Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bark
Indulge in the delightful layers of our Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bark! This mouthwatering treat combines creamy white and rich bittersweet chocolate, accented with crunchy peppermint candies, making it a perfect holiday treat or a delightful gift for friends and family. Ideal for any special occasion, this bark is easy to prepare and is sure to impress with its striking presentation and delicious flavor. Share your holiday spirit with each sweet piece!
36
Servings
117
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
White chocolate
17 ounces (finely chopped)
Red and white hard peppermint candies
30 (coarsely crushed)
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate
7 ounces (chopped)
Whipping cream
6 tablespoons
Peppermint extract
3/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your workspace: turn a large baking sheet bottom side up, cover it with aluminum foil, and mark a rectangle measuring 12x9 inches on the foil using a pencil or pen.
2
In a double boiler or a heat-safe metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stir the finely chopped white chocolate until melted and smooth. Use a candy thermometer to check that it reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the heat.
3
Pour 2/3 cup of the melted white chocolate onto the marked rectangle on the foil. Use an icing spatula to spread it evenly to fill the rectangle and create a smooth base.
4
Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup of the crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate layer. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes or until set.
5
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate, whipping cream, and peppermint extract. Stir continuously until everything is just melted and combined. Remove from heat and let cool until it is barely lukewarm.
6
Pour the cooled bittersweet chocolate mixture over the set white chocolate layer, using the spatula to smooth it out evenly. Chill again for 25 minutes.
7
Rewarm the remaining white chocolate and, working quickly, pour it over the firm bittersweet chocolate layer. Use the spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
8
Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies over the top the spread white chocolate layer.
9
Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 25 minutes to set completely.
10
Once set, carefully lift the foil off of the baking sheet. Cut the bark into 2-inch wide strips crosswise, then cut each strip into 3 sections and further cut those crosswise to create bite-sized pieces.
11
Store the pieces wrapped in parchment or in an airtight container, refrigerating until ready to serve or gift.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
13g
Carbs
0.83g
Protein
11
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bark?
Festive Peppermint Chocolate Bark is a holiday treat made of layered white and bittersweet chocolate, topped with crushed peppermint candies.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 36 servings.
What types of chocolate are required for this bark?
You will need 17 ounces of finely chopped white chocolate and 7 ounces of chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate.
How do I prepare the peppermint candies?
You should use about 30 red and white hard peppermint candies and coarsely crush them before starting.
What temperature should the white chocolate reach when melting?
The melted white chocolate should reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit before being removed from the heat.
How big should the chocolate rectangle be?
The recipe suggests marking a rectangle measuring 12x9 inches on aluminum foil as a guide for spreading the chocolate.
How do I make the dark chocolate layer?
Combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate, whipping cream, and peppermint extract in a saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and combined.
How much peppermint extract is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
Does this recipe require baking?
No, this is a no-bake candy recipe that relies on melting chocolate and chilling it in the refrigerator.
How long does the first white chocolate layer need to chill?
The base white chocolate layer should chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes or until set.
How long does the bittersweet chocolate layer need to chill?
The bittersweet chocolate layer needs to chill for 25 minutes before adding the final layer.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 117 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of the peppermint bark?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How much sugar is in each piece of bark?
There are 11 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the best way to melt the white chocolate?
Use a double boiler or a heat-safe metal bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
Can I use semisweet chocolate instead of bittersweet?
Yes, the recipe allows for either bittersweet or semisweet chocolate to be used for the middle layer.
How should I cut the finished bark?
Cut the bark into 2-inch wide strips crosswise, then cut those into 3 sections and further into bite-sized pieces.
How should the peppermint bark be stored?
Store the pieces wrapped in parchment or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is there any protein in this dessert?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 0.83 grams of protein.
What tools are recommended for spreading the chocolate?
An icing spatula is recommended for spreading the chocolate layers evenly across the foil.
How do I prevent the bittersweet chocolate from melting the bottom layer?
Ensure the bittersweet chocolate mixture has cooled until it is barely lukewarm before pouring it over the set white chocolate.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, you should cover the bottom of an upside-down baking sheet with aluminum foil instead.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 ingredients: white chocolate, peppermint candies, bittersweet chocolate, whipping cream, and peppermint extract.
Is this a good recipe for gifting?
Yes, it is specifically described as a delightful gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
How much whipping cream is needed?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of whipping cream.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing the workspace by marking a 12x9 inch rectangle on aluminum foil over a baking sheet.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
When do I add the remaining crushed peppermint candies?
The remaining candies are sprinkled over the final top layer of white chocolate before the final chill.
How long is the final refrigeration period?
The bark needs to return to the refrigerator for a final 25 minutes to set completely.
Can I use a different color of peppermint candy?
The recipe specifies red and white hard peppermint candies for a festive look, but other hard peppermint candies could be substituted.