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    Serena Lissy Β» Recipes Β» Bars & Bark

    Published: Dec 6, 2021 Β· Modified: Jan 7, 2022 by serena Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

    Homemade Peppermint Bark

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Homemade Peppermint Bark is one of the best and most enjoyable holiday treats you can't get enough of this holiday season. Smooth, decadent chocolate combines with cool peppermint to create a delightful homemade candy filled with a flavor your taste buds will love.

    Peppermint Bark

    "Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall." -Larry Wilde

    Homemade Peppermint Bark Candy

    I have been addicted to Williams Sonoma peppermint bark most of my life. November and December are the most challenging months for me to go into that store. I could leave with hundreds of dollars in peppermint bark just for me. So to deal with this pricey addiction, I thought I should try and make the bark myself. This is what I did, and I love it just as much!

    When the holidays come, before I tie on my apron and get out the first bowl, I usually take time to plan out my upcoming cookie trays. Big, small, how much, too much, too little, what will be on it, how should it look? And then it goes something like this: Homemade peppermint bark...must have peppermint bark. How much peppermint bark should I put on the tray?

    I'm convinced everyone loves peppermint bark as much as I do. I wouldn't need anything else if I had an entire tray of just homemade classic peppermint bark. Instead, I take the approach that anything else on the tray is just a bonus!  I have come to realize that anything else on the tray is just a bonus in my recipient's eyes also. They are excited to get the gift, no matter what is on the tray. It doesn't matter how big or small it is. Nor does it matter what it looks like. They are like the excited child that doesn't care how big the tree is. In their eyes, all Christmas trees are 30 feet tall. It doesn't matter if there is one cookie or 100 cookies in my recipient's eager eyes, which is what I love and probably why I keep giving food gifts.

    Ingredients

    Homemade Peppermint Bark Ingredients
    • Semi-sweet Chocolate
    • White Chocolate
    • Peppermint extract
    • Peppermint candies or candy cane bits

    Chocolate for Peppermint Bark

    For this recipe, you can pretty much use your favorite chocolate and still have an outstanding product. Spending so much time with chocolate, I went a little fancy with my development this year and used high-quality chocolate. For the dark chocolate, I used Valrhona Manjari 64% , and for the white chocolate, I stayed with Valrhona. Go with your favorite, and you will end up with a fantastic bark!

    How To Make The Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe

    Peppermint Bark Process Collage

    First, line a jelly roll-sized pan with waxed or parchment paper. In a double boiler melt semisweet chocolate. Stir in a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract. Spread chocolate over the paper in an even layer to about a quarter-inch thickness. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for 30 minutes. 

    Next, melt white chocolate in a double boiler. Stir in a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract. Spread the white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer. Crush peppermint candies and sprinkle them over the white chocolate layer. Lightly press the crushed candy canes into the chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set fully. Once it sets, break the bark into pieces or use a sharp knife and cut pieces. Then store it in an airtight container.

    This recipe is super easy to make! This recipe makes a jelly roll pan size of bark. This big batch can easily fill up quite a few tins or cookie trays. You could also individually wrap some bark in cellophane bags and give those as holiday gifts. I usually double the recipe to keep a tray for myself for whenever I need a holiday treat. What can I say? I'm a fan of good chocolate candy.

    Peppermint Bark Tips

    How do I melt the chocolate?

    You have two options for this.
    1. The best way is to melt it in a double boiler. It's simple. You place a glass heatproof bowl on top of a small pot of simmering water and let the heat slowly melt the chocolate. Be careful and don't get any water in the bowl.
    2. Microwave. Place your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on low heat for 30 second increments. Stir between each one. When you are stirring, make sure to get everything from the bottom of the bowl.

    How long does it take to set the peppermint bark?

    You can leave it on the counter to set and depending on room temperature you are probably looking at 30-45 minutes. If you would like to speed up the process, you can place your pan of bark in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. However, I prefer to leave it on the counter and avoid any condensation that may accumulate from the refrigerator.

    Can I skip the peppermint extract?

    This ingredient is an essential piece of the recipe. It's what gives you that great peppermint flavor. So don't skip this ingredient.

    Does Peppermint Bark go bad?

    It will keep in an airtight container for about 2 weeks on the counter.

    How do you break up peppermint candy?

    Place peppermint candies in a large resealable plastic bag. Use your rolling pin or kitchen mallet and pound until crushed coarsely. You could also process it in your food processor.

    I hope you enjoy the homemade peppermint bark recipe as much as I do and don't forget to save some for yourself.

    And if you have missed days 1 through 3 on our 12 days of Christmas baking, here is where you can find the recipes for Special K Bars, Rocky Road Bark, and Mexican Wedding Cookies.

    Peppermint Bark

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    Peppermint Bark Recipe

    Peppermint Bark

    Decadent chocolate combined with cool peppermint to create a homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe filled with flavor your taste buds will love.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Cooling Time: 50 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 16 Servings
    Calories: 344kcal
    Author: Serena

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound 64% semisweet chocolate
    • 1 pound white chocolate
    • Β½ teaspoon peppermint extract
    • Β½ cup crushed peppermint candies

    Instructions

    • Line a jelly roll pan with waxed paper.
    • Melt semisweet chocolate in a double boiler. Stir in ΒΌ teaspoon peppermint extract.
    • Spread chocolate over the waxed paper to about a ΒΌ inch thickness.
    • Place pan in refrigerator and allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes.
    • Melt white chocolate in double boiler and stir in ΒΌ teaspoon peppermint extract.
    • Spread the white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate.
    • Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate. Gently press candies into the chocolate.
    • Allow the chocolate to set fully.
    • Once set, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

    Notes

    Recipe Source: SerenaLissy.com
    This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.Β Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database via Spoonacular, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
    All images and content are copyright protected. Do not use our images without prior permission.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 23IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @SerenaLissy or tag #serenalissy!

    Here are a few of our favorite peppermint recipes:

    • White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cheesecake
    • Peppermint Meringues
    • Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. What that means is if you click on one of our affiliate links, they may toss a few pennies our way for a commission.

    Original Post 12/15/2014, updated 12/06/2021

    More Bars & Bark

    • Easy Halloween Chocolate Bark
    • The Cutest Easter Bark
    • Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
    • Easy Rocky Road Chocolate Bark

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sabrina says

      December 06, 2021 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      So tasty and perfect for gifting. Thanks, great recipe!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 06, 2021 at 11:50 am

        Thanks Sabrina!

        Reply
    2. Heather says

      December 15, 2017 at 2:50 pm

      What an awesome holiday gift! I have so many friends on my list that would appreciate this. And I think I need someone to send it to me too!

      Reply
    3. Cindy Ingalls says

      December 14, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      I've buy peppermint bark every holiday season, yet I've never made it. Now I have the perfect excuse to make some for myself and maybe for others as gifts, if I don't eat it all.

      Reply
    4. AnnMarie John says

      December 14, 2017 at 6:38 am

      I love making bark recipes because they're the easiest to make and they're always a hit with the kids! This is a classic and it's definitely worth making!

      Reply
    5. Hirra Pervaiz says

      December 13, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      I've always wanted to try chocolate bark and the peppermint and chocolate combo sounds just perfect. Gives those holiday feels. I'm definitely going try out this recipe.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 14, 2017 at 7:28 am

        It's super simple to make. Enjoy πŸ™‚

        Reply
    6. Andrea @ Mama in the City says

      December 13, 2017 at 10:09 pm

      I just love that quote by Larry Wilde! Creating traditions with my kids feels so extra special this time of the year. We are doing some baking this coming weekend and this recipe looks perfect.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 10:54 pm

        Awe I love that! Enjoy your baking weekend πŸ™‚

        Reply
    7. Rachel says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:30 pm

      This is one of my favorite things to nibble on at Christmas. It looks like an easy enough recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:34 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    8. Reesa Lewandowski says

      December 13, 2017 at 8:18 pm

      This is one of my favorite holiday treats! And it's so easy too! I love to include it in my cookie trays!

      Reply
    9. Kayvona says

      December 13, 2017 at 7:08 pm

      OMG yes pepperment bark is soooo amazing lol definitely one of my favorite things to eat during the holidays! I've never made it on my own but I actually think I might attempt to make some for my christmas party!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:07 pm

        Its super easy. Give it a try!

        Reply
    10. Melissa @Primpandprimebeauty says

      December 13, 2017 at 6:16 pm

      I have a serious obsession with peppermint. I think it's so refreshing and absolutely perfect when paired with chocolate. The perfect Holiday treat!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:08 pm

        I'm right there with you regarding that peppermint obsession

        Reply
    11. Laura @ MommyDearest says

      December 13, 2017 at 4:26 pm

      This is my best friends favourite treat we always make it together every year. I can't wait for next week when we get to bake together.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:12 pm

        Sounds like a fun time! Enjoy πŸ™‚

        Reply
    12. Keki Cannon says

      December 13, 2017 at 2:59 pm

      I love peppermint bark. I have never made it myself so I will for sure pin this and give it a try this holiday season

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:12 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Amber Florek says

      December 13, 2017 at 2:48 pm

      Homemade gifts are my favorite, and ESPECIALLY edible ones! The best recipe always seem to be the least complicated with only a few high quality ingredients. This looks like a winner!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:09 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    14. Jen Giambalvo says

      December 13, 2017 at 3:34 pm

      I LOVE peppermint bark! It is my favorite this time of year! I am going to have to try that chocolate you suggested. I bet it makes the bark that much yummier!!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:09 pm

        Quality chocolate always makes the bark so much better. Enjoy πŸ™‚

        Reply
    15. Krystal Butherus says

      December 13, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      I love peppermint bark! It's an annual snack we have for our family holiday get together.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:11 pm

        It's one of my favorites. So great for get togethers.

        Reply
    16. Melissa Chapman says

      December 13, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      I know why you could be addicted to chocolate bark it looks so good. You make it seem so easy to make so I will try to make some during these holidays.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:11 pm

        Thanks so much and enjoy πŸ™‚

        Reply
    17. Taylor Aube says

      December 13, 2017 at 9:18 am

      I love making this during Christmas time! It's one of my husband's favorite treats for the holidays. Such a great recipe too!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:11 pm

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    18. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

      December 13, 2017 at 7:05 am

      Out of all the tasty Christmas goodies, I have never, ever made peppermint bark! I have no excuse why either...because it's so easy. I think I'm gonna make some this weekend. I have everything in the pantry to do it.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:11 pm

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    19. Rebecca Bryant says

      December 13, 2017 at 6:54 am

      The perfect holiday treats and gift. We love making peppermint bark at Christmas and really anytime. Peppermint is a delicious flavor.

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:09 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    20. Jessica Joachim says

      December 13, 2017 at 6:48 am

      This looks so good! I am having a day of baking with my mom this weekend so this would be something fun to add to our list! I have actually never made bark so it will be fun!

      Reply
      • serena says

        December 13, 2017 at 8:10 pm

        It's super easy. Give it a try and enjoy πŸ™‚

        Reply
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