Easy & Healthy Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipes

A snowy night, a crackling fireplace, and a warm blanket make you long for the perfect blend of sweet and minty goodness. What better way to satisfy your winter cravings than with homemade Peppermint Bark?

Not only is this delicious treat a festive crowd-pleaser, but it is also incredibly easy to make! Prepare to embark on a peppermint escapade and learn how to create this holiday favorite in the comfort of your own kitchen with our collection of easy homemade peppermint bark recipes.

Tips & Tricks for Making Peppermint Bark

Embrace the Double Boiler Dance

To create a delicious, velvety chocolate experience, use a double boiler. This technique is the key to unlocking that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you’re feeling daring, you can use a microwave, but be careful and stir frequently to prevent scorching.

Candy Cane Crush

To add a delicious crunch to your peppermint bark, incorporate crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. Not only does this provide a delicious texture, but it also adds to the festive appearance of your creation. Crush the candies to your desired size for the perfect balance of sweetness and minty flavor.

Peppermint Extract Precision 

To infuse your peppermint bark with a refreshing peppermint essence, use peppermint extract sparingly. One teaspoon per batch is the perfect amount to add a delightful mint flavor without overpowering the chocolate.

Parchment Paper Magic

Make peppermint bark easy to prepare by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This foresight will ensure effortless removal and prevent your creation from sticking to the pan, leaving you with smooth, delicious pieces of peppermint bark.

Garnish with Pizzazz

Turn your peppermint bark into a feast for the eyes by adding a touch of elegance. Sprinkle with edible glitter, drizzle with contrasting chocolate, or dust with cocoa powder for a visually stunning presentation that will dazzle your taste buds and your guests.

Swirl with Style

Let your artistic spirit soar as you layer your peppermint bark creations. Use a spatula to create mesmerizing swirls and patterns, transforming your peppermint bark into a work of edible art.

Choose Quality Chocolate

Embrace the exquisiteness of peppermint bark with premium dark and white chocolate. This combination of rich, decadent flavors will create a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. The better the chocolate, the more delicious your Peppermint Bark will be.

Easy & Healthy Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipes

White Chocolate Bark 

Ingredients:

• 2 (11-ounce) packages white chocolate chips
• 12 peppermint candy canes, broken into pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
3. Microwave the chocolate on high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted and smooth.
4. If using peppermint oil, stir it into the melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the chocolate.
7. Use a spoon or spatula to gently spread the candy canes into the chocolate.
8. Let the bark sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
9. Break the bark into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Tips:

• For a thinner bark, pour the chocolate into a shallow dish and spread it out to a thickness of about 1/4-inch.
• If you want to add a decorative touch, you can drizzle white chocolate over the bark before it sets.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free candy canes.

Additional variations:

• For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate chips.
• For a more intense peppermint flavor, add more peppermint candy canes or peppermint oil.
• You can also add other toppings to the bark, such as chopped nuts, pretzels, or dried fruit.

Tips for making white chocolate bark:

• White chocolate can scorch easily, so it’s important to melt it slowly and carefully. Microwave the chocolate on high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, or melt it in a double boiler over simmering water.
• If the chocolate seizes up (becomes grainy and stiff), you can try to revive it by adding a little more heavy cream or butter.
• Once the chocolate is melted, let it cool slightly before pouring it onto the baking sheet. This will help to prevent the chocolate from cracking when it sets.
• Be sure to let the bark set completely before breaking it into pieces. If you break it too early, the pieces will be sticky and crumbly.

White Chocolate Bark 

This festive and decadent treat combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate and peppermint with a hint of boozy peppermint schnapps, creating a delightful holiday indulgence. The addition of crushed peppermint candy canes adds a delightful crunch and vibrant peppermint aroma that elevates this bark to new heights of holiday cheer.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (450 grams) dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup (50 ml) peppermint schnapps
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips on medium heat, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth and melted.
3. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the peppermint schnapps until evenly distributed.
4. Pour the melted chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin layer.
5. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes evenly over the chocolate layer.
6. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the candy canes into the chocolate to create a marbled effect.
7. Allow the bark to cool completely at room temperature, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
8. Once the bark is set, break it into irregular pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

• For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint schnapps to 1/2 cup or even 3/4 cup.
• If you prefer a smoother peppermint bark, you can use peppermint essential oil instead of peppermint schnapps. Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint essential oil to the melted chocolate and stir well.
• For a more festive presentation, use different colors of melted chocolate to create a striped effect. Pour each color of chocolate onto the baking sheet, allowing it to partially set before pouring the next color and swirling it together with a toothpick.
• To add a touch of elegance, drizzle melted white chocolate over the bark before it sets.

Double Chocolate Swirled Bark 

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) crushed peppermint candy canes

Instructions:

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl on high power for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
3. Pour the melted semisweet chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
4. Melt the white chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl following the same method as the semisweet chocolate.
5. Once the semisweet chocolate has set slightly, pour the melted white chocolate over it, creating a mottled effect.
6. Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the white chocolate into the semisweet chocolate to create a marbled pattern.
7. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes evenly over the chocolate bark.
8. Refrigerate the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
9. Break the peppermint bark into irregular pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips:

• For a more intense peppermint flavor, use crushed candy canes with a higher peppermint oil content.
• To create a thicker bark, pour the chocolate into a shallow dish and spread it out to a thickness of about 1/4-inch.
• If you prefer a smoother bark, you can use a double boiler instead of a microwave to melt the chocolate.
• For a more festive presentation, sprinkle decorative sprinkles or chopped nuts over the bark before it sets.

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