Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark (Printable Version)
Layers of rich dark chocolate combined with cool peppermint for a festive holiday snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chocolate Layer
01 - 14 oz high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped or chips
02 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
→ Peppermint Topping
03 - 6 peppermint candy canes or hard peppermint candies, crushed
# How to Make It:
01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
02 - Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of barely simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
03 - Stir the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate until evenly combined.
04 - Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly into a roughly 9x12-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
05 - Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the chocolate layer.
06 - Gently press the peppermint pieces into the chocolate using the back of a spoon or your hands to adhere.
07 - Refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the bark is firm and completely set.
08 - Once firm, break the bark into serving-sized pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret when you offer that perfect balance between cool peppermint and indulgent dark chocolate
- This recipe quickly became my favorite because it is so easy to make yet looks and tastes impressive
02 -
- Make sure the chocolate is fully melted and smooth before adding the peppermint extract for an even flavor
- Pressing the peppermint candies gently helps them stay on the bark and adds a satisfying texture
03 -
- Use a good quality dark chocolate as this affects both flavor and texture significantly
- The secret to glossy bark is gentle, even melting and avoiding overheating the chocolate