Peppermint Bark: A Delicious Treat for the Holidays
Homemade peppermint bark is a holiday favorite! This easy candy is made with just a handful of simple ingredients for a treat that will make everyone feel holly and jolly.
If you’ve ever taken a stroll through Williams-Sonoma during the holiday season, you have probably been offered a sample of their famous peppermint bark. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is simply divine, and it’s hard to resist this festive treat. Yet, the price of their peppermint bark often gives me pause. A 1-pound tin can cost nearly $30, which makes my homemade version all the more appealing.
This easy recipe not only saves you money but also yields 1 ½ pounds of delicious peppermint bark, a full 50% more than what you’d get in that $30 tin!
What is Peppermint Bark?
Peppermint bark consists of a decadent layer of dark chocolate topped with smooth white chocolate and finished with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes. While you could technically skip the white chocolate layer, adding it creates the most visually appealing and delicious version of this holiday treat.
Even with both layers, this sweet delight can be prepared in under an hour!
How to Make Your Own Peppermint Bark
Homemade peppermint bark is a breeze to make, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Peppermint extract
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
If you have peppermint extract already, you’ll only need to procure the other three ingredients. Ensure you purchase peppermint extract rather than mint extract for the best flavor. You can usually find pre-crushed peppermint candies during the holiday season; however, if those aren’t available, mini candy canes are easy to crush—use as many or as few large bits as you desire!
Making This Recipe
Prepare by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, then set it aside. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir until almost fully melted, remove from heat, and whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to create a layer approximately ¼ inch thick. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up.
Next, melt the white chocolate chips in a similar fashion until they’re mostly melted. Remove from heat, add peppermint extract, and mix until smooth. Let it cool slightly to avoid melting the dark chocolate layer, then pour it over the first layer and spread it out evenly. Quickly sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before chilling until set.
Once both layers are firm, break them into irregular pieces or cut them into squares for serving.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and cool texture. It will last for at least two weeks, and you can even freeze it for up to six months if well-wrapped.
Uses and Gifting Ideas
This maple peppermint bark makes a wonderful holiday gift! Package it in imaginative tins or portion it into cellophane treat bags tied with festive ribbons. Besides gifting, you can incorporate it into various recipes like brownies, ice cream, or even cheesecake.
FAQs
How finely do I need to crush the candy canes for peppermint bark?
It’s up to your preference! I enjoy a mix of larger pieces and finely crushed bits for added texture.
Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint extract?
It’s best to avoid mint extract as peppermint and mint have different flavor profiles. Peppermint is the flavor most commonly associated with candy canes, so to keep that authentic taste, stick with peppermint extract.
Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?
You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter candy or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
How thick should my chocolate layers be?
I recommend each layer be about ⅛ inch thick, making the total slab roughly ¼ inch thick, but you can adjust to your liking!
