I absolutely love making this easy peppermint white chocolate bark during the holidays!
It’s become a go-to when a quick treat that still impresses everyone is needed.
The process is incredibly simple. Just melt some white chocolate, add peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
The combination of smooth, creamy chocolate with that refreshing mint crunch is irresistible!
A secret trick exists for getting the perfect thickness and crack.
This approach makes homemade versions stand out from store-bought options…
Ingredients
Recommended Tools
- Heatproof Mixing Bowl:Essential for melting your white chocolate safely over simmering water without burning it.
- Baking Sheet:Provides the perfect flat surface for spreading your chocolate mixture into an even layer.
- Parchment Paper:Lines your baking sheet so the finished bark releases easily without sticking.
- Silicone Spatula:Helps stir the chocolate as it melts and spread it evenly onto the parchment paper.
- Food Processor:Makes quick work of crushing peppermint candies or candy canes into the perfect-sized pieces.
- Airtight Container:Keeps your finished bark fresh for up to two weeks without absorbing other flavors from your fridge.
Instructions for Easy Peppermint White Chocolate Bark
Let’s make this festive treat together! First, grab some parchment paper and line a baking sheet with it – this will prevent your bark from sticking later.
Now for the fun part! Take your 24 ounces of white chocolate and melt it in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. This creates a gentle double boiler that helps prevent the white chocolate from burning (trust me, burned white chocolate is NOT the holiday flavor we’re going for!).
Stir continuously until your chocolate transforms into a smooth, silky pool of deliciousness.
Once melted, pull the bowl off the heat and quickly stir in ¾ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Don’t go overboard here – peppermint extract is potent stuff!
Pour your minty white chocolate mixture onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer. Work fast before it starts setting!
While still warm, sprinkle 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes over the top. The heat from the chocolate will help them stick.
Now comes the hardest part – waiting! Let your bark cool completely at room temperature, or pop it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours if you’re in a hurry.
When it’s totally firm, break your creation into irregular pieces. The cracking sound is so satisfying!
Store your peppermint bark in an airtight container, where it’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks – if it lasts that long!
Pro Tips
For perfectly clean edges when breaking your peppermint bark, score the chocolate with a sharp knife while it’s still slightly soft but not completely set (about 30 minutes after pouring),
then break along those lines once fully hardened for professional-looking pieces.
Substitutions & Variations
This Easy Peppermint White Chocolate Bark serves as a perfect canvas for delicious twists that maintain the festive charm while introducing exciting new flavors.
- Dark Chocolate Base: Replace white chocolate with dark chocolate or create a marbled effect by swirling both white and dark chocolates together before adding peppermint toppings.
- Layered Bark: Pour a layer of melted dark chocolate first, let set slightly, then add the white chocolate peppermint layer on top for a striking two-tone effect.
- Holiday Sprinkle Mix: Substitute half the crushed peppermint with festive sprinkles, chopped nuts or colored sugar for a more playful appearance.
- Cookies and Cream: Mix in 1/2 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the white chocolate for a cookies-and-cream peppermint variation.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop teaspoons of warm peanut butter onto the melted white chocolate and swirl with a toothpick before adding crushed peppermints.
- Salty Sweet: Sprinkle sea salt flakes along with the peppermint pieces for a sophisticated sweet-salty balance that enhances the flavor profile.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
Three simple storage techniques will keep your peppermint bark fresh and delicious long after the holiday baking frenzy ends.
Store your bark in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Keep it in a cool, dry place (not the fridge!) for up to two weeks.
For longer freshness, freeze Easy Peppermint White Chocolate Bark in sealed containers for up to three months!
Try Tonight!
Easy Peppermint <strong>White Chocolate</strong> Bark
A festive holiday treat combining smooth white chocolate with refreshing peppermint candy.
- 24 oz white chocolate
- ¾ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract.
- Pour the chocolate evenly onto the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top.
- Let cool at room temperature or refrigerate until hardened (1-2 hours).
- Break into pieces to serve.
