Layers of white chocolate & dark chocolate, sprinkled with peppermint candy make this Peppermint Bark recipe irresistible! With only 5 ingredients, it's easy to make and great for gift giving. Why buy expensive Peppermint Bark when you can make a delicious version at home?
We love peppermint bark around the holidays (and any time, quite frankly). We used to buy fancy store bought versions by the box, but this got expensive. So we decided to make it ourselves! And because we love a little salt with our chocolate, we added a layer of thin pretzels. Just like our Spectacular Chocolate Bark, this homemade treat is a gift that keeps on giving!
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Ingredients
- WHITE CHOCOLATE: we like Ghirardelli Classic White Baking Bars
- DARK CHOCOLATE: we like Ghirardelli 70% Cacao Baking Bars dark chocolate baking bars
- PRETZEL THINS (OPTIONAL): about a handful, enough to cover a layer of chocolate)
- CANDY CANES: crushed into small pieces
- PEPPERMINT EXTRACT
How to make Peppermint Bark
- Place a layer of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Melt dark chocolate in double boiler (or in metal bowl over sauce pan of boiling water).
- Pour melted chocolate to form a ⅛" layer on the parchment paper.
- Add a layer of pretzels on top of the layer of dark chocolate.
- Place in cool place (or refrigerator) until chocolate sets.
- Melt white chocolate in double boiler (or in metal bowl over sauce pan of boiling water).
- Add peppermint extract to white chocolate.
- Pour melted white chocolate in an even ⅛" layer over pretzels (you may have to use an offset spatula to help spread the white chocolate).
- Sprinkle chopped peppermint candy on top of white chocolate layer.
- Break into rough 3" by 3" squares.
HINT: You don't need a double boiler to make this recipe. Make your own by placing a metal bowl on top of a sauce pan.
Variations
- CLASSIC PEPPERMINT BARK: OMIT the pretzels for the classic chocolate & peppermint flavor
- DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BARK: Substitute Milk Chocolate for white chocolate for layered of sweet chocolate flavor
- ALMOND PEPPERMINT BARK: add sliced almonds or roughly chopped almonds and top with sea salt
- COLORFUL PEPPERMINT BARK: use rainbow candy canes, red and green mint candy, or a mixture of both for a more colorful bark.
- KITCHEN SINK PEPPERMINT BARK: add in potato chips, Rice Krispies, or crushed Oreos for a Christmas Bark recipe the kids will love!
Top Tip
Start with GOOD CHOCOLATE: If you are going to make a chocolate treat, you must use the best chocolate you can afford. We like Ghirardelli baking chocolate bars.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Or keep in the refrigerator for a chilled snack. Do not freeze.
FAQ
Depending on what you are using, it takes about 5 minutes. Be patient and do not rush the process. Use the steam of the boiling water to melt the chocolate.
Let each layer of chocolate set for 5 to 10 minutes in the refrigerator. Check to make sure it is hard before adding another layer.
Once the bark is hardened, just lift it off of the parchment paper and break it with your hands. Rough breaks look best.
Yes, you can. But we don't recommend it. A good quality bar of chocolate makes the best bark.
More holiday treats to try
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Peppermint Bark recipe
A classic holiday treat gets an update with a salty layer of thin pretzels! Chocolate Peppermint Bark is great for gift giving and snacking.
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 1 ½ pounds 1x
Ingredients
- 2-4 oz. white chocolate baking bars
- 2-4 oz. dark chocolate baking bars
- Pretzel Crisps (OPTIONAL): about a handful, enough to cover a layer of chocolate
- 2-3 candy canes, crushed into small pieces
- ½ tsp. peppermint extract
Instructions
- Place a layer of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- Melt dark chocolate in double boiler (or in metal bowl over sauce pan of boiling water).
- Pour melted chocolate to form a ⅛" layer on the parchment paper.
- Add a layer of pretzels on top of the layer of dark chocolate.
- Place in cool place (or refrigerator) until chocolate sets.
- Melt white chocolate in double boiler (or in metal bowl over sauce pan of boiling water).
- Add peppermint extract to white chocolate.
- Pour melted white chocolate in an even ⅛" layer over pretzels (you may have to use an offset spatula to help spread the white chocolate).
- Sprinkle chopped peppermint candy on top of white chocolate layer.
- Break into rough 3" by 3" squares.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 17.8 g
- Sodium: 26.3 mg
- Fat: 11.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.2 g
- Protein: 2.2 g
- Cholesterol: 4.3 mg
Keywords: peppermint, chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, holiday, gift, sweet, pretzel, salty, snack
Danna says
I about how many 3x3 pieces does the recipe yield? Thinking about making about 150, but not sure how much of each ingredient to get. This recipe sounds wonderful! Thank you!
Keith says
Sorry for the delay, my guess is it would make about 8 pieces 3x3 I don’t remember how big it was in the way of length. We hope we try it and enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by.
Guadalupe Guillory says
I made these tonight and was happy with the outcome. I used 12 ounces of chocolate of each.
Jackie says
We are so happy to hear that you liked this recipe Guadalupe!! It's one of our favorite sweet treats!!