Peppermint Bark: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat

Ingredients

High-quality white chocolate: This is the star of the show, so don't skimp on quality! Look for a brand known for its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor. White chocolate chips or a chopped bar will work.

Semisweet or dark chocolate: This adds a contrasting layer of flavor and a beautiful visual effect. Again, quality matters! Choose a chocolate you enjoy eating on its own.

Pure peppermint extract: A little goes a long way! Start with a teaspoon and add more to taste. Remember, the peppermint flavor intensifies as it sits.

Crushed candy canes: This adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor. You can crush them by hand or pulse them in a food processor.

Optional additions: Get creative! Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors, a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a pop of color and tartness, or even a handful of chopped toasted pecans for a nutty crunch.

Melt chocolate

Melting chocolate can be a little tricky, but don't worry, it's totally doable! The key is to avoid overheating, which can cause the chocolate to

Spread chocolate thin

The key to achieving that satisfying snap and clean break in your peppermint bark is to make sure the chocolate layer is nice and thin. Tempering your chocolate properly will help it set up hard and crisp. Once tempered, pour the chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate in an even layer. Don't worry about getting it perfectly smooth – a little texture is fine. Remember, the thinner the chocolate, the more pronounced the peppermint crunch!

Add peppermint extract

Peppermint extract is the secret ingredient to achieving that iconic, refreshing peppermint flavor in your bark. Once your white chocolate is fully melted and smooth, it's time to add the peppermint extract. The amount you use can be adjusted to your liking. Start with a teaspoon and mix it thoroughly into the melted white chocolate.

Take a small spoonful of the mixture and let it cool slightly before tasting. Remember, the peppermint flavor intensifies as it cools. If you prefer a stronger peppermint kick, add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of extract at a time, mixing well and tasting after each addition until you reach your desired level of minty goodness.

Pour white chocolate

Once the dark chocolate layer has completely set, it's time for the star of the show: the white chocolate peppermint bark layer! Melt your white chocolate using your preferred method, whether it's a double boiler or carefully using the microwave in short bursts. Remember, white chocolate is a bit more finicky than dark chocolate and can burn easily, so low and slow is the key. Once your white chocolate is completely smooth and melted, stir in a teaspoon or two of peppermint extract. Start with less and add more to your liking, remembering that the peppermint flavor will intensify as it cools.

Now, pour this heavenly white chocolate mixture over your cooled dark chocolate layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the white chocolate evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners and edges. Don't worry about being perfect; a little rustic charm adds to the peppermint bark's appeal. Now, for the fun part: sprinkling! While the white chocolate is still wet, generously sprinkle your crushed peppermint candies over the top. You can use as much or as little as you like, depending on your desired level of peppermint crunch.

Feature	Homemade Peppermint Bark	Store-Bought Peppermint Bark
Cost	$10-15 (depending on ingredients)	$15-25
Time Commitment	~1 hour (including prep and cooling)	5-10 minutes to purchase
Customization Options	Highly customizable (chocolate type, peppermint amount, toppings)	Limited to available varieties

Cool bark completely

Once your peppermint bark has had ample time to chill and solidify in the refrigerator, it's time for the grand finale: breaking it into delectable, shareable pieces. This is where the "bark" in peppermint bark truly comes into play.

Remove the bark from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it slightly less brittle and easier to break without shattering. Don't let it warm up too much, or you'll risk smudging your beautiful layers.

There are a couple of ways you can achieve the perfect bark-like shards. For a rustic look, simply use your hands to break the bark into irregular pieces. If you prefer a more uniform appearance, score the bark before chilling. Use a sharp knife and a ruler to lightly mark lines across the surface of the chocolate, creating your desired size and shape. Once the bark is firm, use the scored lines as a guide to break it apart cleanly.

And there you have it! Your peppermint bark is now ready to be devoured. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and flavor.

Break into pieces

Once your peppermint bark has completely cooled and hardened, it's time for the fun part – breaking it into pieces! This is where your creativity can shine. There's no right or wrong way to do it, and each method creates a unique look for your festive treat.

For a rustic, bark-like appearance, simply use your hands to break the hardened bark into uneven shards. Don't worry about making them perfect – the charm lies in the imperfections!

If you prefer a more polished look, you can use a sharp chef's knife. Carefully score the bark into your desired shapes – squares, rectangles, or even triangles – before breaking it apart along the scored lines.

For a touch of elegance, use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes like stars, trees, or snowmen from the hardened bark. This method is especially fun if you're involving kids in the kitchen.

No matter which method you choose, remember to handle the peppermint bark gently to avoid cracking it in unwanted places. Once you've broken it into pieces, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.