The Easiest 3-Ingredient Peppermint Bark Recipe

Easy to make holiday sweet treat with dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint

This easy 3-ingredient peppermint bark is festive, delicious, and perfect for gifting or snacking during the holidays!

Peppermint bark is a quintessential holiday treat that blends simplicity and elegance in every bite. With just three ingredients and no special equipment required, it’s an easy recipe that whips up in minutes, whether you’re preparing for a party, making holiday gifts, or indulging in a festive dessert for yourself. Its classic combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes it a staple of the holiday season.

What makes this delicious treat stand out is its ease and versatility. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to create a batch of this delightful treat. It’s a no-bake recipe that uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store, making it ideal for last-minute holiday preparation. Plus, its beautiful layered appearance and customizable presentation make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Peppermint Bark

Easy to Make: No special skills, tools, or baking required! It’s a simple recipe you can prepare in under 20 minutes.
Minimal Ingredients: With just three pantry staples—dark chocolate, white chocolate, and peppermint candies—you get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Customizable: While it’s perfect as-is, you can easily switch up the flavors or toppings to suit your preferences.
Perfect for Gifting: Homemade peppermint bark makes a thoughtful, delicious holiday gift.
Kid-Friendly: This recipe is easy enough for kids to help with, making it a fun family activity during the holidays.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Dark Chocolate Chips: The base layer of this bark adds depth and richness. Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. If you prefer a sweeter version, semisweet chocolate works well, too.
White Chocolate Chips: The creamy top layer provides sweetness and a beautiful contrast to the dark chocolate. Make sure to use good-quality white chocolate that melts smoothly.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: These add a refreshing minty flavor and a delightful crunch. You can use pre-crushed peppermint candies or crush your own by placing hard candies in a zip-top bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. If you have extra holiday candy around, crushed candy canes work, too.

How to Make Festive Peppermint Bark

Prepare Your Workspace: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to remove the bark once hardened.
Melt the Dark Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
Melt the White Chocolate: Repeat the same melting process with the white chocolate chips. Stir ¼ cup of the crushed peppermint candies into the melted white chocolate for extra flavor and texture.
Layer the Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly into a thin, even layer. Pour the melted white chocolate on top, spreading it evenly over the dark chocolate with a rubber spatula.
Add the Peppermint Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies on top of the layers of chocolate.
Chill: Refrigerate the bark for about 10-15 minutes, or until fully hardened.
Break into Pieces: Once set, remove the bark from the baking sheet and cut or break it into pieces. Enjoy your festive creation!

Peppermint bark ready to harden in the freezer

How to Store the Recipe

Room Temperature: Store the peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, you can store the bark in the fridge to keep it firm. Place it in an airtight container to avoid absorbing odors.
Freezer: Peppermint bark freezes well for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Tips for Making the Easiest Holiday Treat

Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better your bark will taste. Choose chocolate that melts smoothly and has a rich flavor.
Layer Quickly: Work swiftly when pouring the melted white chocolate over the dark chocolate to ensure the layers stick together.
Customize Your Toppings: While crushed candy cane pieces is traditional, you can add sprinkles, nuts, or even edible glitter for a unique twist.
Keep It Thin: Spread the chocolate layers evenly and thinly for a perfect snap when broken into pieces.
Work in a Cool Place: Chocolate can melt or soften quickly, so work in a cool environment to make handling easier.

Cute Ways to Gift This Bark During the Holidays

Classic peppermint bark makes for a great gift for friends, family, and your kids’ teachers. It is one of easiest holiday treats to make, and requires simple ingredients to put together. If you are considering giving away this holiday favorite, here are some fun ways to gift your dark chocolate peppermint bark.

Festive Bags: Place pieces of bark in holiday-themed cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon. Attach a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
Cute Tin: Arrange the bark in festive tins lined with parchment paper. These make great hostess gifts or stocking stuffers.
Mason Jars: Layer pieces of bark in mason jars and add a fabric cover over the lid with a ribbon or bow.
DIY Gift Boxes: Line small cardboard boxes with tissue paper and arrange the bark inside. Decorate the box with stickers, stamps, or washi tape.
Holiday Cards: Attach a small bag of bark to a holiday card with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious greeting.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes! Milk chocolate works well if you prefer a sweeter bark. The contrast between milk chocolate and white chocolate will still look beautiful.

How do I prevent the layers from separating?

Make sure the dark chocolate layer is still slightly soft when pouring the white chocolate on top. This helps them adhere better.

Can I add other flavors?

Absolutely! Try mixing a few drops of peppermint extract into the chocolate for an extra minty kick or adding other extracts like vanilla or almond for a twist.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate without a microwave?

Use a double boiler. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted.

How can I crush peppermint candies easily?

Place the candies in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them. You can also pulse them briefly in a food processor.