Introduction: Easy 4-Ingredient Peppermint Bark

About: Hello and Welcome to In the Kitchen With Matt. I am your host Matt Taylor. My goal for the show is to teach you how to cook really good food at home for cheap. Eating out everyday can get expensive, but it doe…

In this Instructable, I will show you how to make peppermint bark. This easy homemade peppermint bark recipe only requires 4 ingredients! It is a classic holiday and Christmas candy or dessert recipe here in the United States. If I can do it you can do it. Let's get started!

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Follow the simple steps below or watch the short video tutorial or do both. :)

Step 1: Ingredients and Tools

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chocolate chips, candy melts, bark chocolate (semi-sweet, milk, or dark) doesn't have to be exact
  • 2 1/2 cups white chocolate chips, bark chocolate, candy melts, doesn't have to be exact
  • 1/4 tsp peppermint extract, can use a little more if you like
  • 20 to 22 mini candy canes, crushed, doesn't have to be exact

Tools:

  • Bowls
  • Spoon
  • Spatula, offset spatula works great
  • Baking pan or sheet
  • Parchment paper or a silicone mat

Step 2: Melt and Smooth

Begin by melting the semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate which will be the bottom layer for the peppermint bark. There is also a candy coating called Almond Bark which of course works well too.

Place the chocolate chips, bars, candy melts in a bowl and melt in the microwave on bursts of 30 seconds and then stir, etc, until melted. Or use the double boiler method on the stovetop if you don't want to use a microwave.

Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Smooth out the chocolate until it is pretty thin. Use a spatula or an offset cake spatula. The thicker it is the harder it will be to break apart later.

Place the pan of chocolate in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Take 20 to 22 mini candy canes, and place them in a bag, and then crush them up. I just slam the bag on the counter or use a meat tenderizer to break them.

Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate

When there are about 2 to 3 minutes left on the time for the bottom layer of chocolate, melt the white chocolate using the same technique. Once melted add the peppermint extract and stir until well combined.

Step 4: Pour, Smooth, Chill

Remove the pan of chocolate from the fridge or the freezer and then pour the melted white chocolate on top. Smooth it out like you did the bottom layer. Try and line it up so it matches the bottom as best as possible. Remember to keep the layer fairly thin.

Take the crushed-up candy canes and equally distribute them across the top of the white chocolate.

Place the pan back in the fridge for 45 minutes to an hour or in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: I Love You Peppermint Bark But It Is Time to Break Up.

Once the peppermint bark has set, it is time to break it up. Depending on how thick it is, it may be a little difficult to break but just keep at it. I just tug at the corners until they break.

You can try using a chef knife or meat cleaver as well.

Once broken up, it is time to serve. Enjoy!

Peppermint bark makes a great gift for friends and neighbors.

***Print the recipe here if you like.

Step 6: Video Tutorial