Save A festive, no-bake dessert featuring crisp layers of chocolate and white chocolate, studded with crushed peppermint candies and served as playful, shareable shards.
I love serving this dessert during the holidays because it brings a fun and colorful treat that everyone enjoys breaking apart and sharing.
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 My family gathers joyfully around the board to break and share the peppermint bark, making it a special tradition each year.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mugs of hot chocolate or coffee to complement the peppermint flavors perfectly.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Variations
Try adding toasted nuts dried cherries or festive sprinkles to customize the topping.
Save This peppermint bark is a festive favorite that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the best way to melt the chocolate layers?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure smooth, even melting without burning.
- → Can I substitute peppermint candies with something else?
Yes, crushed candy canes or peppermint-flavored hard candies both work well, providing that refreshing mint crunch.
- → How long should the chocolate chill before adding toppings?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes until set but slightly soft to hold the white chocolate and toppings properly.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the white chocolate layer?
Adding a half teaspoon of peppermint extract enhances the minty aroma and taste, balancing the sweetness of white chocolate.
- → What are good alternatives for garnishing these shards?
Try freeze-dried raspberries, mini chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or dried cherries for varied texture and visual appeal.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, but check the peppermint candies and chocolate labels carefully to avoid gluten traces in some varieties.