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 is one of my favorite holiday treats to share with friends and family. It never lasts long!
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 dessert always brings the family together during the holidays. The kids love picking their favorite shards and sharing stories.
Preparation Tips
Make sure to crush the peppermint candies finely so they stick well to the white chocolate layer and don't fall off easily.
Storage Instructions
Store the shards in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two weeks.
Variations
Try adding toasted nuts or dried cherries for a different festive flavor twist.
Save Enjoy this simple yet delicious peppermint bark with your loved ones and make your holidays sweeter.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the chocolate layers from mixing?
Chill the dark chocolate layer until just set before pouring the white chocolate on top. This helps keep distinct layers without blending.
- → Can I use candy alternatives for the peppermint topping?
Yes, crushed hard peppermint candies work well, or you can try other crushed festive candies or nuts for a different texture and flavor.
- → What’s the best method to melt the chocolate?
Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid overheating and ensure smooth melting.
- → How long should the bark be chilled before breaking?
Chilling for 20 to 30 minutes after layering is ideal to allow the chocolate to set firmly, making it easier to break into shards.
- → Can this treat be made dairy-free?
Yes, substituting dairy-free chocolate ensures suitability for dairy-free diets while maintaining rich flavor and texture.