With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to wish everyone a happy and healthy December! May your holidays be just as cheerful, sweet and refreshing as my homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe! So, treat yourself and your loved ones to this quick and easy dessert or snack!
My Peppermint Bark recipe is comprised of 4 ingredients - candy canes, semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate and a touch of oil. The semi-sweet chocolate chips are melted until silky and smooth and spread over a wax paper lined baking sheet. The wax paper is a must - not only does it prevent the peppermint bark from sticking to the baking sheet but it also makes clean up a breeze. The semi-sweet chocolate is then topped with a layer of melted white chocolate and adorned with crushed candy canes. All the ingredients combine to create a colourful, festive, minty, sweet and satisfying bite!
Whether you are looking for a recipe to add to your cookie box, something to serve at your holiday gathering or a snack to get you into the festive spirit, my Peppermint Bark recipe fits the bill! It couldn’t be easier to make, comes together in just over 30 minutes and uses a handful of simple ingredients. So, let me show you how it’s done. Grab a spoon and come and cook with me.
For more fun and exciting holiday recipe ideas, check out my Apricot Glazed Ham, Basque Cheesecake, Cranberry Brie Bites, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon, Roasted Turkey and Stuffed Fig recipes!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 4 - 5 minutes
Total Time: 36 - 37 minutes (including 30 minutes of inactive time for chilling)
Serves: 8 - 12
Ingredients:
8 large candy canes (approx. 1/2 cup or 100g) (See Notes below)
454g semi-sweet chocolate chips
400g white chocolate chips (See Notes below)
1 1/2 tsp neutral oil, such as avocado, sunflower or vegetable, divided (See Notes below)
Instructions:
Line a 11” x 17” baking sheet with wax paper and remove the candy canes from their wrappers.
Add the candy canes to a medium or large ziploc bag. Seal the bag, removing any excess air. Then, using a rolling pin, crush the candy canes into small pieces and set aside.
To a medium microwave safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 tsp of oil. Microwave on high for 2 - 3 minutes or until melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate onto the wax paper lined baking sheet. Using a spoon or an offset spatula, distribute the chocolate evenly throughout.
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for 10 - 15 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
To another medium microwave safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and the remaining 1 tsp of oil. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until melted, stirring every 20 seconds.
Remove the baking sheet from the freezer and pour the melted white chocolate over top. Working quickly, distribute the white chocolate over top of the semi-sweet chocolate. Then, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over top, pressing them into the chocolate ever so slightly.
Transfer the peppermint bark back into the freezer for a final 20 minutes or until the chocolate has set.
Using your hands or a sharp chef's knife, break or cut the bark into pieces and serve and enjoy!
Notes:
Crushing the Candy Canes: If you don’t have a rolling pin handy, you can simply use the smooth side of a meat tenderizer to crush the candy canes into perfect morsels.
Why the Oil?: The secret to a smooth and shiny peppermint bark is a drop of neutral oil. Not only does the oil aid in melting the chocolate but it also adds a beautiful, glossy sheen to this sweet treat!
Keep an Eye on the White Chocolate: Be mindful when microwaving white chocolate. It’s higher fat content and lack of cocoa solids make this variety more temperamental relative to its semi-sweet counterpart. White chocolate has a lower melting point and as a result, can burn or scorch quite easily. To ensure perfectly melted white chocolate, stir the white chocolate chips every 20 seconds during the duration of the 2 minute cook time, or until melted and smooth.
Storing the Peppermint Bark: I like to store my peppermint bark in the refrigerator. Not only does it make for a chilly and refreshing treat but it keeps the peppermint bark fresh and increases its longevity. Add the peppermint bark pieces to an airtight storage container, separating each layer with wax or parchment paper. The wax or parchment paper prevents the peppermint bark pieces from sticking to one another. Pop the peppermint bark into the fridge and you're done! Enjoy as desired!