Peppermint Bark Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This peppermint bark recipe requires just a few ingredients to make this holiday classic. Top with crushed candy canes, toffee bits, or nuts!

We love peppermint treats likePeppermint Brownies,Peppermint Chocolate Delight, andPeppermint Oreo Fudge during the holidays.

Peppermint Bark Recipe (1)

Why We Love It!

One of my favorite treats to eat (and gift) during December is this peppermint bark recipe. I’ve loved it for years and love making it even more because it’s so simple.

Here’s why we love peppermint bark:

  • Easy! Made in 15 minutes, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool.
  • Picture perfect. Beautiful on cookie plates or chopped into pieces in a clear jar with a pretty bow on top – perfect for gifting.
  • Flavorful. Peppermint and chocolate is a deliciously classic flavor combination.
Peppermint Bark Recipe (2)

Ingredients

  • Ghirardelli semi-sweet (or milk or dark) chocolate melting wafers – For best results use a high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Baker’s brand.
  • Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers use high-quality chocolate. Add red or green food coloring.
  • peppermint extract
  • peppermint candies add before the chocolate sets. You can also add chopped: Peppermint Oreos, Peppermint Andes, or Mini M&M’s.
Peppermint Bark Recipe (3)
Peppermint Bark Recipe (4)
Peppermint Bark Recipe (5)
Peppermint Bark Recipe (6)

How to Make peppermint bark

  1. PREP. Line a large jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set aside
  2. SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt semi-sweet melting chocolates by stirring constantly until all melted. Remove from heat and stir in a ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.Pour onto a prepared jelly roll pan, smooth into an even layer with an offset spatula, and refrigerate.
  3. WHITE CHOCOLATE. Do the same thing with the white melting chocolates, by adding to a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until melted. Remove from heat and pour in the remaining peppermint extract.
  4. LAYER. Remove the pan from the refrigerator and pour the melted white chocolate in a smooth even layer over the semi-sweet chocolate.
  5. GARNISH + SERVE! Sprinkle on crushed candy canes and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened (about 1 hour).
    • When ready to serve, remove from the pan and break into small pieces.

PRO TIP

Chill. Only refrigerate the bottom layer for about 10 minutes while you make the white chocolate layer. If the layers chill too much then the chocolate bark will not form a bond.

Peppermint Bark Recipe (7)

Recipe Tips

This easy homemade peppermint bark is so simple. These tips will help with prep and clean up!

  • Chocolate. Melting chocolate in a double boiler also works. This method is a great choice if you’re worried about the chocolate burning.
    • A microwave will also work. Set the microwave to half power and cook the wafers in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth.
  • Easy cleanup. Don’t forget to line the baking sheet with parchment paper, wax paper, or a silicone mat.
  • Make it look pretty. To avoid leaving fingerprints on the bark, don’t break it until it is fully hardened.
    • To break the bark, use a heavy knife to cut the bark. Or, smash it with a meat hammer or rolling pin!
Peppermint Bark Recipe (8)

Here are some gifting ideas:

  • Christmas candy boxes, tins, or bags. Can’t get easier!
  • Stack similarly sized pieces together and tie them together with a festive ribbon.
  • Make “brown paper packages tied up with string”: Wrap the bark with plastic wrap and again with brown paper.
  • Christmas Plate. Add to your plate of cookies you’re gifting and wrap in cellophane.
Peppermint Bark Recipe (9)

Storing Info

  • STORE this best peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature. It is best when used within 2 weeks, but can last longer.
  • FREEZE. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and again with foil and store for several months in the freezer.
Peppermint Bark Recipe (10)

For More Holiday Treats:

Christmas Crack Recipe

2 hrs 15 mins

Recipe Video

Toffee Recipe

2 hrs 25 mins

Recipe Video

Puppy Chow Recipe

15 mins

Recipe Video

Peppermint Bark Recipe (15)

Peppermint Bark Recipe (16)

5 from 5 votes

Peppermint Bark Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

This peppermint bark recipe requires just a few ingredients to make this holiday classic. Top with crushed candy canes, toffee bits, or nuts!

Servings: 20

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Refrigerate: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 10 ounce Ghirardelli semi-sweet, or milk melting wafers
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
  • 10 ounce Ghirardelli white melting wafers
  • 25 peppermint candies, crushed, divided

Instructions

  • Line a large jelly roll pan with parchment paper and set aside.

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt semi-sweet melting chocolates by stirring constantly until all melted. Remove from heat and stir in ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour onto prepared jelly roll pan and refrigerate.

  • Do the same with the white melting chocolates, by adding to a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until melted. Remove from heat and pour in the remaining peppermint extract.

  • Remove the pan from the refrigerator and pour white chocolate over the semi-sweet chocolate.

  • Sprinkle on crushed candy canes and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened (about 1 hour).

  • When ready to serve, remove from the pan and break into small pieces.

Video

Notes

    STORE this best peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature. It is best when used within 2 weeks, but can last longer.

    FREEZE. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and again with foil and store for several months in the freezer.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6g, Calories: 184kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 14mg, Potassium: 121mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 11IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Additional Info

    Course: Dessert

    Cuisine: American

    Making this recipe? Tag us!

    Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

    Categorized as: American Recipes, Candy, Christmas, Cuisines, Desserts, Holiday Desserts, Holidays, Recipes, Seasonal Recipes, Winter

    About Kristyn

    My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

    More About Kristyn

    Related Posts

    Easy Buckeye Recipe

    43 mins

    Recipe Video

    Christmas Popcorn

    10 mins

    Oreo Cream Cheese Balls

    1 hr 30 mins

    Oreo Fudge

    4 hrs 15 mins

    Recipe Video

    Peppermint Bark Recipe (22)

    So Easy & So Yummy

    Get my cookbook!

    My new cookbook is the ultimate resource for feeding your friends and family with 200+ simple recipes including videos, tips & more!

    Order Today

    Peppermint Bark Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    How do you make peppermint bark that doesn't separate? ›

    How do you keep peppermint bark from separating? The trick for chocolate peppermint bark layers that stick together is to add the white chocolate layer before the semisweet layer is completely set. Refrigerate the first layer for about 20 minutes until the top is firm but not solid and cold.

    How do you keep peppermint bark from separating? ›

    Tips for Making the Best Peppermint Bark

    You can also pick up the baking pan and tip it to help the chocolate slide around. Why are my layers separating? You may have chilled the layers for too long. Only refrigerate the bottom and middle layer for 10–15 minutes before spreading the next layer on top.

    How do you make peppermint bark prevent separation? ›

    The first layer is completely hardened by the time you add the next layer. So be sure that the dark chocolate is slightly set but still slightly warm and tacky when you pour it on the next layer. Score the white chocolate layer while it's still firm in the fridge will make easier to cut and less chance of separating.

    What can I use instead of parchment paper for peppermint bark? ›

    You'll need parchment paper to make the recipe work properly; don't try to replace it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. The bark looks attractive either cut or broken into ragged pieces. I pllace in cookie boxes lined with red cellophane.

    Why is my peppermint bark soft? ›

    If you leave your bark out at room temperature the peppermint bark will tend to be soft. Place back in the refrigerator to harden it back up.

    Why does peppermint bark split? ›

    The palm oil can prevent the two layers from sticking together. Be sure to let the bark chill until it's completely set. If you try to break it before the layers are totally firm and bonded together, it can come apart.

    Why is my peppermint bark sticky? ›

    No, peppermint bark doesn't need to be refrigerated. In fact, keeping it in the fridge can cause it to get sticky as moisture collects on the peppermint candy. Remember, this is just candy. You don't normally keep your candy in the fridge, so no need to do it here.

    How do you fix seized chocolate? ›

    It's easy to do: Simply add boiling water to seized chocolate, 1 teaspoon at a time, and stir vigorously after each addition until the chocolate is smooth.

    Does peppermint bark go bad? ›

    Does peppermint bark go bad? Yes, peppermint bark will go bad if not stored properly and/or consumed within a few weeks. It's very important that you store the peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    How long is peppermint bark good for? ›

    Frequently Asked Questions. How long is peppermint bark good for? Peppermint bark will last at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.

    How long does peppermint bark last in the fridge? ›

    Homemade peppermint bark will last about 2 weeks in an airtight container on the counter. In the fridge, it will last up to 3 weeks, although the candy cane pieces on top can become a bit sticky. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it in foil first.

    Is peppermint bark good for dogs? ›

    If your dog eats peppermint candy such a candy canes, peppermint bark, or peppermints, it might just cause an upset stomach. But it could also be life-threatening.

    Where do you store peppermint bark? ›

    Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break, or cut, the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

    What does peppermint extract repel? ›

    Yes, peppermint essential oil can help repel ants, spiders, co*ckroaches, mosquitoes and even lice.

    How do you keep peppermint candy from sticking together? ›

    Avoid Moisture Mixes.

    Storing these sweets in the same container will cause the harder candies to become sticky. To make sure that hard candies stay hard, sprinkle with finely ground sugar and store in an airtight jar.

    Why is my chocolate bark separating? ›

    If you use a type of white chocolate made with palm kernel or coconut oil, the dark and white chocolate layers will separate from each other because the oil won't allow it to bond to the dark chocolate layer.

    References

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Duane Harber

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6456

    Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

    Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Duane Harber

    Birthday: 1999-10-17

    Address: Apt. 404 9899 Magnolia Roads, Port Royceville, ID 78186

    Phone: +186911129794335

    Job: Human Hospitality Planner

    Hobby: Listening to music, Orienteering, Knapping, Dance, Mountain biking, Fishing, Pottery

    Introduction: My name is Duane Harber, I am a modern, clever, handsome, fair, agreeable, inexpensive, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.