Learn how to make peppermint bark at home! You only need four ingredients and a baking tray.

stack of peppermint bark pieces on tray next to mini candy cakes and more peppermint bark

My absolute favorite holiday treat is peppermint bark. I love the chocolate peppermint flavor combination—it’s simply the best! Especially when two types of chocolate are involved. If you like dark chocolate and white chocolate together, try this Christmas peppermint cake next.

Why you should make this recipe: It only requires 4 ingredients—dark chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract and candy canes. You can make this recipe in large batches. It makes a great holiday gift for friends and family!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

photo collage demonstrating how to make peppermint bark

Overview: How to make peppermint bark

  1. Melt the dark chocolate and stir in the peppermint extract. Spread melted chocolate on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 20 minutes.
  2. Crush the candy canes and sift through a fine mesh strainer to get rid of tiny pieces. Set aside.
  3. Melt white chocolate. Spread white chocolate over now hardened dark chocolate layer. Immediately add crushed candy cane bits.
  4. Chill bark for 30 minutes or until hardened. Break bark into pieces and enjoy!

Needs tips for melting chocolate? Check out my post on how to melt chocolate.

top of broken peppermint bark pieces showing white chocolate and candy cane pieces

Helpful tips

Peppermint bark is pretty easy to make, but there are a few tips to help you along the way! Use good quality chocolate—it is the star ingredient after all! It is easier to melt good quality chocolate too. I prefer Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate. Make sure the chocolate is chopped into equally-sized pieces before melting.​​​​​​​ The chocolate will melt more evenly and not burn. You can use chocolate chips or Baker’s chocolate.

Be patient. Don’t rush the chilling process. The longer you allow the peppermint bark to set, the less likely it will be for the layers to separate. Bring the chocolate to room temperature before breaking it. This will prevent the peppermint bark from separating when you break it into pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is peppermint bark good for?

Peppermint bark will last at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.

Can you use semisweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate for peppermint bark?

Yes. I suggest good quality chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard.

How to break peppermint bark:

I like to use my hands, but a knife works too. Make sure the chocolate is at room temperature to make this job easier. If using your hands, wear food safe gloves to keep the chocolate from melting.

broken peppermint bark pieces piled on an aluminum baking tray

I hope you loved learning how to make peppermint bark! Be sure to tag @ifyougiveablondeakitchen if you try one of my recipes and I’ll share my favorites on Instagram.​​​​​​​

stack of homemade peppermint bark showing layers of dark chocolate and white chocolate

Get the Recipe: Peppermint Bark

Learn how to make peppermint bark at home! You only need four ingredients and a baking tray.
5 (12 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (12 oz or 340 g) dark chocolate, semisweet works too
  • 2 cups (12 oz or 340 g) white chocolate
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup crushed candy canes,, about 12 minute candy canes

Instructions 

  • Line a quarter sheet pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
  • Place dark chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Melt chocolate on 50% power level for 2 minutes, stopping to stir every 20 seconds until melted. Stir in the peppermint extract, then transfer the melted chocolate to prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate evenly.
  • Place in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.
  • Place white chocolate a microwave safe bowl. Melt chocolate on 50% power level for 2 minutes, stopping to stir every 20 seconds until melted.
  • Take the dark chocolate out of the refrigerator and pour white chocolate on top. Spread evenly and immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Chill bark for 30 minutes.
  • Remove peppermint bark from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before breaking the bark into pieces either using your hands or a sharp knife. Enjoy!

Notes

Chocolate: Use good quality chocolate (it melts more evenly). I prefer Ghirardelli, Guittard or Baker’s Chocolate.
Store peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.
Serving: 1piece, Calories: 187kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 3mg, Sodium: 15mg, Potassium: 163mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 14g, Vitamin A: 11IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 39mg, Iron: 2mg

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