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Easy Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe

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Elevate your Christmas dessert table this year with this easy peppermint bark recipe. This is a no-bake homemade peppermint bark recipe that lets you create a tiny dessert bowl that you can fill full of mousse, pudding, and more. This classic peppermint bark recipe with a twist is a game-changer this holiday season.

White chocolate coated with crushed candy canes formed into small bowls with chocolate mousse inside.

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Homemade peppermint bark is so popular. There is something about the white chocolate layer paired with the crushed candy canes or crushed peppermint candies. These are served in a bowl form, which offers an elegant look.

Are you interested in more Christmas recipes? If so, make sure to check out these tasty and satisfying treats. Try these dipped pretzel rodspeppermint hot cocoa bombs, and Santa hat cupcakes.

What Is Peppermint Bark?

Peppermint Bark is a delightful treat that combines peppermint’s refreshing flavor with chocolate’s rich indulgence. It’s like a winter wonderland in your mouth! It features smooth layers of creamy white chocolate sprinkled with crunchy peppermint candy cane bits. The combination of sweet and minty flavors creates an irresistible, harmonious blend.

You can enjoy Peppermint Bark in various forms, such as bars, squares, or even as a topping for desserts like ice cream or hot cocoa. It’s a festive treat that is especially popular during the holiday season, bringing joy and a touch of nostalgia to every bite.

Why I Recommend Making These Dessert Bowls

  • The dessert bowls are entirely edible, offering a fun and unique way to enjoy your dessert without any waste.
  • The delicious combination of melted chocolate and peppermint candies provides a delightful contrast in flavors, making every spoonful a treat.
  • These desserts make for a great gift idea as they can be personalized according to individual tastes and preferences.
  • You have the freedom to fill these bowls with anything you want, from mousse and pudding to fruit and cream, making it truly versatile.
  • The cool peppermint flavor adds a refreshing touch to these treats, providing a pleasant contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
  • Finally, these peppermint bark dessert bowls are the easiest holiday treat to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and no baking, perfect for a busy festive season.

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark Dessert Bowls

Candy Canes, White Chocolate, and a Silicone Mold on a marble countertop.
  • White Chocolate – I used a white chocolate candy coating for this dessert bowl recipe. Now you can use white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate.
  • Candy Canes – For the peppermint, I used candy canes that I crushed into smaller pieces. The mint pairs so well with the sweet and creamy white chocolate.

Substitutions And Variations

  • Dark Chocolate or Milk Chocolate – If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, feel free to substitute it with dark or milk chocolate. You can also do different chocolate layers. Each of these gives a unique flavor to your dessert bowls, making them even more delightful.
  • Peppermint Extract – If candy canes aren’t readily available, you can use a dash of peppermint extract to get that minty flavor. Be cautious, though; a little goes a long way!
  • Variety of Fillings – Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can use different types of mousse, such as chocolate or raspberry, or even layer different kinds of pudding. Ice cream can also be a decadent filling choice.
  • Toppings – Try sprinkling some crushed Oreos, shredded coconut, or even some nuts on top of your filling for an added crunch.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

How To Make This Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe

Collage of creating peppermint bark dessert bowls.

Step One: Melt chocolate in a double boiler or use a microwave-safe bowl. Melt until it is completely melted. (Photo 1)

Step Two: Next, let the chocolate cool a bit, and then use the silicone molds or a balloon. You can dip the balloon in the chocolate and roll it in the crushed candy cane pieces. Then, place it on parchment paper. (Photo 2)

For the silicone mold, add chocolate to the mold wall and then refrigerate to set. Remove the chocolate circle and then dip it back in the chocolate, then roll in the peppermint candies and place on a cookie sheet.

Collage of assembling peppermint bark dessert bowls.

Step Three: Refrigerate the chocolate bowls again to fully set. Then serve and enjoy. (Photos 3 & 4)

Two peppermint bark bowls with chocolate mousse inside sitting on a marbled countertop.

Expert Tips

Swap out the chocolate with milk chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate chips.

Or do a layer of dark chocolate and then a layer of melted white chocolate to create extra flavor.

If you do not use candy melts, I recommend adding in a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil, which will help the chocolate to set up.

Instead of peppermint candy canes, you can use different flavored candy canes, peppermint candies, etc.

Add a little peppermint oil or a little peppermint extract to the melted chocolate to enhance the minty flavor of the white chocolate peppermint bark.

Use a rolling pin to crush the candy cane into small pieces. That is the easiest way to crush up the candy.

Storing Peppermint Bark

Room Temperature – You can store the dessert bowls at room temperature in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Now, if your home is warm, you can place it in the fridge if you want. They will last for up to two weeks.

Freezer – Want to freeze some? Go right ahead. Just use a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Then when you want to eat one, just allow it to thaw at room temperature.

What To Serve With Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Peppermint bark is a delightful treat that pairs well with a variety of desserts and beverages. It accompanies a warming hot chocolate excellently, where the peppermint bark can be used as a stirring spoon, melting into the warm drink and infusing it with a minty sweetness.

The easy recipe is also a great topping for vanilla or chocolate ice cream, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness. 

Another fantastic pairing could be with a slice of cheesecake, where the bark serves as a crunchy, minty counterbalance to the rich, creamy texture of the cheesecake. 

Finally, consider serving a piece of peppermint bark with your coffee as a delicious treat to end the meal or as part of a holiday party dessert platter for an added festive touch.

Recipe FAQs

Can you burn chocolate when melting it?

Yes, you can burn your chocolate. Make sure that you stir the chocolate often as it melts to prevent it from burning.

Is the balloon or chocolate mold easier?

The chocolate molds seem a lot easier for me, whereas the balloon seems to be a trickier process. Feel free to go with either method you would like. 

Can I use a different type of chocolate if I don’t have white chocolate?

Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer or have on hand. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate both work well, and each brings a different flavor profile to the dessert bowls.

Is it necessary to add peppermint extract to the melted chocolate?

While it’s not necessary, adding peppermint extract to the melted chocolate enhances the minty flavor of the bark. However, it’s important to add it sparingly as it can be quite potent.

White chocolate and candy cane bowls filled with chocolate mousse.

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Piles of chocolate mousse in candy bowls.
5 from 1 vote

Easy Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerate 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
this easy Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe is a delicious white chocolate and crushed candy canes. These dessert bowls are a no bake treat that are able to be filled with anything you want.

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Ingredients 

  • 1 oz (28 ⅓ g) White Chocolate Candy Coating about 1 oz. of chocolate per bowl
  • ½ oz (14 ⅙ g) Crushed Candy Canes about ½ oz. per bowl

Instructions

  • Melt white chocolate candy coating for one minute, remove from the microwave and stir, then microwave in 30 second increments until chocolate is fully melted.
    1 oz White Chocolate Candy Coating
  • Allow chocolate to slightly cool before scooping it into the molds or dipping your balloon.

If using balloons

  • Once your balloon has been dipped in chocolate, immediately dip it into the crushed candy canes and place on a baking sheet and place into the refrigerator to set. About 15 minutes
    ½ oz Crushed Candy Canes
  • Once balloons are set remove from the refrigerator and poke a small hold in the balloon allowing air to escape and the balloon will come away from the chocolate bowl.

If you are using molds

  • Be sure to move the melted chocolate around in the mold to ensure all the walls are fully covered, and then place into the refrigerator to set. About 10 minutes.
  • Once molds are set, remove and dip bottoms back into melted chocolate and then immediately into crushed candy canes. Place back into the refrigerator for another 10 minutes.
  • Once your bowls are formed you can add anything you would like into the bowls and enjoy!

Notes

Swap out the chocolate with milk chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, or even dark chocolate chips.
Or do a layer of dark chocolate and then a layer of melted white chocolate to create extra flavor.
If you do not use candy melts, I recommend adding in a teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil which will help the chocolate to set up.
Instead of peppermint candy canes, you can use different flavored candy canes, peppermint candies, etc.
Add a little peppermint oil or a little peppermint extract to the melted chocolate to enhance the minty flavor of the white chocolate peppermint bark.
Use a rolling pin to crush the candy cane into small pieces. That is the easiest way to crush up the candy.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 25kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 0.3g (1%) Fat: 2g (3%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 4mg Potassium: 14mg Fiber: 0.01g Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 1IU Vitamin C: 0.02mg Calcium: 9mg (1%) Iron: 0.01mg

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