Pin It 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 became a holiday favorite in my family because it’s simple to make and always impresses guests with its crunchy texture and refreshing peppermint flavor.
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 20–30 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.
Pin It Sharing this peppermint bark has become a cherished family tradition during the holidays, sparking joy and laughter with every shard passed around.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate. Vary the toppings with toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles. Serve with mugs of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat.
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.
Pin It This peppermint bark will delight your guests and brighten festive gatherings with its crisp texture and refreshing taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid overheating.
- → Can I use dairy-free chocolate alternatives?
Yes, substituting dairy-free chocolate works well to make this treat suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → How long should I chill the chocolate layers?
Chill the dark chocolate layer about 10 minutes until just set, then after adding white chocolate and toppings, chill for 20–30 minutes until fully firm.
- → What variations can I add to the peppermint topping?
Try adding toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles to customize texture and flavor.
- → How should I store the chocolate shards?
Keep shards in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.