Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bark 🍫 – Festive No-Bake Holiday Treat Kids Will Love
A peppermint-infused no-bakes candy that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Perfect for quick holiday gifting or family fun!
This easy chocolate peppermint bark is the ultimate holiday solution! No oven, no stress – just two layers of melted chocolate, loads of peppermint flavor, and the satisfying crunch you expect from traditional candy. Kids love breaking it into pieces, while adults appreciate the rich chocolate base. Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for adding festive cheer to your dessert table or gift basket.
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, this bark makes a great make-ahead treat. Whether you’re hosting families with young kids or curating a holiday snack table, this bark is as festive as it is simple. The peppermint adds a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, or even just milk and cookies for the kids!
The best part? No special equipment is needed – no candy thermometer, no tempering required. Just melt, layer, and set, then break off pieces as you’d like. The dual chocolate layers and peppermint candies create a delightful texture contrast, while the peppermint extract adds a subtle, refreshing kick. Feel free to customize with crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or nuts for extra flair!
This recipe doubles as an elegant holiday gift when packaged in mason jars or festive cellophane bags. It also makes a great addition to Christmas cookie platters when paired with traditional gingerbread cookies or spiced shortbread. Read on to discover how easy it is to transform a few pantry staples into a professional-looking candy masterpiece.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Easy No-Bake Solution
Eliminates the need for an oven or candy-warming tools, making it possible to make this holiday candy even if other kitchen appliances are occupied.
💰 Kid-Friendly Friendly Recipe
Perfect for family baking sessions with small hands. Kids love the tactile experience of breaking off pieces and the familiar peppermint flavor.
👥 Perfect for Gifting
Versatile for packaging into mason jars, cellophane bags tied with holiday bows, or gift baskets for neighbors and friends.
🌟 Customizable Flavor
Add crushed candy canes, festive sprinkles, or even a touch of cinnamon for creative variations that match your holiday decorations.
Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe
A quick holiday candy perfect for kids and gifting!
🛒 Ingredients
- - 12 oz dark chocolate chips
- - 8 oz white chocolate chips
- - 1 tsp peppermint extract
- - ⅔ cup crushed peppermint candies
- - Optional: crushed candy canes or other mix-ins
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare & Melt Dark Chocolate: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gentle simmering water, melt dark chocolate until smooth. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract.
💡 Use a double boiler technique to avoid burning.
Layer & Add Color: Remove from heat. Let cool slightly (a few minutes), then spread half the mixture into the pan, covering bottom and sides slightly. Sprinkle half the crushed peppermint candies over this layer, gently pressing them into the chocolate.
💡 For extra flavor, add peppermint candies on top of white chocolate layer as well.
White Chocolate Layer: Melt white chocolate separately using same method. Spread over dark chocolate layer, again leaving ½ inch of space around edges to allow for expansion. Sprinkle remaining crushed peppermint candies and optional mix-ins like crushed oreos or nuts.
💡 Use a spatula to smooth white chocolate for neater presentation.
Set & Serve: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks. Best served at room temperature.
💡 For cleaner breaks, use a large knife dipped in warm water between pieces.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Dark Chocolate Chips
Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 50% cacao for the best flavor and texture. Regular baking chocolate will work, but couverture chocolate produces a more professional finish.
Substitutions: Can use semisweet chocolate baking squares cut into chips.
White Chocolate Chips
Look for white chocolate with vanilla flavoring rather than artificial vanilla to maintain true chocolate character. High-quality white chocolate melts more evenly.
Substitutions: Can substitute milk chocolate, but flavor will shift slightly.
Peppermint Extract
Available in most grocery stores' baking aisle. You can also use crushed candy canes, but extract provides a more balanced flavor. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Substitutions: Optional for a chocolate-only version.
Peppermint Candies
Crush using a rolling pin or food processor for even texture. Consider adding crushed candy canes or other festive candies for extra holiday spirit!
Substitutions: Crushed gingerbread or sprinkles work equally well.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Bark
❄️ Chocolate Consistency
For smooth spreading, melt chocolate until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon - around 140°F (60°C). Avoid overheating which can cause separation.
🍵 Storage Tips
Store in a heatproof container at room temperature for 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Avoid temperature changes that may cause bloom (white coating on chocolate).
🌿 Flavor Variations
Try cinnamon extract with caramel drizzle, or orange zest with white chocolate. For kids, sprinkle edible glitter or holiday sprinkles.
🎁 Gifting Ideas
Gift in mason jars tied with red ribbon, or divide into mini candy cups for cookie exchange parties. Add festive labels for holiday gifting.
Variations & Customizations
Peppermint + Vanilla
Swap peppermint extract for vanilla to create a classic chocolate bark. Add crushed peppermint candies on top for a subtle mint flavor.
Candy Cane Crunch
Replace peppermint candies with crushed candy canes for a traditional candy bar version. Add a drizzle of candy cane syrup for extra festive flair.
Nutty Delight
Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the white chocolate layer for a crunchy texture. Add sea salt flakes on top for a sweet-and-salty twist.
Spiced Chocolate
Mix cinnamon and nutmeg with the dark chocolate for a spiced holiday bark. Pair with crushed gingersnaps or shortbread cookies for a cozy flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Steaming mugs of peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream with crushed candy canes on top (affogato style)
- Mini gingerbread men cookies and spiced apple cider for Thanksgiving
🍷 Drink Pairings:
The rich dark chocolate pairs beautifully with a smooth merlot or stout beer. For non-alcoholic options, try pairing with coffee or a peppermint-spiced latte.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare up to 2 days in advance in an airtight container. Refrigerated bark maintains quality up to 3 weeks. Wrap individual pieces in parchment for easier gifting.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Allow 30 minutes at room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
Freezer Storage
Freeze in single layers on parchment paper until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Frozen bark maintains quality for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
This candy does not require reheating as it's best at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to prevent separation or texture changes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Chocolate won’t melt smoothly
A: Try using indirect heat - melt in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler) rather than direct flame. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to help emulsify.
Q: How do I prevent the bark from sticking?
A: Always line your pan with parchment paper before adding chocolate. Lightly greasing the paper with coconut oil can help if your chocolate contains nuts or crunchy mix-ins.
Q: Can I make this without peppermint extract?
A: Yes! Simply omit the peppermint extract and use crushed candy canes throughout. For a chocolate-only version, skip all peppermint additives but add festive sprinkles for holiday cheer.
Q: How do I get cleaner breaks in the bark?
A: Place your cutting knife in warm water for 10 seconds between breaks to prevent sticking. For even pieces, use a ruler to measure the baking dish before cutting diagonally.
Final Thoughts
This easy chocolate peppermint bark is more than just a holiday candy - it's a versatile treat that brings joy to young and old alike. With just two types of chocolate and some festive toppings, you can create professional-looking candy without any special equipment.
Whether you're looking for a quick Thanksgiving addition, a kid-friendly snack, or elegant gifting option, this bark delivers both flavor and holiday cheer. The combination of rich chocolate and peppermint provides an inviting taste that works with coffee, hot cocoa, or on its own. So gather your ingredients, pour the chocolate, and let this festive treat become your new holiday tradition!
