A beloved holiday confection that’s simplicity itself to prepare, combining rich dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, refreshing peppermint, and festive crushed candy canes. It’s perfect for gifting!
The joy of embracing each new season is a treasured experience. As my blog becomes increasingly filled with holiday treats, I’m delighted to see that you’re also indulging in the festive spirit! As the sweet aroma of freshly baked Christmas cookies wafts through the air, I am instantly transported back to cherished moments spent baking alongside my loved ones – a tradition I’m eager to continue with Olivia as she grows older.
Until this holiday season, peppermint bark remained an enigma, a festive staple that materialized at gatherings without my having attempted to create it myself. In fact, creating this delightful treat requires surprisingly little effort. With only four essential ingredients and a modicum of waiting time as each layer sets, you can create a delightful and shareable treat perfect for the occasion. A sweet and festive treat that’s sure to bring joy to your loved ones: peppermint bark makes a thoughtful and indulgent homemade gift for friends and family. Packed with precision, this treat is ready for enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- And, indeed, peppermint bark is the quintessential holiday confection that adds a pop of festive flair to any dessert spread.
- With a mere handful of effortless ingredients, you’ll be treated to a sublime, artisanal delight that rivals the finest chocolate confections.
- Create a treat that’s not only delicious but also allergy-friendly – consider making it dairy-free, vegan, and adding fun mix-ins like crushed cookies or sprinkles to take it to the next level.
- Present your treats in charming holiday containers or wraps, and you’ll have a thoughtful, effortless gift that’s sure to delight everyone on your list.
- Children will delight in assisting to crunch the candy canes and carefully layering the chocolate – making this an ideal recipe for fostering quality time with loved ones.
Peppermint Bark Ingredients
- Select a rich and velvety dark chocolate bar or premium dark chocolate chips as the foundation. You’re welcome to substitute with your preferred dark chocolate baking chips, just as I rely on Lily’s for their rich flavor.
- Feel free to substitute Lily’s white chocolate baking chips with your preferred brand when making the white chocolate layer. Carefully consider using high-quality chocolate that doesn’t contain palm oil, as this could potentially cause the delicate layers to deteriorate and become disintegrated.
- A small amount is all that’s needed to infuse the chocolate with its signature fresh and invigorating minty zest.
- crushed to add a festive crunch and a burst of vibrant red and white hues.
What a simple yet delightful treat!
Melt the rich, velvety dark chocolate using one of the two straightforward methods outlined below. Ensure you don’t overheat the chocolate. Gently incorporate 0.5 milliliters of high-quality peppermint essence into the mixture.
Gently pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, ensuring a uniform layer by smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for approximately thirty minutes.
To pulverize candy canes, you can either feed them into a food processor or seal them within a freezer bag and crush using the weight of a rolling pin or the flat base of a drinking glass.
As soon as the dark chocolate has fully hardened, carefully melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in short increments in the microwave. As the mixture begins to simmer, stir in the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Stream the velvety white chocolate over the rich, dark chocolate, allowing them to meld together in a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Smooth the mixture evenly across the surface using the rounded edge of the spoon.
Gently sprinkle crushed candy cane onto the surface and carefully press it down with a light touch using your palms. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for an additional 30-60 minutes. Formed to a satisfactory level of firmness, divide into manageable portions and present as desired.
Brittany’s Tips!
- Crush the candy canes using a rolling pin within a zip-top bag to create a sweet and festive topping for your holiday treats. Keeping clutter at bay has never been more enjoyable.
- As soon as the chocolate layers are fully melted and evenly spread, promptly top with your desired toppings to ensure optimal adhesion before the chocolate has a chance to solidify.
- Let the bark set and harden completely either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Breaking this process into smaller, manageable chunks makes it easier to focus on one task at a time and ensure each piece is completed efficiently.
How to Store
Store peppermint bark in a dark and cool environment to maintain its freshness. This food should remain fresh for approximately 7 to 10 days at room temperature in a cool kitchen, and potentially extend its shelf life up to three weeks when stored in the refrigerator or freezer. When storing barks in the refrigerator or freezer, remember to remove them from their cold storage about 5-10 minutes prior to consumption, as the chocolate can become extremely hardened by the chill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mastering the art of melting chocolate is a crucial step in achieving the perfect treat. If you heat your chocolate to extremely high temperatures, the risk of ending up with a burnt or rock-hard final product increases significantly. Don’t heat it too little, or you’ll end up with chocolate chip chunks scattered throughout! Options to consider for the project.
I melt my chocolate quickly and conveniently using the microwave. Heating the chocolate in short increments of about 30 seconds each allows for precise temperature control and prevents overheating. Stir thoroughly after each pause, then discontinue consumption once the chocolate has fully liquefied and achieved a velvety consistency. The cooking time may vary between one to three minutes, contingent upon the specific microwave you are utilizing.
Using a double boiler provides a foolproof method for melting chocolate without risking scorching. Without a double boiler, create your own makeshift setup by filling a pot with water, then placing a heat-proof bowl on top. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and carefully melt the chocolate in the upper bowl, stirring every so often to ensure even melting.
While candy canes may not be a staple in a balanced diet, there are certain factors to consider when selecting a more wholesome alternative. While shopping for candy canes, I prioritize finding organic, allergen-friendly options that eschew artificial colors and high-fructose corn syrup. Yum Earth’s candy canes meet expectations and are a tasty treat!
While I’ve successfully prepared this recipe numerous times, some individuals have encountered difficulties with the chocolate layers becoming separated. To minimize the likelihood of this issue recurring, consider implementing these two straightforward measures: To achieve optimal results, begin by scoring the bark immediately prior to the top layer setting, allowing for a smoother and more precise cutting process. Allowing the chilled peppermint bark to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes prior to cutting or breaking it into pieces can make a significant difference in its texture and appearance.
More Holiday Treats to Try
Discover your new favorite holiday treats by visiting our comprehensive selection of healthy Christmas cookies exclusively on EBF.
