Name: Peppermint White Chocolate Bark 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 (24–36 grams total), crushed

Nothing says festive quite like the refreshing minty crunch paired with creamy sweetness. This Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe brings together silky white chocolate, rich semi-sweet chocolate, and crushed candy canes in a perfect harmony that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

A white square dish filled with multiple pieces of peppermint bark, each piece having two distinct layers: a bottom layer of smooth dark brown chocolate and a top layer of creamy white chocolate sprinkled with crushed red and white peppermint candy pieces; the pieces are arranged close together, some square and some triangular, and there are two whole red and white striped candy canes placed in the dish; the dish has small red floral patterns inside and is set on a white marbled texture; 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 White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe countless times during the holidays, and it truly stands out because it’s both simple and utterly delicious. There’s something magical about how the peppermint flavor brightens the creamy sweetness of white chocolate and balances the darker chocolate layer.

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to create this festive treat, just good quality chocolates and candy canes.
Layered Texture: The triple layers add a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy that keeps every bite interesting.
Perfect for Gifts: It’s easy to package and makes an impressive homemade gift that friends and family adore.
Quick to Set: With just a little chill time, this bark comes together fast — so you can whip it up even last minute.

A stack of five rectangular peppermint bark pieces sits on a white plate, each piece showing three main layers: a dark chocolate middle layer sandwiched between two thick, smooth white chocolate layers, the top layer sprinkled with small red and white peppermint candy bits. The bark pieces have a slightly uneven, rustic edge, and there are broken pieces of bark around the plate. The scene is set against a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the glossy texture of the chocolate layers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe plays a starring role. White chocolate adds luxurious creaminess; the semi-sweet chocolate gives balance with its mild bitterness. Peppermint extract wakes up the palate, and crushed candy canes provide that signature festive crunch.

Flat lay of a small pile of coarsely chopped white chocolate chunks, a small pile of coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate pieces, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a few crushed candy cane pieces, a few whole candy canes, and two small white ceramic bowls each containing clear vegetable oil and peppermint extract, placed 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: Choose a good quality bar or chips for better melting and smooth texture; avoid white chocolate with stabilizers that affect melting.
Semi-Sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: Adds depth and contrast to the bark — I like bittersweet for extra richness.
Vegetable or Coconut Oil: Helps smooth out the melted chocolate and gives a glossy finish without altering flavor.
Peppermint Extract: Provides a fresh, minty note; I always split the amount between layers for balanced flavor.
Candy Canes: Essential for crunch and festive appeal; crushing them yourself keeps pieces fresh and sized to your liking.

📝

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 tweaking this Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by adjusting the peppermint intensity or throwing in extras you like!

Variation: Once, I stirred in a handful of chopped toasted almonds into the semi-sweet layer — it gave a lovely crunch without overshadowing the peppermint. You might try this too!
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolates and coconut oil for a vegan-friendly version that’s just as indulgent.
More Minty Punch: For extra peppermint kick, add crushed peppermint candies right into the melted chocolate before layering.
Less Sweet: Try using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet if you prefer a bolder, less sugary contrast.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil — smooth out any wrinkles so your bark will come out in one beautiful piece. This small step makes cleanup easier and keeps the bark looking sharp!

Step 2: Melt the First White Chocolate Layer

I highly recommend using the microwave method here for convenience. Place half of your white chocolate with half the oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring well each time to avoid burning. When smooth, stir in half the peppermint extract, then pour into your pan and spread evenly. Pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes until almost set — you want it a little soft to help layers stick but not runny.

Step 3: Add the Semi-Sweet Chocolate Layer

Repeat the melting process with the semi-sweet chocolate and remaining oil. Once melted, add the rest of the peppermint extract and pour this over the white chocolate layer. Spread smoothly and refrigerate again for 10–15 minutes until almost set.

Step 4: Finish with White Chocolate and Candy Canes

Melt the remaining white chocolate with the last bit of oil, then spread it over the top layer. Now sprinkle your crushed candy canes generously. I crush mine in a zip bag with a rolling pin – quick and easy, and you control the chunk size. Refrigerate the bark for about an hour until fully set.

Step 5: Break and Enjoy

Pop the bark out of the pan, peel off the liner, and break it into pieces however you like. If your bark has chilled longer than a few hours, let it warm up at room temp for 10–15 minutes before breaking to avoid cracking layers apart.

Top Tip

From making this bark dozens of times, I’ve learned that patience with melting and chilling makes all the difference between smooth layers and crumbly, separated bark.

Gentle Melting: Always melt chocolate slowly and stir often—rushing leads to burnt or grainy chocolate.
Layer Chill Time: Don’t skip the chill between layers; it keeps the bark looking neat and layers bonded.
Even Spreading: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smooth, even layers that look as good as they taste.
Crush Candy Canes Fresh: Crushing just before sprinkling preserves their crunch and freshness.

How to Serve Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe

peppermint white chocolate - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with crushed candy canes, but sometimes I jazz it up with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pistachios or a drizzle of dark chocolate on top for contrast.

Side Dishes

This bark shines alongside hot cocoa, peppermint mochas, or a warming cup of spiced tea — perfect for cozy winter gatherings or as a sweet finish to holiday meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange broken bark pieces in a festive tin with wax paper, or layer them in clear jars tied with a ribbon — loved ones appreciate the effort and the pretty presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bark in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps fresh for up to three weeks. It softens slightly at room temperature, but I prefer the firm snap from chilled pieces.

Freezing

Freezing works well too! Just wrap the bark tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to keep texture intact.

Reheating

Since this bark is best served chilled or at room temp, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if it softens too much, just pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes to firm up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chocolate chips instead of bars for this Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe?

Yes! Chocolate chips can be used, but bars generally melt more smoothly and have fewer additives that can cause texture issues. If using chips, break them up to help melt evenly and watch the melting process carefully.

How do I prevent the layers from separating when making peppermint bark?

The key is to chill each layer until almost set, not fully hardened, before adding the next layer. This slight tackiness helps the layers bond without cracking. Also, melt chocolate gently to avoid overheating, which can cause the bark to be brittle.

Can I make this recipe without peppermint extract?

Absolutely! If peppermint isn’t your thing, the bark is delicious just as layered white and semi-sweet chocolates with candy cane crunch. You can also experiment with other extracts like orange or almond for a different twist.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes for the bark?

Place unwrapped candy canes in a sealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to gently crush them. You can control the size — small pieces or bigger chunks — depending on how crunchy or decorative you want the topping.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint White Chocolate Bark Recipe holds a special place in my holiday kitchen because it’s so easy to make yet so festive and rewarding. It’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or just treating yourself after a busy day. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic Christmas treat year after year!