. Using real cocoa butter white chocolate is recommended for best setting and appearance.
This treat suits holiday snacking or gifting, combining festive flavors with homemade simplicity. If tempering causes separation, remelting and gentle swirling of layers can restore a unified appearance. Choosing quality chocolates ensures proper melting and setting.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dark chocolate chopped into small pieces (I like to use a premium baking bar, and usually choose 60%)
- 8 ounces white chocolate chopped into small pieces, premium
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract not “mint” extract
- ⅓ cup candy canes divided, crushed
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with wax paper. Set aside.
- Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir well. Return to microwave and heat on 15-second increments (stirring well between each) until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Spread melted dark chocolate evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Set aside (do not refrigerate) and prepare your white chocolate layer.
- Place your chopped white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir well. Return to microwave and heat on 15-second increments (stirring well between each) until white chocolate is completely melted.
- Stir in remaining peppermint extract. Add ¼ cup of crushed candy canes to the white chocolate and gently fold in until evenly distributed.
- Spread white chocolate evenly (and gently, in case chocolate has not completely set) over dark chocolate layer.
- Immediately sprinkle white chocolate layer with remaining candy cane pieces.
- Allow peppermint bark to harden completely at room temperature before cutting/breaking into pieces and enjoying.
Notes
- Do not let chocolate layers fully set before adding the next to avoid separation.
- Use high-quality chocolate bars with cocoa butter, as many chocolate chips may not set well.
- Avoid refrigerating during or after making to maintain texture and sheen.
- You may make bark with only dark or only white chocolate if preferred.
- If layers separate, gently remelt and swirl the bark to recombine.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 32servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 91 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 91 | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 70mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 5IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.9mg | 5% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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