The Daily Plate

Peppermint Bark

The holiday candy that launched a thousand tins: snappy dark chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and a blizzard of crushed candy cane on top. Four ingredients, no baking, and it shatters into gorgeous red-white shards that look stunning in gift bags. As festive — and as easy — as our ghost s'mores dip.

Peppermint bark shards — dark and white chocolate layers with crushed candy cane — on a dark surface
Prep time15 min
Cook time0 min
Total1 hr
Yield24 pieces
CuisineAmerican
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🧺Ingredients

  • 12 oz dark or semisweet chocolate chips
  • 12 oz white chocolate chips (good quality)
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil, divided (optional, for glossier layers)
  • 6-8 candy canes, crushed
  • Festive sprinkles (optional)

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. Melt and spread the dark layer. Microwave the dark chocolate with half the coconut oil (if using) in 30-second bursts, stirring, until smooth. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Chill briefly. Refrigerate 12-15 minutes — just until firm to the touch, not rock-hard, so the layers bond.
  3. Add the white layer. Melt the white chocolate with the remaining coconut oil the same way; stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla, and salt. Spread over the dark layer to the edges.
  4. Top and set. Immediately shower with crushed candy canes and sprinkles, pressing lightly so they stick. Refrigerate 30 minutes until fully set.
  5. Break and serve. Lift the parchment and break the bark into rustic shards. Store airtight in a cool spot.

💡 Bark smarts

Use a good-quality white chocolate — cheap white chips can be waxy and refuse to melt smoothly. Don't let the dark layer set rock-hard before adding the white layer, or the two can separate. Crush candy canes in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for perfect shards without the mess.

❓Common questions

Why did my layers separate?

The dark layer was too cold and hard when the white layer went on. Chill it only until firm to the touch — about 12-15 minutes.

Can I add peppermint extract to both layers?

Stick to the white layer only. Adding extract to dark chocolate risks seizing it, and one layer carries plenty of mint flavor.

How long does peppermint bark keep?

Up to 3 weeks in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. Refrigerate if your kitchen runs warm.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Yes — the classic is dark + white, but milk chocolate makes a sweeter, kid-friendlier bark.

Peppermint bark shards — dark and white chocolate layers with crushed candy cane — on a dark surface
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