Introduction

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holiday season. Combining rich dark chocolate with the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress your friends and family.

A close-up shows a piece of dark chocolate bark held between the thumb and forefinger of a woman's hand. The bark is unevenly shaped, with a smooth, glossy dark brown surface covered with broken white and red peppermint candy pieces scattered thickly on top. In the background, more pieces of the chocolate bark rest on a white marbled surface with a soft red cloth beneath it, out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 regular-sized candy canes
9 oz dark chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Line a half sheet pan with a silpat mat or parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Place the candy canes in a large ziplock bag. Lay the bag on a kitchen towel and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush the candy canes. Keep the bag on the towel to prevent mess if it tears. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes and set them aside for topping.
Step 3: Transfer the remaining crushed candy canes to a medium bowl along with the dark chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth (about 1.5 to 2 minutes total).
Step 4: Stir in the peppermint extract, if using, then pour the chocolate mixture onto the prepared pan. Spread it evenly. To help the chocolate settle evenly, lift the pan and gently shake it back and forth.
Step 5: Sprinkle the reserved crushed candy canes evenly over the top. Refrigerate the pan until the chocolate sets, about 20 minutes.
Step 6: Once set, break the bark into pieces. Serve immediately or package in gift bags with ribbons. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother melt, chop the chocolate chips before microwaving.
Use white chocolate or milk chocolate for a sweeter variation.
To add extra texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts along with the crushed candy canes.
If you don’t have a meat mallet, use the bottom of a heavy pan to crush the candy canes.

Storage

Store peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps it crisp and fresh. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid storing in warm areas to prevent melting.

How to Serve

A woman's hand holding a clear plastic bag tied with an orange ribbon, filled with dark chocolate bark pieces scattered with white and red peppermint candy bits on top. Behind, more dark chocolate bark with peppermint bits rests on a white marbled surface covered by a dark red cloth, and a glass jar with a red and white striped straw is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a double boiler instead of a microwave to melt the chocolate?

Yes. Melting chocolate gently over a double boiler prevents burning and provides better control over texture. Stir constantly until smooth.

Is peppermint extract necessary?

No, it’s optional. The candy canes add peppermint flavor, but adding extract enhances the minty taste for those who prefer a stronger peppermint flavor.

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

Print Recipe

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This Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark is a festive, easy-to-make holiday treat featuring rich dark chocolate blended with crushed peppermint candy canes for a refreshing minty crunch. Perfect as a gift or a sweet snack, it combines smooth chocolate with vibrant peppermint flavor and a delightful texture contrast.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

6 regular-sized candy canes
9 oz dark chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)

Instructions

Prep: Line a half sheet pan with a Silpat mat or parchment paper and set it aside for later use.
Crush Candy Canes: Place the 6 candy canes into a large ziplock bag. Lay the bag on a kitchen towel and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush the candy canes into small pieces, keeping the towel under the bag to prevent spills in case the bag tears. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of the crushed candy canes and set them aside for topping.
Melt Chocolate: Put the dark chocolate chips into a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them in 30-second increments, stirring well between each until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted—this should take about 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes total.
Combine & Spread: Immediately stir the remaining crushed candy canes and peppermint extract (if using) into the melted chocolate until evenly incorporated. Pour the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer. Gently shake the pan back and forth to help the mixture settle uniformly.
Add Topping & Chill: Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of crushed candy canes evenly over the top of the chocolate layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened.
Break & Serve: Once set, break the peppermint bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a knife. Serve immediately or package in gift bags with a ribbon for giving. Store any leftovers refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Using a Silpat mat or parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bark off the pan once set.
Microwaving times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage; stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate.
The peppermint extract is optional but adds an extra layer of minty flavor—feel free to omit if desired.
Keep the bark stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
For a different twist, try using white chocolate or a mixture of milk and dark chocolate.

Keywords: dark chocolate peppermint bark, holiday treat, peppermint bark recipe, festive dessert, chocolate candy bark, easy holiday candy