Name: Best Peppermint Bark Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 ounces dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips); 18 ounces white chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed candy canes or hard peppermint candies, divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 27 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect holiday treat, you’re in for a real delight today! I’m sharing with you the Best Peppermint Bark Recipe that’s ridiculously easy yet incredibly impressive. It’s that classic minty-chocolate combo that melts in your mouth and begs to be shared (or not!). Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or just because you deserve a little something special, this recipe will totally exceed your expectations.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples that pack a punch in flavor.
Layered Texture: The contrast of creamy chocolate and crunchy peppermint makes every bite delightful.
Fast & Foolproof: Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, zero-fuss melting technique included.
Perfect for Gifting: Looks beautiful wrapped up and always impresses family, friends, or co-workers.

Best Peppermint Bark, peppermint bark dessert, holiday peppermint bark, easy peppermint bark recipe, festive peppermint bark - A rectangular baking tray lined with parchment paper holds a layered peppermint bark. The bottom layer is dark chocolate, smooth and shiny with slightly uneven edges extending close to the parchment's border. On top, there is a thick layer of white chocolate, creamy and textured, spread evenly but with natural ripples. The white chocolate layer is sprinkled generously with small, crushed red peppermint pieces scattered across the entire surface, adding a festive red and white contrast. In the top left corner of the image, a small white bowl with a creamy white mixture is partially visible, and a small white bowl with red liquid is nearby on a surface that looks like white marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this peppermint bark lies in the quality chocolates and fresh peppermint — they harmonize perfectly, giving you that classic mint-chocolate hit everyone loves. Plus, the crushed candy cane sprinkled throughout delivers bursts of cool crunchiness that feel so festive. When shopping, I always reach for good-quality chocolate chips because that’s the backbone of the whole recipe.

Best Peppermint Bark, peppermint bark dessert, holiday peppermint bark, easy peppermint bark recipe, festive peppermint bark - Flat lay of a small pile of smooth dark chocolate chips, a small pile of creamy white chocolate chips, two small white ceramic bowls each filled with crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces, placed symmetrically around the chocolates, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect balance and symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dark Chocolate Chips: Provides a rich, bittersweet base; semi-sweet or milk chocolate works too if you prefer a sweeter bark.
White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweetness and acts as a canvas for the peppermint flavor.
Crushed Candy Canes or Hard Peppermint Candies: Gives that unmistakable mint crunch; fresh crushed is best for maximum flavor intensity.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I have to confess—sometimes I like to switch things up! This peppermint bark is like a blank canvas. You can adjust it based on your mood or your guests’ preferences. Customize the types of chocolate or add your favorite accents. You’ll find your perfect combo with a little experimenting.

Variation: I once swapped dark chocolate for milk chocolate to make it sweeter, and my kids absolutely adored the softer flavor.
Dietary Switch: Using sugar-free or vegan chocolate chips works well if you want a guilt-free option.
Seasonal Twist: Add mini crushed peppermint candies with a hint of gingerbread spice for a cozy holiday flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Peppermint Bark Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this little step saves you from sticky situations later on and makes cleanup a breeze. Have your chocolate chips and peppermint candies ready to go because once the melting starts, things move quickly!

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate

Pop the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them for 45 seconds. Then, stir. You’ll want to continue heating at 10-second intervals, stirring after each blast until it’s silky smooth. The stirring is key—chocolate can burn easily, so don’t skip this part! If you don’t have a microwave, a double boiler method works just as well.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate & Mix in Peppermint

Use a separate bowl for the white chocolate chips and repeat the same melting process. Once melted, gently fold in half of your crushed peppermint candies. This step infuses the white chocolate with mint flavor and adds a pretty speckled look to your bark.

Step 4: Layer the Chocolate

Pour the melted dark chocolate onto your parchment-lined sheet and spread it evenly—aim for about a quarter inch thick. Then, carefully spoon and spread the peppermint white chocolate layer over the top. Taking your time here will make the layers distinct and your bark look downright professional.

Step 5: Add the Peppermint Crunch & Chill

Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate surface. This last touch adds texture and looks beautiful. Pop the whole tray into the fridge for at least 10 minutes or until the layers are completely set and firm.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut your peppermint bark into bite-sized pieces. I recommend warming your knife under hot water and drying it before slicing, which helps create clean cuts without cracking the chocolate.

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Pro Tips for Making Best Peppermint Bark Recipe

Use Room Temperature Chocolates: Helps them melt evenly without seizing, giving you smooth layers.
Stir Consistently While Melting: Prevents burning and retains the shiny, glossy texture you want in your bark.
Patience is Key: Let the bark fully set in the fridge to avoid mushy edges when cutting.
Use Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: Warming it slightly with hot water helps slice without crumbling your masterpiece.

How to Serve Best Peppermint Bark Recipe

Best Peppermint Bark, peppermint bark dessert, holiday peppermint bark, easy peppermint bark recipe, festive peppermint bark - The image shows a white bowl filled with stacked peppermint bark pieces. Each piece has two visible layers: a bottom dark chocolate layer and a thick top white chocolate layer sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy bits. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there is a small white dish with more crushed peppermint candies and a few small pine cones for decoration. A corner of a tray with more peppermint bark is partly visible in the upper right. The overall look is clean and festive with a focus on the contrasting dark and white chocolate layers topped with bright candy pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a little extra crushed peppermint on top for a festive sparkle before serving, but you could also drizzle melted chocolate over it or add edible glitter for special occasions. A few whole candy canes on the side make for a pretty garnish and a hint to that irresistible flavor inside.

Side Dishes

This peppermint bark pairs perfectly with warm drinks like hot cocoa, coffee, or a simple cup of tea. If you’re serving it at a holiday party, place it alongside an assortment of cookies and nuts to create a beautiful dessert spread everyone will love nibbling on.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifts, I like to stack pieces in clear cello bags tied with festive ribbons or cinnamon sticks for an extra scent boost. You can also cut the bark into mini shapes using cookie cutters before it’s fully set if you want fancy little peppermint bark ornaments for your tree or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Peppermint Bark Recipe keeps really well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge if your kitchen tends to be warm. I usually store mine layered with parchment paper between to keep the pieces from sticking. It stays crisp and fresh for up to two weeks!

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the peppermint bark by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it inside a freezer-safe container. When I froze it, I found it maintained flavor and texture well for about 2 months—just thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

This isn’t a recipe you really need to “reheat” but if your bark softens, just let it sit in the fridge for a few minutes to firm back up. Avoid heat to maintain the glossy bite and prevent any melting mishaps.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chocolate for the Best Peppermint Bark Recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for dark and white chocolate chips, you can swap dark chocolate for semi-sweet, milk, or even flavored varieties like mint chocolate. Just keep in mind that sweetness levels will vary, so adjust the peppermint accordingly to balance flavors.
How do I crush the candy canes without a mess?

My favorite method is to put candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin or heavy pan until broken into small pieces. This keeps the shards contained and creates the perfect size peppermint bits for your bark.
Why is my white chocolate grainy when melted?

White chocolate is sensitive to heat—it can seize if overheated. To avoid graininess, melt it slowly using short 10-second bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. If it does seize, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or cream to smooth it out.
Can I store peppermint bark at room temperature?

Yes, as long as your kitchen isn’t too warm or humid. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from picking up odors. If it’s warm, refrigeration is your best bet to keep the bark firm and fresh longer.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about crafting your own peppermint bark—it brings back holiday memories and makes your kitchen smell like a winter wonderland. I hope you enjoy making this Best Peppermint Bark Recipe as much as I do, whether you’re gifting it or savoring every bite yourself. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to festive treat that friends will ask for year after year. So grab those chocolate chips and candy canes and get ready for some sweet, minty magic!

Best Peppermint Bark Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: Julia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Peppermint Bark recipe features layers of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate infused with crunchy peppermint candies, making it a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a refreshing chocolate mint dessert.

Ingredients

Chocolate Layer

18 ounces dark chocolate chips (can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips)

White Chocolate Layer

18 ounces white chocolate chips
½ cup crushed candy canes or hard peppermint candies, divided

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chocolate from sticking and for easy removal once set.
Melt Dark Chocolate: Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 45 seconds. Stir well, then continue microwaving in 10-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
Melt White Chocolate and Mix Peppermint: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips using the same method as the dark chocolate. Once melted, stir in ¼ cup of the crushed peppermint candies until evenly combined.
Layer the Dark Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it evenly to about ¼ inch thickness using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Add White Chocolate Layer: Carefully pour the peppermint-infused white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer and gently spread it to cover evenly.
Top with Remaining Peppermint: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of crushed peppermint candies evenly over the white chocolate layer for extra crunch and festive presentation.
Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 10 minutes or until the bark is firm and hardened.
Cut into Pieces: Remove from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut the bark into desired bite-sized pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth texture.
If you don’t have a microwave, melt the chocolates using a double boiler on the stovetop.
Store peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
For a more intense peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the white chocolate before spreading.
Ensure the layers are completely cool before layering the white chocolate to prevent mixing.