Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe (Holiday Candy)

Every year when the holidays roll around, one of my go-to desserts is this peppermint bark recipe. It’s festive, ridiculously easy to make, and brings that classic chocolate-and-peppermint flavor everyone loves. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to pull this off, just a few good ingredients and a little bit of time.

I remember the first time I made this holiday candy recipe for friends. I layered silky white chocolate over rich dark chocolate, topped it with crushed candy canes, and broke it into rustic shards once it set. Everyone raved about how it looked straight out of a fancy confectionery, but it couldn’t have been simpler.

This Christmas peppermint bark is perfect for gifting or serving at a holiday party. Each bite is a balance of cool mint and creamy chocolate, the kind of flavor that instantly tastes like Christmas. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead treat during the busy season.

If you’re new to making candy, don’t worry. This easy peppermint bark is foolproof and requires no special tools or skills. Just melt, layer, and chill, that’s it. It’s one of those recipes that feels impressive but takes almost no effort at all.

For me, the joy of creating homemade holiday treats like this isn’t just about the taste. It’s about the memories of giving them away, wrapping them up in cellophane bags, tying them with ribbon, and sharing a little sweetness with friends and family. That’s what makes this recipe truly special.

What You’ll Need To Make Peppermint Bark Recipe

1. Dark Chocolate

• Choose good-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate (around 60–70% cacao).
• Acts as the rich, slightly bitter base that balances the sweetness.
• Chop it finely to ensure smooth, even melting.

2. White Chocolate

• Provides a creamy, sweet contrast to the dark layer.
• Always use real white chocolate with cocoa butter, not candy melts, for the best flavor.
• Melt it gently to prevent seizing.

3. Peppermint Extract

• Enhances the flavor of the candy canes.
• Adds that signature cool, refreshing holiday taste.
• A little goes a long way, use sparingly.

4. Crushed Candy Canes

• The star topping that gives a festive crunch and pop of color.
• You can crush them using a rolling pin or food processor.
• Sprinkle generously while the chocolate is still soft for them to stick.

5. Vegetable Oil or Coconut Oil

• Helps the chocolate layers set smoothly without cracking.
• Adds a slight shine to the bark.
• Especially helpful for melting dark chocolate evenly.

6. Sea Salt

• Just a touch to balance the sweetness.
• Enhances both the chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Quick Tips for the Best Peppermint Bark Recipe

• Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor of your bark depends on it.
• Avoid overheating: Melt chocolate slowly to prevent seizing.
• Keep layers balanced: Make sure both chocolate layers are even for a better snap.
• Add toppings quickly: Sprinkle crushed candy canes before the top layer sets.
• Store properly: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place or refrigerator.
• Gift it: Wrap pieces in clear bags tied with festive ribbon for easy holiday gifting.

Equipment for Making the Best Peppermint Bark Recipe

1. Baking Sheet

• Provides a flat surface for spreading your bark evenly.

2. Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat

• Prevents sticking and helps with easy removal after chilling.

3. Heatproof Mixing Bowls

• For melting chocolate safely over a double boiler or in the microwave.

4. Double Boiler or Saucepan

• Gently melts chocolate without scorching it.

5. Offset Spatula

• Helps spread each chocolate layer smoothly.

6. Rolling Pin or Food Processor

• Crushes candy canes into the perfect size for sprinkling.

7. Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Ensures consistent results and flavor balance.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Bark Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: No baking, no fussm, just melt, layer, and chill.
2. Perfect for Gifting: Beautiful, homemade, and affordable, wrap it in cellophane for the ultimate edible holiday gift.
3. Festively Beautiful: The contrast of white and dark chocolate with crushed candy canes looks like Christmas snowflakes.
4. Customizable: Add crushed Oreos, nuts, or festive sprinkles if you want to make it your own.
5. Make Ahead Friendly: Stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer for weeks.
6. Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone from kids to adults loves this combination of mint and chocolate.
7. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that support heart health.
8. Peppermint aids digestion and provides a refreshing aroma.
9. Moderation keeps this dessert as part of a balanced holiday indulgence.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about making your own easy peppermint bark recipe during the holidays. It brings family together in the kitchen, fills your home with cheerful peppermint aroma, and adds a beautiful touch to your Christmas dessert spread. Whether you’re making it for a party, a gift, or just because, it’s a holiday tradition worth keeping. With only a few ingredients and no oven required, this holiday candy recipe proves that sometimes, the simplest recipes create the sweetest memories.

So, grab your candy canes, melt that chocolate, and let the magic of peppermint bark sweeten your holiday season!

✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.

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Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe (Holiday Candy)

This easy peppermint bark recipe is a no-bake holiday candy classic made with rich dark chocolate, smooth white chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. It’s the perfect Christmas peppermint bark for dessert tables, edible gifts, or cozy nights by the fire. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate homemade holiday treat for your festive celebrations.

Delicious

Author: Lia Agbor Cooking Method: No-Bake Cuisine: American Courses: Desert Recipe Keys: Gluten Free Low Sodium Quick Meals Vegan

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Prep Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 40  C Servings: 12 Calories: 190

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 12 oz Dark Chocolate (high-quality, chopped or chips)
• 12 oz White Chocolate (high-quality, chopped or chips)
• 1 tsp Peppermint Extract (pure, not imitation)
• ½ cup Crushed Candy Canes (or peppermint candies, finely crushed)
• 1 tbsp Coconut Oil (optional, for smoother chocolate texture)
• Parchment Paper (for lining the baking sheet)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet

   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
   • This prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the bark out once chilled.
   
   Mark as complete

1. Melt the Dark Chocolate

   • Using a double boiler (or a microwave in short bursts), melt the chopped dark chocolate with ½ teaspoon of oil.
   • Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Pour onto the prepared sheet and spread into a thin, even layer, about ¼ inch thick.
   
   Mark as complete

1. Chill the Dark Chocolate Layer

   • Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, just until the chocolate begins to set but isn’t rock-hard.
   Mark as complete

1. Melt the White Chocolate

   • Clean the bowl and repeat the process for the white chocolate.
   • Melt gently with ½ teaspoon of oil, stirring until creamy and smooth.
   • Add the peppermint extract and mix well.
   Mark as complete

1. Pour and Spread the White Chocolate

   • Remove the dark chocolate layer from the fridge.
   • Carefully pour the melted white chocolate on top.
   • Use an offset spatula to gently spread it evenly over the dark chocolate.
   Mark as complete

1. Add the Candy Cane Topping

   • Quickly sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top before the white chocolate sets.
   • Gently press them down so they stick.
   
   Mark as complete

1. Chill and Set

   • Refrigerate the bark for 30–45 minutes, or until completely hardened.
   Mark as complete

1. Break and Serve

   • Once fully set, remove the bark from the pan.
   • Break into rustic pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
   • Serve immediately or store for later use.
   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Serving Size About 2 ounces (a few pieces of bark)

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 190kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 10g16%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 5mg2%

Sodium 40mg2%

Potassium 120mg4%

Total Carbohydrate 24g8%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 20g

Protein 2g4%

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Vitamin A 20 IU

Vitamin C 1 mg

Calcium 30 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin E 0.5 IU

Vitamin K 1 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Melt chocolate slowly and gently, low heat prevents burning.
• Don’t pour the second layer too hot or it will melt the first.
• Work quickly when adding candy canes.
• Store bark flat to avoid breaking unevenly.
• Avoid humid conditions, moisture ruins chocolate texture.
• Use parchment or silicone for a clean, professional finish.