Learn how to make a peppermint bark recipe easy with dark chocolate and white chocolate. This quick candy recipe is sure to be a hit at your next party. It also makes a delicious homemade gift for friends, family, teachers, or coworkers.
I never used to be a fan of white chocolate. The first time I had it was in a candy bar, and I just didn't care for it. So I didn't eat it again for several years.
Then I got a kit for a peppermint bark with white chocolate and peppermint pieces. I made it for a party figuring the guests would like it and I wouldn't have to waste the kit.
Then I tried a piece. Angels started singing. And I was converted.
Now peppermint bark with dark chocolate and white chocolate or just white chocolate is my favorite holiday treat.
I'm especially obsessed with white chocolate in hot drinks too. I love it with pumpkin in the fall. In the winter, I use white chocolate peppermint coffee creamer.
If you're looking for a peppermint bark recipe easy, look no further. Even if you've never melted chocolate before, I promise you that you can make this recipe for peppermint bark candy!
Peppermint Bark Recipe Easy
How Do You Make Peppermint Bark From Scratch?
Making peppermint bark from scratch is so easy! You'll need chocolate and peppermint bits. You can use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a combination of two of them.
You just need to melt the chocolate, pour it, and top with candy pieces. Easy!
How Long Will Peppermint Bark Keep?
This recipe for peppermint bark candy will keep for about two weeks. Use an airtight container and store it on the counter.
If it's warm and it could melt, store it in the fridge. Just let it warm for a few hours before serving.
Will Peppermint Extract Seize Chocolate?
Peppermint extract will not seize chocolate if you use an alcohol based extract. The extracts that you get at the grocery store are alcohol based, so you can use them in this peppermint bark recipe easy.
I use McCormick Pure peppermint extract. It has a true peppermint flavor and has a strong flavor.
The Best Chocolate for Peppermint Bark
I've made this peppermint bark recipe easy with both milk chocolate and white chocolate and with just white chocolate.
You can also use dark chocolate in place of the milk chocolate. For the purpose of this post, I will just say dark chocolate, but you can always use milk chocolate if you prefer.
For the best peppermint bark recipe, it's important to choose the right chocolate. A good chocolate will melt better and solidify better.
A higher quality chocolate has a higher percentage of cocoa butter. A lower quality chocolate uses cheaper oils, usually a vegetable oil.
Because of the differences in the fats, a high quality chocolate melts at a lower temperature and is smoother when it sets up again after heating. It will also snap when you break it into bark pieces.
A higher quality chocolate will be a little more expensive, but it shouldn't be crazy expensive or hard to find. It will make this peppermint bark recipe easy taste better, so it's worth it to get the better stuff.
I have melted chocolate chips for peppermint bark and other recipe, but I really recommend getting a higher quality chocolate.
If you do use chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate, you can add 2 teaspoons of coconut oil per pound of chocolate chips. Use refined coconut oil so it doesn't affect the flavor of your chocolate.
Merckens Chocolate Wafers
For milk chocolate or dark chocolate I really like Merckens wafers. They are made specifically for melting and making candy or this recipe for peppermint bark candy. The thin wafers have a lot of surface area to the volume, so they melt quick.
They are higher in cocoa butter than chocolate chips, so they will be smooth and shiny when you heat them and pour them into a mold.
Personally, I think that Ghiradelli or even Nestle has a better chocolate flavor. However, those brands are best used for a chocolate drizzle or for making chocolate chip cookies. The peppermint and white chocolate give plenty of flavor for this peppermint bark recipe easy.
Ghiradelli White Chocolate
White chocolate isn't a true chocolate, so it has different rules. I use either wafers from the bulk store or Ghiradelli white chocolate chips. Ghiradelli is made with real vanilla extract, so they have a wonderful flavor.
Both melt, pour, and solidify very well. If you want to use a colored white chocolate, I recommend buying colored wafers and using those.
How to Melt Chocolate
You can melt your chocolate for this recipe for peppermint bark candy in a double boiler, in the microwave, or in a chocolate melter. Personally, I do not have luck using the microwave. I've burnt too much chocolate and just prefer the other methods.
My favorite way to melt chocolate is with the Wilton chocolate melting pot. It's so easy to use; just put chocolate in the silicone pot, turn it on, and let it melt. I give it a stir every few minutes to help it melt evenly.
I also have a divided silicone pot for my melter. I can melt two colors at once. However, the sections are pretty small. If you are making a big batch of peppermint bark recipe with dark chocolate and white chocolate, then you may want to melt each one individually.
You can also use an Instant Pot as a double boiler to melt chocolate.
How to Melt Chocolate in the Microwave
Again, this is not my preferred way to melt chocolate. If you do use this method, be patient and keep a close eye on it. Chocolate can burn in the microwave.
Place your chocolate in a glass bowl and heat for 20 to 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each interval.
The chocolate can burn quick, so stir for a good 10 to 20 seconds after each interval. This helps melt the chunks and lets the chocolate cool slightly for the next burst.
How to Melt Chocolate in a Double Boiler
I use this method or the melting pot method below. Simply fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and heat over low heat until the chocolate is melted.
This does take a while, so plan accordingly because this recipe for peppermint bark candy can take a while to make.
You can also use a glass bowl inside of a pan of water. Just make sure the glass bowl is not resting on the bottom of the pan. You can also get a double boiler that fits inside most pans.
Do not use a lid with a double boiler. The lid can collect water droplets from the water and drop them into the chocolate, which can cause it to seize.
How to Melt Chocolate in a Wilton Chocolate Melting Pot
I got Dakota the Wilton melting pot a few years ago, and it was definitely a good investment. You just put the chocolate into the silicone bowl in the pot and turn it on. Then stir every few minutes as it heats so it melts evenly.
The insert is silicone, so clean up is easy. Just let the chocolate harden, pop it out for storage, and then wash the insert.
I also picked up a sectioned insert so I can melt two kinds of chocolate at the same time.
Tips for Melting Chocolate
Moisture is the enemy of chocolate. Don't let any water, including food coloring, into your chocolate when it's melted. Water will make your chocolate turn into a lumpy mess. Be careful that the spoon you use to stir it is completely dry.
Be careful not to overheat your chocolate. You want to completely melt it. Stir it often to encourage it to melt quicker. Once it's melted, remove from heat.
For more fun recipes, check out these posts:
- Magical Unicorn Hot Chocolate Stirrers
- How to Make Chocolate Shot Glasses
- Apple Donut Holes Recipe
- Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe
- Canned Biscuit Donut Recipe
- One Bowl Basic Banana Bread Recipe
- Easy Rice Pudding Recipe
- St. Patrick's Day Bark Recipe
Peppermint Bark Recipe Easy Ingredients
- 16 ounces white chocolate
- 12 ounces milk chocolate or dark chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
- 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy bits
Peppermint Bark Recipe Easy Directions
Step #1
Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in a chocolate melter. Spread in a 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper. Stick it in the fridge for 15 minutes to set up.
Step #2
While the dark chocolate is setting up, melt the white chocolate. When it's melted, add peppermint extract and stir well. Pour over the dark chocolate.
Step #3
Top with peppermint candy bits. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to set up. Break into pieces and store in an air tight container.
You might also like my melting snowman sugar cookie recipe or my peppermint hot cocoa bombs.
I hope you like this peppermint bark recipe with white and dark chocolate!
Peppermint Bark Recipe With Dark Chocolate and White Chocolate
Ingredients
- 16 ounces white chocolate
- 12 ounces milk chocolate or dark chocolate
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
- 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy bits
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in a chocolate melter. Spread in a 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper. Stick it in the fridge for 15 minutes to set up.
- While the dark chocolate is setting up, melt the white chocolate. When it's melted, add peppermint extract and stir well. Pour over the dark chocolate.
- Top with peppermint candy bits. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes to set up. Break into pieces and store in an air tight container.
Calories
280.42Fat (grams)
15.97Sat. Fat (grams)
9.77Carbs (grams)
31.44Fiber (grams)
1.00Net carbs
30.44Sugar (grams)
29.01Protein (grams)
3.42Sodium (milligrams)
43.41Cholesterol (grams)
10.99
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