Name: Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped and divided; 6 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil or coconut oil, divided; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided; 2–3 regular-size candy canes (24–36g total), crushed

There's something truly magical about the crisp, minty crunch combined with creamy chocolate layers that make this Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe an absolute holiday must-have. It’s simple, festive, and seriously addictive—once you try it, you’ll see why I make it every year without fail.

The image shows a white dish with red patterns filled with square and triangular pieces of peppermint bark. Each piece has three layers: a bottom dark chocolate layer, a thin middle layer, and a thick white chocolate top layer sprinkled with small red and white crushed peppermint candy bits. Two whole mini candy canes rest on top of the peppermint bark pieces. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get over how easy this peppermint bark is to make—and how impressive it looks and tastes. Whether you’re gifting this or snacking at home, it’s that perfect mix of silky chocolate and refreshing peppermint that brings everyone back for more.

Simple Ingredients: Uses only a handful of pantry staples you probably already have or can easily find.
Layered Texture: The combination of smooth white and dark chocolate layers with crunchy candy canes creates a delightful experience.
Perfect for Gifting: Looks fancy but comes together quickly, making for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Customizable: You can tweak the peppermint intensity or chocolate ratio easily to match what you love.

A stack of five pieces of peppermint bark is shown on a white marbled surface, each piece having three layers: a bottom smooth white chocolate layer, a thick middle dark chocolate layer with a glossy texture, and a top white chocolate layer sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces. The pieces are unevenly stacked on a white plate, creating a slight lean, with the candy bits adding texture and color contrast on the top layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role to get that perfect peppermint bark texture and flavor. Your choice of chocolates and peppermint extract quality make all the difference, so picking good ones is worth the effort!

Flat lay of coarsely chopped white chocolate pieces, coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate chunks, whole uncracked brown eggs, a few fresh candy canes whole unbroken with bright red and white stripes, small white ceramic bowls containing clear vegetable oil, another small white ceramic bowl holding crushed peppermint candy pieces, another small white ceramic bowl with clear peppermint extract liquid, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White Chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and that beautiful light base layer; I always use coarsely chopped bars for smooth melting.
Semi-Sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: Provides a lovely contrast with deeper cocoa notes to balance the sweet white chocolate.
Vegetable or Coconut Oil: Just a touch helps keep the chocolate silky and prevents it from seizing while melting.
Peppermint Extract: The star flavor—make sure it’s pure and high quality for a fresh, vibrant mint taste.
Candy Canes: Freshly crushed candy canes give the bark that iconic crunchy texture and festive look.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this peppermint bark with the classic white-darker chocolate layers, but feel free to customize! Sometimes I swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate when I want it a bit sweeter or add extra peppermint extract for a more intense mint hit.

Variation: Adding a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on the final white chocolate layer creates a fun pop of color and texture—I did this last year, and it was a hit at our holiday party.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap in high-quality dairy-free chocolates and use coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that still melts beautifully.
Spicy Twist: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the dark chocolate layer amp up the flavor for those who like a little warmth with their peppermint.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan Like a Pro

I always line an 8- or 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, smoothing out wrinkles super carefully—that makes peeling the bark off so much easier once it's set. You can go with foil if that’s what you have, but parchment is my personal favorite for a clean lift.

Step 2: Melt the First White Chocolate Layer Gently

I like microwaving in 20-second bursts, stirring really well after each, to avoid scorching. Add half a teaspoon of oil here to keep the texture silky. Then stir in a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract for just the right minty vibe. Spread it evenly in your pan and pop it into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes until it's nearly set—but not rock hard. This helps the layers bind together nicely.

Step 3: Layer the Melted Dark Chocolate

Repeat the melting process with the semi-sweet chocolate and oil. Add another quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract here to keep the flavor consistent. Pour it gently over the white layer and spread smoothly. Back into the fridge it goes for 10-15 minutes again, until just set.

Step 4: Finish With a White Chocolate Layer and Candy Cane Crunch

Melt the remaining white chocolate with oil one last time—this time, no peppermint extract, so the candy cane flavor really shines on top. Spread it over the dark chocolate layer, then sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly. To crush candy canes, placing them in a sealed bag and rolling with a pin works perfectly. Chill the bark for about an hour or until completely firm.

Step 5: Cut and Enjoy!

Once your bark is set, lift it gently from the pan and peel off the lining. If you chilled it longer than 3-4 hours, let it warm up at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften just enough for clean cuts without cracking. Break it into chunks or slice it—either way, it’s ready for indulging or gifting!

Top Tip

Making peppermint bark can be so simple, but a few things made all the difference in my experience. These tips helped prevent chocolate seizing and keep my layers from separating, so hopefully they save you some hassle and frustration!

Room-Temperature Chocolate: Take your chocolate bars out well before melting so they’re at room temp; it melts more evenly and avoids clumps.
Stir Often When Melting: Especially with white chocolate, stirring every 20 seconds in the microwave keeps it smooth and prevents burning.
Don’t Let Layers Set Fully: Chilling layers until “almost set” encourages them to stick together better and prevents cracking when cutting.
Crush Candy Canes Just Before Topping: This keeps the candy fresh and crunchy—pre-crushed candy tends to soften or go stale quicker.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with crushed candy canes on top, but sometimes I'll sprinkle a few mini chocolate chips or edible silver pearls for a little extra sparkle when it’s a gift. You really can’t go wrong with that fresh peppermint crunch front and center!

Side Dishes

This bark pairs wonderfully with a piping hot mug of coffee or peppermint tea. For a party, I love serving it alongside gingerbread cookies or spiced cider—it all feels like a cozy winter celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrapping peppermint bark in cellophane tied with a festive ribbon makes a beautiful homemade gift. Another favorite is layering pieces in a pretty jar or tin with parchment paper between—perfect for hostess gifts or office treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover peppermint bark in an airtight container in the fridge, and it holds up great for about three weeks. If you leave it at room temp during colder months, it stays firm a day or two, but I prefer refrigerated to keep it crisp.

Freezing

Freezing works well too—just pop pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers. When I thaw them, I let the bark come to room temperature in the fridge overnight to maintain the best texture without condensation.

Reheating

Since peppermint bark is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temp, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you want softer bark, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before enjoying, but avoid direct heat which can cause chocolate to bloom or lose texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought peppermint extract or should it be pure?

I recommend using pure peppermint extract for the best fresh, clean flavor. Some artificial extracts can taste harsh or overly sweet, which masks that cooling mint you want in a peppermint bark.

Why do I need to add oil when melting chocolate?

A small amount of vegetable or coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and stay glossy. It prevents the chocolate from thickening or seizing, which can happen if it’s overheated or melted too quickly.

Can I make this peppermint bark ahead and how long does it keep?

Yes! You can make this bark up to 3 weeks ahead if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It's great for holiday prep because it holds its texture and flavor well when chilled.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealed zip-top bag, then gently roll over them with a rolling pin or lightly tap with a meat mallet. The bag catches all the shards and prevents mess, so clean-up is quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Recipe with White and Dark Chocolate Recipe really feels like a warm hug wrapped in holiday cheer. Every year, I look forward to making it and sharing it with friends and family—it’s such an easy way to bring a smile and a little festive magic. I can’t wait for you to try making it your own and enjoy every pepperminty bite.