**Peppermint bark**, a traditional Christmas candy, is a delightful confection made from layers of white chocolate and dark chocolate, infused with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. Its origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, and it has since become a beloved holiday treat, enjoyed by people of all ages. This versatile candy can be customized with various toppings and flavorings, making it a fun and creative project for home cooks.
This article presents a collection of the best peppermint bark recipes, each offering a unique twist on the classic. From the simplicity of the **basic peppermint bark** to the indulgence of the **dark chocolate peppermint bark with sea salt**, there's a recipe here to satisfy every palate. For those who prefer a vegan option, the **vegan peppermint bark** is a delicious plant-based alternative. The **Candy Cane Peppermint Bark** adds a festive touch with crushed candy canes, while the **Peppermint Bark with White Chocolate Ganache** takes decadence to the next level.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes provide clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, peppermint bark is a showstopping treat that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and let's embark on a journey to create the best peppermint bark you've ever tasted!
ALMOST-FAMOUS PEPPERMINT BARK
Execs at Williams-Sonoma were just trying to build up their food-gifts selection when they started selling peppermint bark in 1999. Little did they know that they'd created a monster: The candy quickly gained a cult following. Fans are known to stake out stores for months until the stuff hits shelves in the fall. (It tends to sell out before Christmas.) And food bloggers have been trying to knock off the recipe for years. Food Network Kitchens gave it a whirl and came up with this near-perfect copy.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h45m
Yield About 2 pounds of bark
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming.
- Put all but 3/4 cup of the semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and stir until one-third of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate, if needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside at room temperature until almost set, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; pour over the semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle immediately with the crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. Lift the bark out of the pan using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
PEPPERMINT BARK
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a food processor. Pulse on/off several times for 5 to 10 seconds each, until the canes have been crushed into small pieces.
- Alternately, place the candy canes in a large zip-close bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to roll/smash the candy canes until they are the size you desire.
- Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with smooth aluminum foil.
- Melt or temper the dark chocolate.
- Pour the chocolate onto the prepared cookie sheet and use an offset spatula or knife to spread it to an even thickness, a little more than 1/8-inch thick. The chocolate does not have to reach all sides of the sheet, as it will be broken up later anyhow.
- Place the tray in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the white chocolate.
- While the dark chocolate hardens, melt or temper the white chocolate.
- Stir in most of the candy cane bits, reserving about a quarter of the mixture to put on top.
- Remove the tray from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate in an even layer over the dark chocolate.
- While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces over the entire surface evenly. Press down very lightly to ensure they stick.
- Place the tray back in the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes.
- Once the peppermint bark is completely set, break into small, uneven pieces by hand. Serve immediately or bring to your annual Christmas cookie swap and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 209 kcal, Carbohydrate 27 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 22 mg, Sugar 22 g, Fat 11 g, ServingSize 1 1/2 lbs (20 servings), UnsaturatedFat 0 g
PEPPERMINT BARK
Milk chocolate and white chocolate make this a sweet treat for anyone. Great for the holidays and care packages.
Provided by grhmcrkr613
Categories Desserts Chocolate Dessert Recipes White Chocolate
Time 1h40m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Spread 1/3 of the peppermint candy over a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with wax paper.
- Melt the milk chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, just until melted. Pour the melted chocolate over peppermint candy in the prepared pan. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the candy on top of the milk chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
- Melt the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Stir in the oil-based peppermint flavoring. Pour the white chocolate over the milk chocolate, then spread the remaining 1/3 peppermint candy on top.
- Refrigerate until the white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Cut or break into pieces to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.7 calories, Carbohydrate 40.9 g, Cholesterol 12.9 mg, Fat 18.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Sodium 45.3 mg, Sugar 37.2 g
PEPPERMINT BARK RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: mini candy canes, chocolate chips, peppermint extract, white chocolate chip
Provided by Katie Aubin
Categories Desserts
Yield 15 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place the mini candy canes in a zip top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small chunks. Transfer to a medium bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate chips. Pour onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula. Freeze for 5 minutes.
- Take the pan out of the freezer and pour the melted white chocolate over the chocolate, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the crushed mini candy canes over the white chocolate.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Remove the bark from the freezer and break into pieces.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 531 calories, Carbohydrate 74 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 5 grams, Sugar 57 grams
LAYERED PEPPERMINT BARK
I never liked peppermint bark until I tried this recipe. The soft ganache center contrasts perfectly with the crunchy peppermints.
Provided by carol
Categories Desserts Chocolate Dessert Recipes White Chocolate
Time 1h25m
Yield 32
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Line a 9x12 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Melt half of the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Spread the white chocolate into the prepared pan. Sprinkle 1/4 of the crushed peppermints evenly over white chocolate. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate, heavy cream, and peppermint extract together in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until just melted. Quickly pour the chocolate layer over the chilled white chocolate layer; spread evenly. Chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the remaining white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until just melted. Spread quickly over the chilled bark. Sprinkle with the remaining peppermint pieces; chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Cut or break into small pieces to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.5 calories, Carbohydrate 28.7 g, Cholesterol 7.9 mg, Fat 9.5 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 22.7 mg, Sugar 22.9 g
5-INGREDIENT PEPPERMINT BARK
This layered peppermint bark is a delectable blend of semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint. Semisweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate can be used.
Provided by Andrea
Categories Desserts Candy Recipes Mints
Time 2h30m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Lightly grease a 9x9 inch pan and line with waxed paper, smoothing out wrinkles; set aside.
- Place the semisweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of the canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract.
- Pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan, and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermints over the chocolate layer. Refrigerate until completely hardened, about 1 hour.
- Place the white chocolate and the remaining 1 teaspoon canola oil in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. When the chocolate is melted, stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.
- Pour the white chocolate directly over the semisweet chocolate layer; spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy over the top and gently press in. Refrigerate until completely hardened. Remove from pan; break into small pieces to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 190.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.3 g, Cholesterol 2.4 mg, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 17.2 mg, Sugar 23.3 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. A semisweet or bittersweet chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60% is ideal.
- Make sure the chocolate is tempered before dipping the candy canes. This will help the chocolate to set smoothly and evenly.
- If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the chocolate to see if it is tempered by dipping a spoon into the chocolate and then placing it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. If the chocolate sets quickly and smoothly, it is tempered.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize and become unusable.
- If you are using a microwave to melt the chocolate, do so in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the chocolate from burning.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper before pouring the chocolate onto it. This will make it easier to remove the bark from the pan.
- Refrigerate the bark for at least 30 minutes before breaking it into pieces.
Conclusion:
Peppermint bark is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for the holidays. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and minty treat that everyone will love.
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