Sweet & Simple Peppermint Delight Bark Recipe / Holiday Magic

Cool and crisp peppermint delight bark brings winter magic right to your kitchen counter.

Sweet and crunchy textures dance together in this simple confection.

Chocolate meets minty freshness in a delectable seasonal treat that sparkles with festive charm.

Rich layers combine to create an irresistible snack perfect for gifting or indulging.

Smooth segments break into delightful pieces that melt smoothly on your tongue.

Hints of peppermint weave through each bite, creating a refreshing and decadent experience.

This recipe promises a quick and elegant dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Explore this delicious creation and let the flavors transport you to a wonderland of sweet satisfaction.

Peppermint Bark That’s a Crowd-Pleaser

• Whip up this peppermint bark to instantly transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Combine the smooth, creamy white chocolate with crunchy candy cane pieces for a delightful contrast that dances in your mouth with every bite.
• Create a show-stopping dessert without turning on the oven, making it perfect for busy cooks or last-minute holiday gatherings that need a sweet touch.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting candy cane amounts or experimenting with different chocolate types, giving you total creative freedom in the kitchen.

What You Need for Classic Peppermint Bark

• White Chocolate Chips: Sweet foundation for the bark, smooth melting quality is key.
• Candy Cane Dust: Adds festive peppermint flavor and color to the white chocolate.

• Candy Canes, Large Pieces: Provides crunchy texture and decorative look.
• Candy Canes, Fine Powder: Infuses peppermint flavor throughout the bark.

• Parchment Paper: Creates non-stick surface for easy bark preparation.
• Large Glass Bowl: Safe container for chocolate melting.
• Large Zip-Top Bag: Helps crush candy canes without making a mess.
• Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet: Crushes candy canes into desired consistency.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Separates candy cane powder from larger pieces.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps spread chocolate evenly.

Simple Steps to Make This Seasonal Treat

Step 1: Set Up Your Candy Making Station

Grab a clean countertop and lay down a long sheet of parchment paper. Smooth out any wrinkles to create a perfect work surface for your delicious treat.

Step 2: Crush Candy Cane Treasures

Unwrap candy canes and toss them into a sturdy zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to smash them into a delightful mix of chunky bits and fine powder. Channel your inner baker and have fun crushing!

Step 3: Separate Candy Cane Bits

Grab a fine mesh strainer and gently sift the crushed candy canes. Separate the powdery dust from the larger chunks. Place the fine powder in one small bowl and the chunky pieces in another.

Step 4: Transform White Chocolate

Select a microwave-safe glass bowl and pour in white chocolate chips. Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. The chocolate should become silky smooth after about 2 minutes of careful melting.

Step 5: Create Magical Peppermint Chocolate

Quickly fold the candy cane dust into the warm white chocolate. Stir with enthusiasm to ensure every bit of peppermint flavor is fully incorporated.

• Melted white chocolate
• Candy cane dust

Step 6: Spread Sweet Canvas

Pour the peppermint-infused chocolate onto the prepared parchment paper. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into a thin, even layer that looks like a delicate winter landscape.

Step 7: Decorate with Candy Cane Pieces

Sprinkle the larger candy cane chunks over the chocolate surface. Gently press them down so they nestle into the chocolate, creating a festive mosaic.

Step 8: Patience Pays Off

Let the bark cool completely at room temperature. This might take about 30-45 minutes. Once set, break or cut into irregular pieces that look like delicious winter shards.

Peppermint Bark Prep Tips and Tricks

• Crush Strategically: Use a rolling pin at different angles to create varied candy cane chunk sizes for textural interest.
• Melt Mindfully: Stir white chocolate between microwave intervals to prevent scorching and ensure smooth consistency.
• Sift Smartly: Separate fine candy cane dust from larger pieces to create a more visually appealing and evenly distributed bark.
• Press Gently: When adding candy cane chunks, use light pressure to embed them slightly into the chocolate without crushing the delicate pieces.
• Cool Completely: Let bark set at room temperature to achieve the perfect snap and prevent chocolate from becoming too soft or melty.

Best Ways to Keep It Crisp and Fresh

• Refrigerate: Place bark pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze: Wrap bark tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen for 3 months maximum. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Room Temperature: Keep bark in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 5-7 days for best texture and flavor.

Tasty Pairings With Peppermint Bark

• Craft a Creamy Chocolate Companion: Pair this peppermint bark with a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for an indulgent winter treat that amplifies the mint and chocolate flavors.
• Brew a Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve alongside a peppermint tea or a cold peppermint mocha to enhance the dessert's cool, sweet profile and create a harmonious mint experience.
• Elevate with Complementary Dessert: Plate the bark with vanilla bean ice cream or a light cheesecake to balance the intense peppermint and white chocolate notes, creating a delightful dessert combination.
• Discover Wine Harmony: Select a sweet dessert wine like moscato or a late harvest riesling to complement the bark's sweetness and provide a sophisticated adult pairing.

Twist It: Fun Bark Combinations to Try

• Festive Peppermint Crunch: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile, adding crushed peppermint candies and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.
• Holiday Chocolate Medley: Mix white and milk chocolate layers, sprinkling crushed candy canes between each layer for a multi-textured peppermint bark experience.
• Nutty Peppermint Sensation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pistachios alongside candy cane pieces, creating a crunchy and festive chocolate bark with added nutty complexity.
• Gourmet Chocolate Swirl: Create marbled patterns by swirling melted white and milk chocolate together before adding crushed peppermint, producing an elegant and visually appealing dessert.

Peppermint Bark FAQs for Holiday Hosts

• How long does it take to make Peppermint Delight Bark?

The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes, with an additional 30-45 minutes for cooling and setting at room temperature.

• Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?

White chocolate works best for this recipe, as it provides a smooth base and contrasts nicely with the red candy cane pieces. Other chocolates might change the final taste and appearance.

• How should I store the Peppermint Bark?

Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat to prevent melting.

• What if I don't have a rolling pin to crush candy canes?

You can use the bottom of a heavy skillet, a meat mallet, or even the back of a sturdy wooden spoon to crush the candy canes in a sealed zip-top bag.

Peppermint Delight Bark Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive peppermint delight bark delivers winter magic with crisp chocolate layers and cool mint crunch. Chocolate lovers will savor this quick holiday treat that melts seamlessly between sweet and refreshing notes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Chocolate Ingredients:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) white chocolate chips

Candy Topping:

• 12 peppermint candy canes

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Instructions

1. Position a lengthy parchment sheet across the kitchen workspace, creating a smooth surface for bark preparation.
2. Unwrap candy canes and transfer them into a sturdy resealable plastic bag, then methodically crush using a rolling pin, creating a diverse texture of fine powder and irregular fragments.
3. Utilize a delicate sieve to separate the powdery candy cane dust from chunkier pieces, allocating each portion into distinct containers for subsequent use.
4. Transfer white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe vessel, heating in brief intervals and stirring consistently to achieve a smooth, fully liquefied consistency.
5. Rapidly incorporate the candy cane dust into the molten chocolate, whisking energetically to ensure uniform distribution while maintaining the chocolate’s warm temperature.
6. Elegantly cascade the infused chocolate mixture onto the prepared parchment, manipulating it with a silicone spatula to create a uniformly thin layer.
7. Artfully distribute the reserved candy cane fragments across the chocolate surface, gently pressing them to secure their placement and ensure optimal adhesion.
8. Allow the confection to solidify naturally at ambient temperature, transforming into a delicate, crisp bark that can be fractured or precisely sliced into delectable segments.

Notes

• Crushing candy canes requires a sturdy bag and rolling pin to create a mix of fine powder and larger chunks.
• Sifting the crushed candy canes separates fine dust from larger pieces, allowing precise control over texture and distribution.
• Melting white chocolate demands careful microwaving in short intervals, stirring consistently to prevent burning or seizing.
• Quickly incorporating candy cane dust into hot chocolate ensures smooth and even flavor distribution throughout the bark.
• Spreading chocolate in a thin, uniform layer guarantees a delicate and crisp texture for the final treat.
• Gently pressing candy cane chunks into the chocolate helps them adhere securely, creating a visually appealing and crunchy surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg