Homemade Peppermint Bark
This time of year, pretty little packages and tins of peppermint bark can be found in just about every specialty home store and grocery. Comprised of two luscious layers of semi-sweet and white chocolate, infused with peppermint, and topped with minty pieces of candy cane, peppermint bark is a classic holiday treat.
It’s also incredibly simple to make at home, and so much more affordable. The colorful little squares are delicious alongside a steamy mug of hot cocoa, and make lovely hostess gifts for your next holiday get-together.
Homemade Peppermint Bark
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: About 1-1/2 pounds of candy 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz good-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 12 oz good-quality white chocolate chips
- 1 tsp pure mint extract
- 3 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips according to package directions. When the chocolate is fully melted, stir in the peppermint extract, then use a spatula to carefully spread the chocolate over the parchment paper in an even layer. Set the sheet pan aside to cool, about 10 minutes.
- Repeat the melting process with the white chocolate, and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate layer. Sprinkle with the crushed candy cane pieces, gently pressing the candy into the white chocolate. Set the sheet pan aside to set, about an hour.
- Gently peel the bark away from the parchment paper and cut it into slices or break into random pieces. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Hi, I tried to make this tonight for Christmas Day. The instructions told me to get mint extract so I put mint into it, But then when I read the directions it said to put peppermint extract into it. Just remember to put the peppermint instead of mint.
I tried this tonight and was very disappointed, especially as I had bought the extract and candy canes specifically for this. The chocolate melted beautifully but as soon as I added the extract, the chocolate became very hard and crumbly. I could not make it spread no matter how hard I tried. I wanted a nice peppermint bark for my holiday trays but it looks like that won’t be happening now.
Hi Karen, I’m so sorry to hear that you were disappointed in the recipe. I’ve never had any issue with the chocolate seizing the way that you described. This is a pretty classic method/recipe as far as peppermint bark goes, so I’m surprised. Was it the dark or white chocolate that had the issue?
Hi Laura. These look lovely and simple. One question though. When pouring the melted white chocolate chip layer, is it easy to spread it evenly without messing up the bottom layer? Thanks!
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This is the perfect holiday treat in my mind!
Thanks! It’s one of my very favorites.