Description
Festive holiday chocolate peppermint bark combines rich dark chocolate with cool mint for a classic seasonal treat. Crisp candy cane pieces and smooth chocolate layers create a delightful dessert you’ll crave all winter long.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base:
- 12 oz dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Peppermint Layer:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 pinch sea salt (optional)
Preparation Ingredients:
- 1 sheet parchment paper
- 1 baking sheet
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring smooth coverage and minimal wrinkles.
- Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until completely smooth and glossy. Incorporate vanilla extract during melting process.
- Pour melted dark chocolate onto prepared parchment paper, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Refrigerate chocolate base for 15 minutes at 40°F until firm and set.
- Melt white chocolate chips using same method as dark chocolate, gently stirring in peppermint extract until fully integrated and silky.
- Remove chilled chocolate base from refrigerator and carefully pour white chocolate layer over dark chocolate, spreading gently to cover entire surface.
- Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes across the white chocolate layer, distributing evenly for consistent coverage.
- Optional: Dust a delicate pinch of sea salt over candied surface for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Return bark to refrigerator for 20 minutes at 35°F until completely hardened.
- Remove from refrigerator and break into irregular, rustic pieces using hands or a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Ensure parchment paper is completely flat to prevent uneven chocolate layers, creating a professional-looking bark.
- Melt chocolate slowly and carefully to avoid seizing or burning, which can ruin the smooth texture and glossy appearance.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and smooth melting, preferably dark and white chocolates with at least 60% cocoa content.
- Crush candy canes just before sprinkling to maintain their vibrant color and prevent moisture from making them sticky.
- For a gluten-free version, double-check that all chocolate and candy canes are certified gluten-free.
- Experiment with alternative toppings like toasted nuts, dried fruit, or flavored extracts to create unique variations of the bark.
- Allow chocolate to come to room temperature before breaking to prevent cracking and ensure clean, rustic pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg