Make this easy peppermint bark for holidays. Just need five things to make three pretty layers of chocolate with candy cane on top. Great for gifts or cookie plates. Simple but looks fancy.
Why Make This
Fun to make, better to eat. Mix white and dark chocolate with bit of mint taste. Put crushed candy canes on top for crunch. No need for mixer or oven. Takes about hour till ready. Kids love helping make it too.
What You Need
- White Chocolate: 12 oz good kind, like Ghirardelli
- Dark Chocolate: 6 oz semi-sweet
- Oil: 1 1/2 spoons regular or coconut
- Peppermint: 1/2 spoon real extract
- Candy Canes: 4-5 crushed up
- Pan: 8 or 9 inch square
- Paper: Wax or parchment for lining
How to Make It
- Fix your pan:
- Put paper in pan. Make smooth, no wrinkles. This helps bark come out easy.
- Melt first chocolate:
- Put half white chocolate, bit oil in bowl. Heat 20 seconds, stir. Keep going till smooth. Add drop peppermint.
- Make first layer:
- Pour in pan. Spread even. Put in fridge 15 minutes till almost hard.
- Melt dark layer:
- Do same thing with dark chocolate and oil. Add tiny bit peppermint. Pour over white layer.
- Chill again:
- Back in fridge 15 minutes. Don't skip - keeps layers pretty.
- Top layer:
- Melt rest of white chocolate with oil. Pour over dark. Spread quick.
- Add candy:
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while chocolate's soft. Press little bit so they stick.
- Let it set:
- Put in fridge hour till hard. If longer, let warm up bit before breaking.
- Break it up:
- Take out of pan. Break in pieces how big you want.
- Keep it good:
- Put in box with lid. Stays fresh 3 weeks in fridge.
Why People Love It
Easy to make but looks real nice. Only need few things from store. White and dark chocolate look pretty together. Great thing to make with kids - they love crushing candy canes. Makes good presents too.
Getting Good Chocolate
Use real chocolate bars, not chips. They melt better. Good brands like Ghirardelli work best. Chips got stuff in them makes them not melt smooth. Can mix dark and semi-sweet if you want. Just don't use cheap white chocolate - gets grainy.
Making Pretty Layers
Let each layer get bit firm but not too hard. About 15 minutes in fridge does it. If too soft, layers mix. If too hard, they don't stick together. Want swirls? Pull knife through top while still soft. Makes nice pattern.
Crushing Candy Canes
Put candy canes in plastic bag. Crush with rolling pin. Make some pieces fine, leave some bigger - looks better. Don't make all powder. Do this step last so candy stays crunchy. Kids love this part but watch for sharp pieces.
Storing It Right
Keeps good few days on counter. Want longer? Put in fridge - lasts 3 weeks. Pack between wax paper so don't stick. Makes nice gifts in clear bags with ribbon. Take out fridge 10 minutes before eating - tastes better not too cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate works great! Makes it less sweet, more grown-up tasting. Just make sure it's good chocolate - cheap stuff won't melt right. 60-70% cocoa works best. Some folks like mixing dark and milk chocolate. Want it really fancy? Use three kinds - dark base, milk middle, white top. Whatever you pick, real chocolate (not coating) works best. Check the label - first ingredient should be cocoa butter.
- How do I keep layers together?
Big tip: Don't let bottom layer get too cold! Should be just firm but still a tiny bit sticky when you add next layer. Some folks scratch the first layer with a fork - gives top layer something to grab. Make sure all chocolate's same temp when you pour. Never put frozen layer on warm chocolate. Patience is key - rushing makes layers pop apart. If they do split, just melt edges with warm hands and press back.
- No peppermint - what else?
Lots of choices! Vanilla makes it like cookies-and-cream. Almond's really good - kinda like biscotti. Orange flavor's nice for Christmas. Some folks like coconut extract with toasted coconut on top. Just use same amount as peppermint called for. Want it plain? Skip extract, top with nuts or dried fruit. Even coffee flavor works! Whatever you pick, start with less - can always add more.
- Can I make it vegan?
Sure! Get vegan chocolate chips - lots of brands now. Use coconut oil instead of any butter. Check candy too - some candy canes have egg whites. Look for naturally colored ones. There's even vegan white chocolate now! Just read labels careful - milk sneaks in weird places. Want it super creamy? Add bit of coconut cream to melted chocolate. Tastes great and no one knows it's vegan!
- How long does it keep?
Three weeks if you store it right! Keep in cool, dry spot in tight box. Put wax paper between layers. Don't need to refrigerate unless house is really warm. Gets better after few days - flavors blend nice. Can freeze too - wrap really good first. Perfect for making way before holidays. Just watch out - candy cane bits might get sticky if air gets in. Metal tins work better than plastic boxes for storing.
Some More Ideas
Like chocolate and mint? Try making chocolate mint mousse - same flavors but fluffy. Or make white chocolate fudge with mint for something rich and creamy.