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 quickly became a holiday favorite at our family gatherings for its simplicity and delicious flavor combination.
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.
Save My kids love helping me press the peppermint candies into the white chocolate layer, making it a cherished family activity every holiday season.
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
Save This peppermint bark is the perfect festive treat to make ahead and enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Use a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt in short microwave bursts, stirring between intervals.
- → Can I customize the toppings on the chocolate layers?
Yes, feel free to add toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles for extra texture and flavor.
- → How long should I chill the chocolate layers?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes until just set, then after adding the white chocolate and toppings, chill for another 20–30 minutes until fully firm.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for this dessert?
Use dairy-free chocolate alternatives to make this suitable for dairy-free diets without compromising flavor.
- → What is the best way to serve the peppermint bark shards?
Arrange the shards loosely on a large wooden or serving board, allowing guests to pick and enjoy the playful pieces easily.
- → How can I store leftover peppermint bark shards?
Store in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate to maintain freshness and crispness for several days.