Save A festive, no-bake dessert featuring crisp layers of chocolate and white chocolate, studded with crushed peppermint candies and served as playful, shareable shards.
This recipe always brings joy to holiday gatherings in my family and is a favorite to make with kids.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Layers: 200 g (7 oz) good-quality dark chocolate, 200 g (7 oz) good-quality white chocolate
- Peppermint Topping: 8 peppermint candy canes or 120 g (4 oz) hard peppermint candies, crushed, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Garnish: 20 g (0.7 oz) freeze-dried raspberries, crushed (optional), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet, spreading it with a spatula into a rough rectangle about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick.
- Step 4:
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until just set but not hard.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate using the same method. If using peppermint extract, stir it in now.
- Step 6:
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate, spreading evenly.
- Step 7:
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies (and optional garnishes) over the white chocolate, pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Step 8:
- Chill again for 20&ndash 30 minutes until fully set.
- Step 9:
- Break or cut the bark into irregular shards.
- Step 10:
- Arrange the shards loosely on a large wooden board for serving, allowing guests to help themselves.
Save Sharing these peppermint bark shards creates special family moments filled with laughter and holiday spirit.
Required Tools
Heatproof bowls, saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave, spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin or mallet (for crushing candies)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (unless using dairy-free chocolate). May contain soy (check chocolate labels). Peppermint candies may contain traces of gluten & verify if serving to gluten-intolerant guests. Manufactured chocolates may contain nuts & always read labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 2 g
Save This peppermint bark is a delightful and easy dessert to brighten any celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth to avoid burning.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, try adding toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles for varied flavors and textures.
- → What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Use a rolling pin or mallet inside a sealed bag to crush candies into small pieces evenly.
- → How long should I chill the layers?
Chill the dark chocolate layer about 10 minutes before adding white chocolate; final chilling takes 20–30 minutes until fully set.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Substitute regular chocolates with dairy-free versions to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How should I store the shards?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain crispness and freshness.