Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe: Quick No-Bake Holiday Candy
Make this classic Christmas candy with just a few simple ingredients. This no-bake peppermint bark recipe layers dark and white chocolate for a festive treat perfect for holiday gifting or serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 80 min
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes (about 10–12 large canes)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides for easy removal later.
- Place the semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Do not overheat.
- Pour the melted semisweet chocolate into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle half of the crushed candy canes evenly over the melted dark chocolate layer.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the white chocolate layer (about 5 minutes).
- Place the white chocolate in a separate microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate layer. Gently spread it to cover the surface, being careful not to disturb the candy canes underneath.
- Immediately sprinkle the remaining half of the crushed candy canes over the white chocolate layer.
- Refrigerate the bark for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
- Once set, lift the bark out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Break or cut the bark into irregular pieces.
- Store the homemade peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For smooth melting, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to each chocolate type before microwaving. This helps prevent seizing.
- If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dark chocolate layer as well.
- For beautiful, clean breaks, let the bark chill fully before snapping.
- This bark is excellent for holiday treat platters or wrapping in cellophane bags for easy Christmas candy gifts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg