3 Ingredient Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe | Great Gift!

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The holiday season is my favorite time of year, and there’s nothing I love more than giving homemade gifts to family members and friends. Anyone can send grab a pre-packaged gift bar from the store. But, there’s something special about gifting sweet treats made in your kitchen with love and time. One of my go-to holiday traditions is making this easy peppermint bark recipe —a perfect balance of creamy white chocolate chips, rich dark chocolate, and crunchy candy cane pieces. It’s a simple yet indulgent dessert that makes great stocking stuffers or a thoughtful addition to any Christmas cookies platter.

The History of Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a holiday treat with modern roots, originally made popular by brands like Williams-Sonoma. Combining chocolate layers with the fresh, natural peppermint flavor of candy canes, it’s a dessert that has become synonymous with Christmas celebrations.

While peppermint and chocolate have been paired in desserts for centuries, this particular recipe showcases a simple layering technique that anyone can master. Plus, using quality ingredients like higher end chocolate, and candy canes that use natural dyes, ensures the treat stays wholesome and delicious.

Why Peppermint Bark is the Perfect Holiday Treat

Making peppermint bark is quick, easy, and doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a double boiler, a sheet pan, and some parchment paper. It’s a budget-friendly way to create something that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet candy shop. Plus the options are endless, use milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or a blend.

Common Questions About This Peppermint Bark Recipe

1. What Chocolate Should I Use?

The best chocolate for peppermint bark depends on your taste. Dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate provide a rich base layer, while white chocolate chips make the top layer visually stunning and creamy.

2. How Do I Get the Perfect Chocolate Layers?

To create clean, distinct layers of chocolate:

• Melt your bottom layer of dark chocolate or milk chocolate in the double boiler. (You could use a microwave, but we don’t have one in our house and when I did try it, I found it burned so easily.)
• Spread it evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper using an offset spatula, then allow it to cool to room temperature before adding the top layer of melted white chocolate.

3. Can I Customize the Flavor?

Absolutely! You can use peppermint extract or natural peppermint flavor for a burst of freshness. For a unique twist, sprinkle in crushed potato chips, organic cashews, or even vegetable concentrate for color.

4. How Do I Store Peppermint Bark?

To store peppermint bark in perfect condition, use a glass airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze in the freezer to preserve freshness for longer periods. Avoid using products with high moisture content, like corn syrup, which can cause the candy to soften.

And after you make this recipe, try out my other favorite: English Toffee. It’s another super easy candy to whip together! Or, give my homemade hot cocoa mix a go!

Peppermint Bark Recipe

erynwhalen

This easy peppermint bark recipe combines layers of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate, topped with crunchy candy cane pieces for the ultimate holiday treat! Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a festive dessert, this recipe is simple to make and customizable for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Additional Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Uncategorized

Cuisine American

Servings 20 pieces

Calories 174 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup crushed candy cane pieces

Instructions

 

• Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  
  Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler stirring until smooth. Spread evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet to create the bottom layer. Let it cool to room temperature.
  
  Melt the white chocolate pieces. Pour over the hardened dark chocolate to form the top layer.
  
  Sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces over the white chocolate layer while it’s still soft.
• Let the layers set for at least 2-3 days if shipping or 1 hour in the refrigerator for immediate gifting.

Notes

Chocolate Quality Matters: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate. Avoid chocolate chips for the bottom layer as they often contain stabilizers that can affect melting. Opt for baking chocolate bars or direct trade-certified options like organic cacao beans or dark stone ground chocolate.

Avoid Overheating Chocolate: When melting chocolate, use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Overheating can cause the chocolate to seize or become grainy.

Peppermint Flavor Options: You can use peppermint extract, peppermint oil, or natural peppermint flavor. Be cautious with peppermint oil—it’s very concentrated, so start with just a few drops.

Crushing Candy Canes: To avoid a sticky mess, place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Layer Separation Tip: Let the bottom chocolate layer set at room temperature (not in the fridge) before adding the top layer. This helps the layers adhere better.

Storage Tips: Store peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the freezer for longer. If freezing, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Keyword candy, desserts, holiday

Holiday Gifting Tips

Peppermint bark pairs beautifully with other classic American desserts, like fudge or Christmas cookies. Wrap the bark in festive parchment paper or tuck it into mason jars for a cozy presentation.

This peppermint bark recipe is more than just a dessert, it’s a piece of holiday joy you can share with those you love. Make it for your family or including it in a holiday gift basket. This recipe is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy peppermint bark? Let me know in the comments. Or, share your creations by tagging me on Instagram—I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life! Want to learn more about me and my love for homemade, from-scratch treats? Check out my About Me page and join me in creating a cozy, purposeful holiday season.

Share away friends!