Save to Pinterest A festive, no-bake dessert featuring crisp layers of chocolate and white chocolate, studded with crushed peppermint candies and served as playful, shareable shards.
I enjoy preparing this dessert during the holidays because it is quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser with its crisp texture and refreshing peppermint flavor
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 to Pinterest My family loves gathering around to break the peppermint bark into shards and share it during our holiday celebrations
Notes
For a dairy-free version use dairy-free chocolate Vary the toppings with toasted nuts dried cherries or festive sprinkles 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 to Pinterest This peppermint bark shard recipe is a festive and easy dessert that’s sure to delight your guests with its crisp texture and refreshing peppermint flavor
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I melt chocolate without burning it?
Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwaving in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth to avoid burning.
- → Can I use dairy-free chocolate in this dessert?
Yes, substituting dairy-free chocolate keeps it suitable for dairy restrictions while maintaining texture and flavor.
- → How long should I chill the layers to set properly?
Chill the dark chocolate layer for about 10 minutes until firm but not hard, then after topping with white chocolate and candies, chill for 20-30 minutes until fully set.
- → What alternatives can I use for peppermint candies?
Try toasted nuts, dried cherries, or festive sprinkles to vary texture and flavors while maintaining a festive feel.
- → How can I serve the peppermint bark attractively?
Break the set bark into irregular shards and arrange them loosely on a wooden board for a playful, shareable presentation.
- → Is peppermint extract necessary?
While optional, adding peppermint extract enhances the mint flavor, complementing the crushed candies nicely.