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.
This recipe became a holiday favorite in my family because everyone enjoys the easy no-bake preparation and the festive look it brings to our dessert table
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 This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, with everyone enjoying breaking and sharing the peppermint bark shards
Variations
Try adding toasted nuts or dried cherries to the topping for added texture and flavor
Storage Tips
Store the peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mugs of hot chocolate or coffee for a perfect cozy treat
Save This peppermint bark is the perfect finishing touch to your holiday dessert spread and always delights guests
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What’s the best method to melt chocolate for layering?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- → Can I substitute peppermint candies with other toppings?
Yes, toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles offer tasty alternatives to crushed peppermint candies.
- → How do I prevent the layers from mixing together?
Chill the dark chocolate layer until just set before pouring on the white chocolate to maintain distinct layers.
- → Is there a dairy-free option for this treat?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate varieties to keep it suitable for dairy-sensitive diets without compromising texture.
- → How long should the layered chocolate chill before breaking?
Chill the layered confection for 20–30 minutes until fully set to allow clean, crisp shards when broken.