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Easy Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe (Best Dark & White Chocolate)

easy homemade peppermint bark - featured image

This easy homemade peppermint bark features layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crunchy candy cane pieces. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing holiday treat that’s perfect for gifting or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) dark chocolate, chopped (60-70% cacao)
  • 12 oz (340g) white chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
  • 6–8 regular-sized candy canes (about 1 cup crushed)

Instructions

  1. Line a 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. Place 6-8 candy canes in a sturdy Ziploc bag, seal, and wrap in a kitchen towel. Crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet until you have a mix of fine powder and small pieces (pea-sized or smaller). Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the finest powder for garnish.
  3. Fill a small saucepan with about 2 inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place 12 oz chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over the saucepan (bowl should not touch water). Stir occasionally until mostly melted, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir until completely smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
  4. Pour melted dark chocolate onto prepared baking sheet. Spread into an even layer about 1/4-inch thick. Tap pan gently on counter to smooth out air bubbles.
  5. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until firm to the touch but not rock-hard.
  6. While dark chocolate sets, melt white chocolate using the same double boiler method. Add 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil to the bowl along with the white chocolate. Stir gently until smooth, then remove from heat. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
  7. Remove baking sheet from refrigerator. Pour melted white chocolate over set dark chocolate layer. Gently spread into an even layer.
  8. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces evenly over white chocolate layer. Sprinkle reserved fine powder on top.
  9. Return to refrigerator and let set for at least 1 hour, or until completely firm (2 hours recommended).
  10. Lift bark out of pan using parchment overhang. Break into irregular 2-3 inch shards by hand, or cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality chocolate. Adding coconut oil to white chocolate prevents seizing. Crush candy canes by hand for varied texture. Let bark set completely before breaking for clean snap. Flavor improves after a day or two.

Nutrition

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