Save on Pinterest 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 has become a holiday favorite in my family, perfect for sharing and gifting during festive gatherings.
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 on Pinterest This dessert always brings the family together during the holidays creating joyful memories crafted around sweet traditions.
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. Manufactured chocolates may contain nuts always read labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories 210, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 27 g, Protein 2 g per serving.
Save on Pinterest This peppermint bark is sure to add festive cheer to your celebrations and satisfy your holiday sweet tooth.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I melt the chocolate without burning it?
Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler, stirring often, or in short bursts in the microwave, stopping to stir frequently to prevent scorching.
- → Can I use dairy-free chocolate?
Yes, substituting with dairy-free chocolate works well and accommodates dairy-free diets without altering the texture.
- → What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place candies in a zip-lock bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or mallet until you have small, uneven pieces.
- → How should I store the finished shards?
Keep the shards in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerated to maintain their crisp texture and freshness.
- → What garnish options complement the peppermint and chocolate?
Freeze-dried raspberries, mini chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or festive sprinkles add color and flavor contrast.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the layers and topping in advance and store chilled. Assemble and break into shards just before serving for best texture.