A Jolly Good Peppermint Bark Recipe

Jolly Good Peppermint Bark

Recipe

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside.

2. Place the desired number of candy canes into a large plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin. Roll until you have bits and pieces of candy cane, not dust. Set aside a third of the candy cane pieces.

3. Melt your semisweet chocolate pieces in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low in 30-second increments. Remove the chocolate from the microwave and mix it every 30 seconds until it is smooth.

4. In a small bowl, melt 1/2 teaspoon of shortening. Melting should only take a few seconds. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Immediately add the peppermint shortening mixture to the melted chocolate. Blend well.

5. Pour the chocolate onto your baking sheet. Spread the chocolate evenly, using a silicone spatula if needed. Sprinkle the chocolate layer with a third of the crushed candy cane pieces. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes.

6. Melt your white chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low in 30-second increments. Remove the chocolate from the microwave and mix it every 30 seconds until it is smooth.

7. In the small bowl, melt 1/2 teaspoon of shortening. Melting should only take a few seconds. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. Immediately add the peppermint shortening mixture to the melted white chocolate. Blend well.

8. Remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and set it on the counter. Pour the white chocolate over the chocolate in the baking sheet. Gently spread the white chocolate with a spatula, taking care not to swirl the two chocolate layers. Sprinkle the white chocolate with the remaining candy cane pieces.

9. Place the peppermint bark in the refrigerator to harden for an hour. Once the bark is set, break the bark into pieces and serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Present your peppermint bark in cellophane bags with a decorative ribbon for a festive homemade gift that your friends will love!

Recipe By: Brittany Baxter

Peppermint bark is a classic wintertime dessert that consists of a mix of semisweet chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract or oil, and a crumbled peppermint candy garnish. This base recipe can be enhanced in a number of ways, such as by adding a base, toppings, or a filling. Here are a few ways you can take your peppermint bark to the next level.

Adding A Base

Typically, peppermint bark only consists of two chocolate layers. However, there is a way to create a more decadent dessert. You can create a base layer for your bark, which can add extra flavor or kick the chocolate factor into overdrive. Here are a few ideas for peppermint bark bases:

• shortbread
• chocolate fudge
• brownie
• pretzels
• toffee
• saltine cracker toffee
• Rice Krispies

Adding Toppings

When it comes to additional toppings on your peppermint bark, the possibilities are endless. Traditionally, the bark is topped with either crushed peppermint rounds or crushed candy canes. Peppermint rounds have less red in them than candy canes, so if you’re looking for that bold red color on your bark, spring for the candy canes. Adding extra toppings to your bark can make it more festive and introduce extra flavor. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• chocolate ganache drizzle
• M&M’S
• sprinkles
• melted marshmallow
• pretzels

Add-Ins And Fillings

If you’re looking for more ways to add flavor and overall richness to your peppermint bark, it’s time to consider fillings. Stuffing more sugary goodness between the two layers of chocolate is always a good idea, right? Depending on how many add-ins you’re putting in your bark, you may need to use a deeper baking sheet. You may also need to use more white chocolate to cover the ingredients thoroughly. Here are a few peppermint bark filling ideas that are sure to please:

• mint Oreos
• traditional Oreos
• M&M’S
• marshmallows
• espresso powder or instant coffee (mocha flavor)

Diet-Friendly Variations

Many of the ingredients in this peppermint bark recipe are not suitable for all diets. Some of the components contain animal products or a lot of sugar.

• If you are vegan or dairy-free, you could use products from the King David vegan and lactose-free line. The company produces both regular and white chocolate chips. Alternatively, you could use the Enjoy Life mini chips, which are dairy-free and use no animal products; however, the company does not produce white chocolate chips. You could use peppermint oil in place of peppermint extract to avoid using any shortening products.
• If you are on the keto/low-carb diet, you could buy high-percentage dark chocolate. You could also create white chocolate from a mix of coconut milk and coconut butter.

This festive and traditional holiday treat is simple to prepare and a great way to celebrate the season. It’s easy to add your own flair with a variety of extra ingredients. Peppermint bark is an excellent gift for family, friends, and coworkers.