The Ultimate Peppermint Bark

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving a festive treat? This peppermint bark recipe is your answer. Honestly, it's got that perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. A right treat it is!

Brief Overview

Chocolate peppermint bark is a classic American holiday sweet. It's simple to make, taking only an hour, and yields about 24 servings.

Perfect for sharing or, let's be real, keeping all to yourself.

Main Benefits

This easy peppermint bark recipe is a total winner. It is a delightful holiday experience that's a great way to get in the festive spirit.

Plus, dark chocolate is a bit healthy, right? That's my excuse, anyway! It's just special.

The Ultimate Peppermint Bark Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:24 pieces

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 16 ounces (450g) white chocolate, chopped
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ½ cup (60g) crushed candy canes

Instructions:

• Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir until smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted dark chocolate.
• Pour the melted dark chocolate into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
• Place the pan in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch but not rock solid.
• While the dark chocolate is chilling, melt the white chocolate using the same method as the dark chocolate.
• Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the melted white chocolate.
• Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer and spread evenly.
• Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate layer.
• Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the bark is completely firm. This is a classic peppermint bark recipe.
• Once firm, remove the bark from the pan and break it into pieces or cut it into squares using a sharp knife.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:220 calories

Fat:15g

Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

look into into the Festive Delight of Homemade Peppermint Bark

What screams Christmas more than peppermint bark ? This stuff is like a little bite of Christmas magic. As a kid, I always remember my aunt making a massive batch for everyone, and it always vanished quicker than you can say "Father Christmas".

Why This Peppermint Bark Recipe Rocks

Honestly, this isn't just any christmas bark recipe . This homemade peppermint bark is super easy. Even if you're not a star baker, you can nail it.

The layers of rich dark chocolate and sweet white chocolate, plus the crunch of candy canes? It's a dream come true.

The Secret Peppermint Bark Ingredients

So, what's in this festive goodness? We're talking quality dark and white chocolate. Don't skimp here – it makes all the difference.

A splash of pure peppermint extract is essential and of course, crushed candy canes for that iconic peppermint crunch.

Time to Get Cracking: Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's dive into what you'll need to make this epic peppermint bark recipe . Honestly, it's so easy, you'll wonder why you haven't made it before.

It's also the best Christmas bark recipe around!

Main Peppermint Bark Ingredients

• Dark Chocolate: 12 ounces (340g) , chopped. Go for good quality stuff. I like to use one with at least 60% cocoa. It makes a real difference.
• Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon . Not the cheap fake stuff, mind you. Real extract is key for that proper peppermint flavour.
• White Chocolate: 16 ounces (450g) , chopped. Again, quality matters. I learned that the hard way.
• Peppermint Extract: ½ teaspoon . This little extra bit helps the white layer pop.
• Candy Canes: ½ cup (60g) , crushed. About 6-8 standard ones.

Seasoning & Flavor Notes

The key here is that peppermint extract . It's what gives you that classic peppermint bark zing. You could try a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate, but honestly, it's pretty perfect as is.

For a chocolate peppermint bark experience, don't skimp on the chocolate quality! Want to try a twist? Mix in some cocoa powder!

Essential Equipment

• Double Boiler: Or a heatproof bowl and saucepan. Don't let the bowl touch the water! . It is so important.
• Rubber Spatula: For stirring and spreading.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Pan: The standard size.
• Parchment Paper: Or a silicone baking mat. This is non-negotiable. It saves you so much hassle.
• Rolling Pin: Or a meat mallet. For crushing candy canes, obviously.
• Ziplock Bag: Optional, but it keeps the candy cane bits contained.

Honestly, you probably have most of this already. If you don't have a double boiler, don't panic! A heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water works a treat.

Just make sure the bowl isn't touching the water. That's how I learned to make homemade peppermint bark , and now you can too! And there you have it! You have all the peppermint bark ingredients ready for this easy holiday dessert recipe !

The Ultimate Peppermint Bark: A Festive Chocolate Treat

Right then, let's get cracking on this amazing peppermint bark recipe ! Honestly, nothing screams Christmas like this stuff. It's dead easy to make, and everyone goes absolutely bonkers for it.

Plus, it makes you look like a culinary wizard, even if your skills are more "beans on toast" than Michelin star.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get our peppermint bark ingredients ready. Chop up the chocolate, bash those candy canes – a rolling pin and a Ziplock bag work wonders for this! Line your 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.

This is the essential mise en place. Trust me, being organized saves a ton of faff later. As for safety, be careful melting the chocolate! Hot chocolate burns are no fun at all.

The Chocolate Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Melt your 12 ounces (340g) dark chocolate using a double boiler.
2. Take it off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon peppermint extract .
3. Spread the dark chocolate evenly in your prepared pan.
4. Chill it in the fridge for 15- 20 minutes . It needs to be firm, not solid.
5. Melt 16 ounces (450g) white chocolate the same way as the dark.
6. Stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract .
7. Spread the white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate.
8. Sprinkle ½ cup (60g) crushed candy canes on top, pronto! Then, chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Pro Tips for Cracking Peppermint Bark

Want to make your peppermint bark stand out? Use really good quality chocolate. It makes all the difference. Also, don't overheat the chocolate.

It'll go all grainy and horrible. Work quickly with the white chocolate. It sets fast, you know? Making this homemade peppermint bark is a breeze! And listen, don't be scared to experiment, this christmas bark recipe can change the way you do Christmas or can even let you explore other holiday dessert recipes , so get those ingredients and make some magic!

Honestly, dark chocolate peppermint bark or white chocolate peppermint bark , it's all good. And why not try adding a swirl of melted dark chocolate to the white layer? It looks super posh.

You can even make it a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container. So there you have it.

The best easy peppermint bark recipe ever! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Your Peppermint Bark Masterpiece

So, you're about to dive into making this fantastic peppermint bark recipe . Good on ya! Honestly, it's easier than making toast, but a few extra pointers never hurt, right? Let's get into a couple of things, shall we?

Serving Suggestions: Time to Show Off!

Presentation is key, my friend. Once your chocolate peppermint bark is set, don't just hack at it! Try breaking it into rustic-looking shards.

They look dead fancy on a platter. For a really wow factor, arrange the candy cane bark on a tiered cake stand.

Christmas vibes, innit? I love serving mine with a steaming mug of mulled wine. Pure festive bliss! Or even with a nice cup of tea!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've made a massive batch of this easy peppermint bark recipe . What now? If you're not scoffing it all immediately (and I wouldn't blame you if you were), store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll last for up to 2 weeks, easy peasy. You can also freeze the homemade peppermint bark for longer storage.

Just wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil. Thaw it in the fridge before serving. Reheating isn't really a thing with peppermint bark.

Just let it come to room temperature for the best texture.

Variations: Get Creative with Your Christmas Bark Recipe!

Fancy jazzing up your holiday dessert recipes ? How about making a dark chocolate peppermint bark version? Just use all dark chocolate instead of milk or semi-sweet.

For a dietary twist, try using a sugar-free sweetener and sugar-free candy canes. My aunt Carol did this, and it was surprisingly good.

Seriously! For a seasonal swap, try using crushed gingerbread cookies instead of candy canes for a gingerbread bark version. Mind blown, right?

Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat, Yeah?

Look, I'm not gonna lie. This white chocolate peppermint bark isn't exactly health food. I read a study that says treats with peppermint is known to help relaxation.

But hey, it's Christmas! So, calories are null and void, right? On a serious note, it's mainly sugar and fat.

Everything in moderation, darling. I've had a good time sharing this with you. Now go make some peppermint bark recipe memories and don't forget to have some fun!