Peppermint Bark Chocolate Layers (Printable version)
Layers of dark and white chocolate combined with peppermint for a festive crunchy treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chocolate Layers
01 - 7 oz dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
02 - 7 oz white chocolate, chopped
→ Peppermint Topping
03 - 6 peppermint candy canes or 2.8 oz hard peppermint candies, crushed
→ Flavoring
04 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
# How to Prepare:
01 - Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
03 - Stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into the melted dark chocolate.
04 - Pour dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Chill in refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes until just set.
05 - Melt white chocolate using the same method as dark chocolate until smooth.
06 - Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract into melted white chocolate.
07 - Pour white chocolate over the set dark layer and spread gently and evenly.
08 - Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies evenly over the white chocolate and lightly press in with a spatula.
09 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until completely firm.
10 - Break or cut into 16 pieces. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to two weeks.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- It tastes like a fancy candy shop creation but requires only basic melting skills and barely any cleanup.
- The contrast between snappy peppermint, creamy white chocolate, and rich dark chocolate makes every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
- You can make a big batch in under an hour and have perfect gifts or snacks ready for weeks.
02 -
- Don't let the dark chocolate layer fully harden—it should be just set when you pour the white chocolate on top, so the two layers bond together instead of sliding apart.
- Peppermint candies release their flavor and oils when crushed, so do this as close to assembly as possible; pre-crushed candies that sit around lose their punch.
03 -
- If your dark chocolate layer cracks when you pour the warm white chocolate on top, it means it got too warm during chilling—next time, chill it closer to 20 minutes and check that it's truly set before layering.
- Crushing your own peppermint candies in a sealed bag with a rolling pin is more fun and gives you better control over piece size than pre-crushed versions ever will.