Name: Peppermint Bark
Yield: 16

The best Peppermint Bark Recipe, made with three types of chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint for the ultimate holiday treat everyone will beg you to make.

author’s note

This straightforward Peppermint Bark Is My Christmas Party Trick!

Every December growing up, my mom and I spent entire weekends baking. Carmelitas, 7 Layer Bars, and anything buttery and sweet always made our list. But peppermint bark was usually the one thing we bought instead of made. The fancy store-bought stuff was our shortcut treat.

Fast forward to my own kitchen. Once my boys got old enough to help, candy making became a fun December tradition. They love turtles. It is satisfying to anything toffee. And last year I decided it was time to skip the store-bought peppermint bark and finally create a from-scratch version that tasted even better.

Once I figured out the right mix of chocolate and the method for getting clean, glossy layers, it instantly became our first treat of the season. My boys love smashing the peppermint. It is satisfying to how straightforward it is. And every year since, a batch of peppermint bark marks the real start of Christmas in our home.

from-scratch bark lets you decide the chocolate blend, adjust the peppermint flavor, and break the pieces as large or small as you want. Nothing compares to from-scratch.

Ingredient shot-- images of the chocolate bars used in this recipe

Peppermint Bark Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient	Notes
Candy Canes	Double bag before crushing to avoid tearing.
White Chocolate	Use baking bars instead of chips for smoother melting.
Chocolate	Use dark, semi sweet, or milk. Save a little to mix in after melting for a glossy finish.
Vegetable or Coconut Oil	Helps keep the chocolate smooth and straightforward to pour.
Peppermint Extract	Start small and adjust to your liking.

Process shots of Peppermint Bark-- images of the peppermint candy canes being crushed

How To Crush Peppermint

Before making this peppermint bark recipe, crush the peppermint!

You can use candy canes or hard peppermint candies, but aim for small chunks, not powder.
Put the unwrapped candies in a strong plastic bag (use two bags to stop tearing), seal out the air, and smash them with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Skip blenders or food processors—they make candy too fine.

Quick Tip

Try some other favorite peppermint goodies like Peppermint Bark Pretzels, Peppermint Muddy Buddies, and Peppermint Bark Cookies!

Process shots-- images of the chocolate being melted and added to the prepared pan

How To Make Peppermint Bark Recipe

Crush Peppermint: Break candy canes or peppermint candies into small pieces.
Melt Chocolate: Gently melt semi-sweet and white chocolate with a little oil.
Layer: Spread the first chocolate, pour the white chocolate on top, and sprinkle peppermint pieces.
Set: Let it cool and harden, then break into chunks.

Process shots of Peppermint Bark-- images of the white chocolate being melted and spread over the chocolate layer

Tips For Success

Melt most of the chocolate, then mix in some unmelted pieces to cool it down and keep it smooth and shiny.
Use strong, microwave-safe bowls (skip plastic or melamine).
Heat in 15-second bursts, stirring for 15 seconds in between to avoid burning. Chocolate keeps melting from leftover heat—don’t overheat!

Quick Tip

Melting the chocolate slowly and stirring often keeps it smooth and streak-free. Adding a bit of unmelted chocolate at the end cools it down and helps it set firm at room temp.

Process shots-- images of the peppermint sprinkled over the Peppermint Bark

Storage

This Peppermint Bark Recipe is best enjoyed within two weeks if stored properly. Keep it in a tightly closed container in a cool, dark spot at room temperature. No need to refrigerate.