Save A festive, no-bake dessert featuring crisp layers of chocolate and white chocolate, studded with crushed peppermint candies and served as playful, shareable shards.
This is a beloved holiday treat in my family that never lasts long at parties.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Layers: 200 g (7 oz) good-quality dark chocolate, 200 g (7 oz) good-quality white chocolate
- Peppermint Topping: 8 peppermint candy canes or 120 g (4 oz) hard peppermint candies crushed, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional for extra flavor)
- Garnish: 20 g (0.7 oz) freeze-dried raspberries crushed (optional), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet, spreading it with a spatula into a rough rectangle about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick.
- Step 4:
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until just set but not hard.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile melt the white chocolate using the same method. If using peppermint extract, stir it in now.
- Step 6:
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate spreading evenly.
- Step 7:
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies (and optional garnishes) over the white chocolate pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Step 8:
- Chill again for 20 30 minutes until fully set.
- Step 9:
- Break or cut the bark into irregular shards.
- Step 10:
- Arrange the shards loosely on a large wooden board for serving allowing guests to help themselves.
Save My family gathers each year to break the peppermint bark into shards creating fun holiday memories.
Notes
Vary toppings with toasted nuts dried cherries or festive sprinkles Serve with mugs of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat
Required Tools
Heatproof bowls Saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave Spatula Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin or mallet (for crushing candies)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (unless using dairy-free chocolate) May contain soy (check chocolate labels) Manufactured chocolates may contain nuts always read labels
Save This peppermint bark recipe is a festive crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and perfect for sharing.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of chocolate is best for layering?
Use good-quality dark and white chocolate to ensure smooth melting and a rich flavor contrast.
- → Can I make this treat dairy-free?
Yes, substitute with dairy-free chocolate varieties to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
- → How should the peppermint candies be prepared?
Crush the peppermint candies or candy canes finely for an even distribution and a crunchy texture on top.
- → What is the recommended chilling time?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes before adding white chocolate, then chill the completed bark for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- → Are there garnish options to enhance the flavor?
Freeze-dried raspberries and mini chocolate chips add color and complementary textures, creating delightful flavor layers.