Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate

Introduction

Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate is a holiday classic that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With smooth layers of rich dark chocolate and creamy white chocolate, topped with a festive sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy canes, this sweet treat is the perfect balance of cool mint freshness and indulgent chocolate decadence. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and is perfect for gifting, sharing at parties, or enjoying as a simple seasonal indulgence.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of simplicity and holiday magic. With just a few ingredients, you can create a treat that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and instantly brings festive cheer. The way the rich, slightly bitter dark chocolate balances with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate—and then gets a refreshing crunch from peppermint candy—makes every bite irresistible.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how quick and stress-free it is. During the busy holiday season, it’s wonderful to have a no-bake recipe that comes together in minutes but feels special and indulgent. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up at the last minute for guests, yet it still looks like a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.

I also love how versatile and creative it is—you can keep it classic with simple layers or make it playful by swirling the chocolates together. Plus, breaking it into rustic pieces feels satisfying and makes it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

Peppermint Bark is one of those holiday recipes that everyone looks forward to—and for good reason. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. Effortless Yet Impressive – With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, this recipe delivers a dessert that looks elegant and tastes gourmet without the stress.
2. Perfect Holiday Flavor Combo – The bold richness of dark chocolate, the smooth creaminess of white chocolate, and the cool crunch of peppermint candies come together for a festive bite that feels like Christmas in your mouth.
3. Great for Gifting & Sharing – Whether you pack it in pretty tins, jars, or gift bags, peppermint bark makes a thoughtful and homemade holiday gift. It’s also ideal for cookie exchanges and dessert platters.
4. Customizable & Fun – You can layer, swirl, or decorate however you like, making it as rustic or as fancy as you want. It’s also a fun recipe to make with kids, since they can help sprinkle the candy on top.
5. Keeps Well & Travels Easily – Unlike frosted cookies or cream-based desserts, peppermint bark stores beautifully and is easy to transport, making it perfect for parties and gift-giving.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: About 20 pieces
• Calories per serving: ~190 kcal

Cuisine, Cooking Method & Course

• Cuisine: American (holiday classic)
• Cooking Method: No-bake (melting & chilling)
• Course: Dessert / Candy / Snack

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) dark chocolate (good quality, chopped or chips)
• 12 oz (340 g) white chocolate (good quality, chopped or chips)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Directions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

1. Line a baking sheet (about 9×13 inch) with parchment paper or foil.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate

1. Place dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Melt using a double boiler or in the microwave (20-second intervals, stirring each time).
3. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional).
4. Spread melted dark chocolate evenly onto the prepared pan.
5. Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

1. Melt white chocolate the same way.
2. Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract if desired.
3. Gently spread the melted white chocolate over the firm dark chocolate layer.

Step 4: Add the Peppermint Topping

1. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate layer.
2. Press lightly with a spatula so they stick.

Step 5: Chill and Break

1. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes–1 hour, or until fully set.
2. Remove from pan and break into rustic pieces with your hands or cut with a sharp knife.

How to Serve

• Serve on a holiday dessert platter with cookies and fudge.
• Pack into festive tins, jars, or treat bags for gifts.
• Enjoy as a sweet snack with hot cocoa or coffee.

Additional Tips & Variations

• Swirl Effect: Instead of layering, swirl melted dark and white chocolate together for a marbled look.
• Nutty Bark: Add chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.
• Extra Festive: Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini marshmallows.
• All Dark or All White: Skip the layering and use just one type of chocolate.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week or in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Heatproof mixing bowls
• Microwave or double boiler
• Spatula
• Parchment paper or foil
• Baking sheet

Conclusion

Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate is the ultimate holiday candy—quick, festive, and delicious. With minimal effort, you get a treat that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and spreads holiday cheer. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it at a party, or enjoying it with family, this peppermint bark is a must-have seasonal delight.

Print Recipe

Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate

Author: Emily Clark Courses: Deserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 20 Calories: 190kcal

Description

Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate is a holiday classic that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 12 oz (340 g)
• 12 oz (340 g)
• 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet (about 9x13 inch) with parchment paper or foil.
2. Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate: Place dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt using a double boiler or in the microwave (20-second intervals, stirring each time).Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract (optional).Spread melted dark chocolate evenly onto the prepared pan.Chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes until slightly firm.
3. Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate: Melt white chocolate the same way.Stir in ½ tsp peppermint extract if desired.Gently spread the melted white chocolate over the firm dark chocolate layer.
4. Step 4: Add the Peppermint Topping: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over the white chocolate layer.Press lightly with a spatula so they stick.
5. Step 5: Chill and Break: Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes–1 hour, or until fully set.Remove from pan and break into rustic pieces with your hands or cut with a sharp knife.

Note

Short Note About This Recipe

This Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate is a simple, no-bake holiday classic made with layered chocolates and crushed candy canes. It’s festive, delicious, and perfect for gifting or snacking all season long.

Keywords: Peppermint Bark with Dark and White Chocolate