Name: Peppermint Bark Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 ounces dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips); 18 ounces white chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed candy canes or hard peppermint candies

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 32 reviews

If you’ve ever craved a sweet treat that bursts with holiday cheer and melts in your mouth, then you’re absolutely going to love this Peppermint Bark Recipe. It’s one of those simple, satisfying desserts that feels fancy but comes together in a snap — perfect for gifting, snacking, or just indulging yourself after a long day. Stick around because I’m sharing all my insider tips to make sure your peppermint bark turns out beautifully every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweet white chocolate and refreshing peppermint, creating a harmonious taste experience.
Simple Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving hits or the holidays roll around.
Quick and Fuss-Free: No oven required — just melting, layering, and chilling, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Customizable Texture: The crushed peppermint candies add that satisfying crunch, and you can adjust the amount to your liking.

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Christmas Holiday Treats Easy Peppermint Bark - A rectangular baking tray lined with parchment paper holds a layered peppermint bark. The bottom layer is dark chocolate, smooth and shiny with slightly uneven edges extending close to the parchment's border. On top, there is a thick layer of white chocolate, creamy and textured, spread evenly but with natural ripples. The white chocolate layer is sprinkled generously with small, crushed red peppermint pieces scattered across the entire surface, adding a festive red and white contrast. In the top left corner of the image, a small white bowl with a creamy white mixture is partially visible, and a small white bowl with red liquid is nearby on a surface that looks like white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to a stellar Peppermint Bark Recipe, each ingredient plays a crucial role, not just for flavor but also texture and appearance. Picking quality chocolate and fresh peppermint candy really makes all the difference for a glossy finish and that classic snap.

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Christmas Holiday Treats Easy Peppermint Bark - Flat lay of a small pile of smooth dark chocolate chips, a small pile of creamy white chocolate chips, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces, placed symmetrically around the chocolates, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect balance and symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dark Chocolate Chips: I love using semi-sweet or bittersweet for that depth of flavor, but milk chocolate is a lovely option too for a sweeter touch.
White Chocolate Chips: These create the lovely contrast layer and offer a creamy sweetness that complements the dark chocolate wonderfully.
Crushed Candy Canes or Hard Peppermint Candies: Freshly crushed for that bright peppermint punch and a delightful crunch throughout the bark.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve found the magic of a Peppermint Bark Recipe lies in making it your own—whether that’s by adjusting peppermint levels for more or less zing or swapping out the chocolates. Feel free to experiment because this bark is super forgiving and always delicious.

Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the dark chocolate before layering the white chocolate—that salty-sweet combo is irresistible.
Dietary Tweaks: You can use dairy-free chocolate chips if you’re looking for a vegan or allergen-friendly option without compromising on flavor.
Seasonal Flavors: For a twist, try adding finely chopped nuts or a few drops of peppermint extract into the white chocolate layer for extra aroma.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—it makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your bark doesn’t stick. I like to have all my ingredients measured and ready to go because melting chocolate waits for no one. Crushing candy canes right before using them keeps that fresh peppermint aroma intact.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate to Perfection

Pop your dark chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 45 seconds then stir well. This step is key to avoid scorching the chocolate. Continue microwaving in 10-second bursts, stirring each time, until completely smooth and glossy. Trust me, patience here pays off with silky chocolate layers instead of grainy ones.

Step 3: Spread Dark Chocolate Layer Evenly

Pour the melted dark chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet and use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an even ¼-inch thick layer. Don’t rush — evenness is important so the bark sets uniformly and breaks nicely later.

Step 4: Melt White Chocolate and Mix in Peppermint

Using a clean bowl, repeat the melting process for the white chocolate chips. Once completely melted, stir in about half of your crushed peppermint candies. This will infuse the white layer with festive flavor and add texture.

Step 5: Layer White Chocolate Over Dark Chocolate

Carefully pour the peppermint white chocolate on top of the dark chocolate layer and spread gently but evenly. You want to avoid mixing the two layers while still covering the dark chocolate entirely.

Step 6: Sprinkle Remaining Peppermint and Chill

Sprinkle the rest of your crushed peppermint candies evenly over the white chocolate. Now pop the whole tray into the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or until set solid. I usually let it chill for 15 to be safe.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!

Once firm, remove from fridge and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or break into rustic pieces. This is the fun part—feel free to get creative with shapes or sizes for gifting or serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Heating in short bursts prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning—it’s a small step that changes everything.
Use an Offset Spatula: It helps spread the chocolate layers more smoothly and evenly than a regular spoon.
Fresh Peppermint Matters: I’ve learned that pre-crushed peppermint often loses flavor, so crushing right before using is best.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: A clean, sharp knife reduces cracking or crumbling when cutting your bark into pieces.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Recipe

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Christmas Holiday Treats Easy Peppermint Bark - The image shows a white bowl filled with stacked peppermint bark pieces. Each piece has two visible layers: a bottom dark chocolate layer and a thick top white chocolate layer sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy bits. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there is a small white dish with more crushed peppermint candies and a few small pine cones for decoration. A corner of a tray with more peppermint bark is partly visible in the upper right. The overall look is clean and festive with a focus on the contrasting dark and white chocolate layers topped with bright candy pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with more crushed candy canes sprinkled on top for presentation and extra crunch. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar if I want to make it feel extra winter-wonderland festive.

Side Dishes

Peppermint bark pairs beautifully with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for cozy afternoons. If you’re serving at a party, it goes wonderfully alongside spiced nuts or simple sugar cookies to round out a sweet platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I like breaking the bark into bite-sized pieces, then arranging them in pretty jars or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and makes a thoughtful handmade gift that everyone remembers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s cool (under 70°F). If your kitchen gets warm, refrigerate it to keep the chocolate from melting. I usually layer with parchment paper between pieces to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen peppermint bark a few times with great results—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep that perfect texture intact.

Reheating

Since peppermint bark is best served chilled or at room temp, I don’t actually reheat it. If the chocolate gets too firm from refrigeration, just leave it out for 10 minutes to soften slightly before serving. Easy and effective!

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Absolutely! If you want a stronger peppermint flavor without the crunch, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted white chocolate. Just be careful with the amount – a little goes a long way!
How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?

White chocolate is more delicate than dark chocolate, so melt it slowly and avoid any water contact. Use a clean, dry bowl and microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. If your white chocolate begins to seize, gently warming it over a double boiler while stirring can help smooth it out.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

I like putting candy canes in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently crush them into small shards. Not too powdery – you want a mix of fine bits and little chunks for texture.
Can I make peppermint bark without a microwave?

Definitely! You can melt both chocolates using a double boiler on your stovetop. Heat water gently in the pot, then place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over it, stirring until smooth. This method gives you great control and avoids overheating.
How long does peppermint bark stay fresh?

Stored properly, peppermint bark can last up to two weeks at room temperature or about a month in the refrigerator. Just keep it sealed well to avoid absorbing any odors or moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Recipe has been one of my go-tos for holiday gifting and snacking because it’s just so effortlessly delicious—and that blend of chocolate and peppermint? Pure magic. Whether you keep it classic or throw in your own spin, it’s a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and share the joy (and the bark) with your friends and family!

Peppermint Bark Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 32 reviews

Author: Lucy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A festive and delicious Peppermint Bark made with layers of melted dark and white chocolate mixed with crushed candy canes, perfect for holiday treats or gifts.

Ingredients

Chocolate Layers

18 ounces dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips)
18 ounces white chocolate chips

Candy Topping

½ cup crushed candy canes or hard peppermint candies

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Melt Dark Chocolate: Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 45 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Melt White Chocolate and Mix Peppermint: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate chips using the same microwave method. Once melted, stir in ¼ cup of the crushed peppermint candies until evenly combined.
Layer Dark Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it evenly to about ¼ inch thickness using a spatula.
Layer White Chocolate: Carefully pour the white chocolate mixture on top of the dark chocolate layer and spread it evenly without mixing the two layers.
Add Topping and Chill: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of crushed peppermint candies evenly over the white chocolate layer. Refrigerate the entire bark for 10 minutes or until fully set and hard.
Cut into Pieces: Once hardened, use a sharp knife to cut the peppermint bark into small, bite-sized pieces for serving or gifting.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth texture.
Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before spreading to avoid mixing layers together.
Crush candy canes finely for an even distribution and pleasant crunch.
Store peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
For a festive touch, add colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top with the peppermint candies.