Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe

When the holidays roll around, one treat I absolutely can’t resist is peppermint bark. This Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe is a classic for a reason — it’s creamy, minty, and just melts in your mouth. I always find that making it at home feels more festive, and it’s perfect for gifting or just indulging while wrapped up in a cozy blanket.

What I love about this Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe is how simple it is to throw together, even if you’re pressed for time or new to candy-making. Plus, you get that beautiful contrast of silky white chocolate and rich dark chocolate with crunchy crushed candy canes sprinkled on top. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to holiday sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but work perfectly together — the combination of white and dark chocolate with peppermint and candy canes gives you that classic flavor and texture. When buying chocolate, look for good-quality bars that melt smoothly to make your bark extra silky.

• White chocolate: Choose a good quality white chocolate bar or chips for a smooth melt; avoid wafers since they can be waxy.
• Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate: I like bittersweet because it balances the sweetness of the white chocolate nicely, but semi-sweet works too.
• Vegetable oil or coconut oil: A little oil helps the chocolate melt evenly and adds shine — coconut oil also gives a subtle tropical twist.
• Peppermint extract: Use pure peppermint extract for that fresh, holiday mint flavor. You’ll get just the right amount without overpowering.
• Candy canes: Crush them yourself to keep pieces varied — some fine for texture, some larger bits for that satisfying crunch.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to make it your own — whether that means switching up the chocolate or adding your favorite toppings.

• Dark chocolate only: I sometimes skip the white chocolate and make a dark chocolate bark with peppermint—perfect if you prefer something less sweet.
• White chocolate with crushed ginger snaps: I tried adding crushed ginger cookies once, and it gave a lovely spicy twist to the peppermint bark.
• Vegan or dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil to create a vegan-friendly version that still tastes indulgent.

How to Make Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Candy Canes and Line Your Pan

Start by crushing your candy canes. I like to put them in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin so you get a mix of fine bits and larger pieces. Next, line a baking sheet or narrow pan with parchment paper — this helps the bark release easily when it’s set.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with half a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Microwave in short bursts (about 20-30 seconds), stirring in between until smooth. Be careful not to overheat it — chocolate burns easily and then gets grainy.

Step 3: Add Peppermint Extract and Spread the Dark Chocolate

Once melted, stir in half a teaspoon of peppermint extract. Pour the mixture onto your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes so it can firm up just a bit before you add the white chocolate layer.

Step 4: Melt the White Chocolate

While the dark chocolate chills, melt the white chocolate with the remaining 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil using the same microwave technique. Stir frequently to keep it smooth and glossy. Once melted, add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract for that refreshing mint pop.

Step 5: Layer and Sprinkle Candy Canes

Pour the white chocolate over the firmed dark chocolate layer and spread it evenly. Immediately sprinkle your crushed candy canes across the top and gently press down to ensure they stick. This is the best part — you want to catch the candy canes right as the white chocolate is soft.

Step 6: Chill and Break into Pieces

Pop the whole thing back into the fridge for at least 1 hour until fully set. When ready, lift the parchment paper out and break the bark into irregular pieces. I like to keep some bigger chunks for sharing and smaller bits for snacking!

How to Serve Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the crushed candy canes speak for themselves. But if you want to dress it up, a light dusting of edible glitter or a few whole mini candy canes makes it extra festive and gift-worthy.

Side Dishes

This peppermint bark pairs wonderfully with a mug of hot cocoa or even alongside a cheese platter at a holiday party — the peppermint and chocolate cut through rich cheeses in a surprisingly good way!

Creative Ways to Present

I love wrapping individual pieces in cellophane and tying with a red ribbon to give as little gifts. Another favorite is layering bark pieces in a clear jar with festive ribbons for a beautiful holiday present. It’s so easy yet looks so elegant.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature — it stays fresh for up to two weeks, which is perfect if you want to keep some for yourself after gifting the rest!

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen peppermint bark by placing pieces in a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temp for 30 minutes. The texture stays just as delightful as when fresh.

Reheating

Since this is a candy bark, I don’t recommend reheating — just enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Christmas Peppermint Bark Recipe is one that always brings back such warm memories of holiday baking sessions with my family. It’s simple, indulgent, and has that perfect festive crunch that makes everyone smile. I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, so treat yourself this season — it’s a sweet way to spread holiday cheer.

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