Best 6 Shortcut Peppermint Bark Recipes

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Indulge in the festive spirit with our delectable Peppermint Bark, a classic holiday treat that combines the refreshing flavors of peppermint and rich chocolate. This simple yet elegant confection is perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying as a sweet treat. With two irresistible variations - the Classic Peppermint Bark and the Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Bark with Sea Salt - this recipe offers a delightful twist on the traditional favorite.

The first variation stays true to the classic recipe, with layers of white and dark chocolate enrobing a crushed peppermint candy filling. The second variation adds a touch of sophistication with a dark chocolate coating, drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt for an irresistible sweet-salty combination. Both variations promise an explosion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

ALMOST-FAMOUS PEPPERMINT BARK



Almost-Famous Peppermint Bark image

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

12 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 pound good-quality white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
3 candy canes or 12 round hard peppermint candies, crushed

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 COOKIES



Peppermint Bark Cookies image

The combination of white peppermint bark atop a chocolate cookie base equals the ultimate holiday treat. This big-batch recipe is ideal for cookie swaps, festive parties or even wrapping up as gifts. It is also easy enough for baking with the whole family. Instead of forming individual cookies, you break the giant sheet into pieces, just like you would with traditional bark.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 3h25m

Yield 2 to 3 dozen cookies

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process)
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound good-quality white chocolate, roughly chopped
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
20 soft peppermint candies, crushed

Steps:

  • For the chocolate cookies: Cut two 13-by-18 pieces of parchment. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated, about 2 minutes more.
  • Place a sheet of parchment on a work surface. Transfer the dough to the parchment and cover with another sheet of parchment. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into an even layer that reaches the edges of the parchment. Slide the parchment and dough onto a 13-by-18-inch rimmed baking sheet and freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
  • Remove the top parchment from the dough and bake until firm and no longer shiny, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and cool completely.
  • For the peppermint bark: Put all but 1 cup of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering 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 saucepan over low heat. Gradually stir the reserved 1 cup white chocolate into the bowl, a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted; return the bowl to the saucepan for 5 to 10 seconds at a time as needed. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt all the chocolate.
  • Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir the peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour over the cooled cookie base and spread in an even layer with a rubber spatula or small offset spatula.
  • Sprinkle immediately with the peppermint candies, gently pressing the pieces into the white chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.
  • Lift the bark cookie out of the baking sheet using the parchment and break it into pieces.

PEPPERMINT BARK



Peppermint Bark image

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

30 crushed peppermint hard candies, divided
1 ½ pounds milk chocolate candy, coarsely chopped
1 ½ pounds white chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon oil-based peppermint flavoring, or to taste

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

5-INGREDIENT PEPPERMINT BARK



5-Ingredient Peppermint Bark image

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

8 ounces high-quality semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
2 teaspoons canola oil, divided
½ teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
8 ounces high-quality white chocolate, broken into pieces
25 peppermint candies, crushed

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

PEPPERMINT BARK



Peppermint Bark image

You have two choices when it comes to peppermint bark: If you'd like your bark to be shiny and snappy at room temperature, you must temper the chocolate. The process isn't complicated, but you'll need an instant-read thermometer and a bit of patience. But you can also leave tempering to the professionals and make the bark without tempering: Simply microwave both chocolates until melted, assemble the bark as instructed then transfer it to the fridge to harden. You may encounter a bit of condensation and melting when you serve it, but it will still taste great. Be sure to use good-quality bar chocolate instead of chips for more reliable results and better flavor. Look for oil-based peppermint extract, as the water in alcohol-based extracts can cause the chocolate to seize.

Provided by Samantha Seneviratne

Categories     snack, dessert

Time 5h

Yield About 1 1/2 pounds

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 pound/455 grams good-quality semisweet chocolate (not chips), chopped
8 ounces/225 grams good-quality white chocolate (not chips), chopped
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon oil-based peppermint extract, such as Simply Organic brand
1/2 cup/75 grams crushed candy canes

Steps:

  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Set 12 ounces/340 grams semisweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 5- to 25-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until it is melted and the temperature registers between 114 degrees and 118 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Chocolate burns easily in the microwave, so go slowly. Try fewer seconds as the temperature starts getting close so that you don't overshoot the mark. (If you're a few degrees over, just keeping stirring the chocolate until it cools to the proper temperature.)
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and gradually stir in the remaining 4 ounces/115 grams semisweet chocolate until the temperature has come down to 88 to 89 degrees. (After a bit of practice you can actually see and feel the chocolate fall into temper. It takes on a slightly looser quality and becomes shinier. Be patient, this can take up to 10 to 12 minutes with some chocolate.) Now quickly pour the chocolate out onto the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Let the chocolate stand at room temperature until the layer has set, about 1 hour. (You can also refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.)
  • Now set 6 ounces/170 grams white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it in 5- to 25-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until it is melted and the temperature registers between 105 degrees and 110 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and gradually stir in the remaining 2 ounces/55 grams white chocolate until the temperature has come down to about 85 degrees. Quickly stir in the peppermint extract. Drizzle the white chocolate mixture evenly over the semisweet chocolate. Immediately sprinkle with the candy cane.
  • Let stand at room temperature until completely set, about 4 hours. To serve, break into pieces. Refrigerate leftover pieces as necessary.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 313, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 22 milligrams, Sugar 35 grams

PEPPERMINT BARK RECIPE BY TASTY



Peppermint Bark Recipe by Tasty image

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

25 mini candy canes
4 cups chocolate chips
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
3 cups white chocolate chip

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

Tips:

  • For a smoother bark, use a food processor to finely chop the chocolate.
  • If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the chocolate for readiness by dropping a small amount into a glass of cold water. If the chocolate hardens immediately, it is ready.
  • To make the bark even more festive, you can add other holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
  • If you are using a microwave to melt the chocolate, be sure to do so in short increments, stirring in between, to prevent the chocolate from burning.
  • If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or even a greased baking sheet.

Conclusion:

Shortcut Peppermint Bark is a delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat that is perfect for gift-giving or enjoying yourself. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a festive and flavorful bark that will be the hit of any party. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy holiday treat, give this recipe a try.

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