I originally published this recipe in 2014 and have since added new photos and a few more success tips. This is one of the easiest holiday treats, and I’ve been making at least 4–5 batches every holiday season since I first published the recipe. Not much work is between me, you, and this extremely irresistible peppermint bark… dangerous, I tell ya! There are so many recipes online for homemade peppermint bark, but this one is my favorite because you’re getting 3 layers, it’s made with real chocolate, and it’s really easy to scale up. Simply double or triple the ingredient amounts, and use a large baking sheet. (My biggest piece of dessert-related advice ever: you will never regret making a triple batch of peppermint bark.)
Here’s Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Bark
Fresh and homemade So festive & always a big hit 5 ingredients, so simple—you’re literally just melting and spreading chocolate Uses real chocolate Peppermint flavor is not overpowering (kids love it) Melt-in-your-mouth soft with a delightful chewy crunch from candy canes (they soften a bit on the chocolate)
Key Ingredients You Need & Why
Best Chocolate to Use for Peppermint Bark
Can I Change the Layers?
These Step-by-Step Photos Will Help
Spread the peppermint-flavored white chocolate into a lined pan. You’re basically just melting and spreading chocolate. No mixer, no oven… you only need 5 ingredients and a stove or a microwave.
Need other easy and delicious no bake fillers? Try Oreo balls and peanut butter balls!
And while candy melts are great for cake pops, in a recipe like this, you’ll really taste the difference between actual chocolate and candy melts. I recommend Ghirardelli, Guittard, or Baker’s brand bars of chocolate when making bark. You could even take this same idea and turn it into peppermint bark fudge or peppermint bark cookies, 2 other favorites this time of year. 🙂 Melt 1/2 teaspoon of oil with the white chocolate in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between. When melted and smooth, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Use a sharp knife to cut the bark into pieces, or use your hands to break it apart; taste test; taste test again. DONE. Repeat with chocolate. Peppermint bark takes about 1 hour to set. If you have some leftover crushed candy canes, use them instead of sprinkles on your Christmas sugar cookies. 🙂 Or make a batch of chocolate fudge cookies with candy cane buttercream!
Best Pan Size to Use?
You can spread/pour out the melted chocolates in an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan, or simply spread on a baking sheet, where the thickness is up to you. No matter which pan you use, make sure to line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil so the bark is easy to get out of the pan after it’s set.
Tips for Making the Best Peppermint Bark
Tins or treat bags of homemade peppermint bark make such a lovely holiday gift. Pair with Christmas cookies in a jar or homemade vanilla sugar for a sweet homemade treat anyone would love to receive! For the peanut butter lover in your life, this Reese’s peanut butter white chocolate bark is another great gifting option.
