Save A festive, no-bake dessert featuring crisp layers of chocolate and white chocolate, studded with crushed peppermint candies and served as playful, shareable shards.
This treat quickly became a holiday favorite in our family because it's easy to make and wonderfully festive.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Layers: 200 g (7 oz) good-quality dark chocolate, 200 g (7 oz) good-quality white chocolate
- Peppermint Topping: 8 peppermint candy canes or 120 g (4 oz) hard peppermint candies, crushed, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- Garnish: 20 g (0.7 oz) freeze-dried raspberries, crushed (optional), 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared sheet, spreading it with a spatula into a rough rectangle about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) thick.
- Step 4:
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes until just set but not hard.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate using the same method. If using peppermint extract, stir it in now.
- Step 6:
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate, spreading evenly.
- Step 7:
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies (and optional garnishes) over the white chocolate, pressing lightly so they adhere.
- Step 8:
- Chill again for 20 30 minutes until fully set.
- Step 9:
- Break or cut the bark into irregular shards.
- Step 10:
- Arrange the shards loosely on a large wooden board for serving, allowing guests to help themselves.
Save Our family gathers around this dessert every holiday season to share stories and enjoy the festive flavors together.
Notes
For a dairy-free version use dairy-free chocolate Serve with mugs of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat
Required Tools
Heatproof bowls Saucepan (for double boiler) or microwave Spatula Baking sheet Parchment paper Rolling pin or mallet (for crushing candies)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (unless using dairy-free chocolate) May contain soy (check chocolate labels) Peppermint candies may contain traces of gluten verify if serving to gluten-intolerant guests Manufactured chocolates may contain nuts always read labels
Save This peppermint bark is sure to brighten any holiday gathering with its festive flavor and ease of preparation.
Common recipe questions
- → How do I melt the chocolate properly?
Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- → Can I use dairy-free chocolate?
Yes, substituting dairy-free chocolate will keep the treat suitable for dairy-free diets without affecting texture much.
- → What is the best way to crush peppermint candies?
Place the candies in a sealed bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them into coarse pieces evenly.
- → How long should the layers chill?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes until just set, then chill the final layered board for 20–30 minutes until fully firm.
- → Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely, try toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles to customize flavor and texture.
- → How should the shards be served?
Break into irregular pieces and arrange loosely on a wooden board for a festive, shareable presentation.