Homemade Peppermint Bark has become the ultimate treat during the holidays! Two layers of chocolate combine with a hint of peppermint extract for the perfect festive taste. The contrast of the semi-sweet chocolate against the snowy white top layer sprinkled with crushed candy canes will surely put you in the holiday spirit. But the BEST part about this dessert is how incredibly easy it is to make.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

SEMI-SWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS – Have the best taste and are easy to melt in the microwave. You can use dark chocolate or chocolate almond bark if you prefer.
VANILLA ALMOND BARK – Easier to melt in the microwave than white chocolate chips. Has a snowy, smooth final look.
PEPPERMINT EXTRACT – Mixes with the white almond bark for that extra hint of peppermint flavor!
VEGETABLE OIL – This is optional. BUT, I highly recommend using it in your melted chocolate to prevent clumping and ensure a glossy, smooth finish.
CRUSHED CANDY CANES – Tops the peppermint bark for the final festive look and extra peppermint flavor! You can use crushed peppermint candy instead or sprinkles if you prefer.

HOW TO MELT THE CHOCOLATE

This homemade peppermint bark is so easy to make that the only skill you really need to know is how to melt chocolate. 😛 The best way to melt chocolate to prevent burning or clumping is using a slow and steady approach in the microwave:

Place your chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
Check on the chocolate, mix it a little with a spoon and then return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds.
Repeat until completely melted. It should take about 2 minutes total.
You’ll melt the chocolate chips and the almond bark using the same method.

TWO LAYERS OF CHOCOLATE

Since you want two differential layers, you’ll have to harden the semi-sweet chocolate in the fridge for a little bit before pouring the white chocolate on top of it. This will prevent the layers from mixing together too much and will give you that clean, even line between the two layers. But at the same time, you don’t want the chocolate to harden TOO much before pouring on the white chocolate. Otherwise, it’ll create too much of a separation and the two layers might actually come apart once hardened. I find that cooling the bottom layer in the fridge for about 10 minutes will usually harden it just enough while still keeping it soft enough to stick to the top layer.

Lastly, make sure to decorate your peppermint bark while the white chocolate is still melty and soft to ensure the decor will stick. I chose the traditional topping of crushed candy canes for that ultimate peppermint bark look. But you can get creative and use any other toppings of your choice! Red and green sprinkles would be a great festive option as well. Hope you guys enjoy this super easy recipe for Homemade Peppermint Bark! Happy Holidays!

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