The cool flavor of peppermint mixed with the rich chocolate and creamy white chocolate make the perfect holiday treat. A little goes a long way!
It’s my birthday today, I am officially OLD and you gotta have something sweet on your birthday, right? Well a bite of this chocolate and maybe a cupcake will be my sweet treat as we celebrate tonight.
I used to live near a Crate and Barrel and I adored walking through the store during Christmastime. I’d slowly wander through the giant store with the festive music playing and surrounded by all the beautiful things. I would plan out my Christmas list around what kitchen gadgets or home decor I wanted and I would obsess over the stemware (yes, still obsessed). And I loved looking at the specialty food items they had during this time.
The peppermint bark came a in a darling tin, which is a must when it comes to foodie gifts. It was so flavorful that just a small piece was satisfying. You can make any creation you want, but chocolate and peppermint is just perfect this time of year and I was totally craving this. And when it comes to treats, I do thinks this is a smart choice because it’s not as easy to overindulge as you would with a tray of cookies (in my opinion).
There are a few different ways you can do this, either melt chocolate in microwave or over a double broiler which is my preferred method. Then use what ever size dish you like to pour in the chocolate in two layers. I prefer a thinner bark so I used a 9×13 dish. Also, I have no patience or time to let things cool for hours so instead of making two distinct layers, I only let the chocolate layer set for about 20 minutes then I pour the white on top, creating a marbled look. I love the way it turned out! So if you are impatient like me, go with this recipe!
This is a great make-ahead gift to make for teachers, friends or coworkers because it’s not as perishable as cookies or other baked goods so you don’t have to feel as stressed about rushing to get it out to people. And a little goes a long way because the peppermint flavor is so rich and satisfying.
Bark is often broken into these rough shapes which I love, but cutting it into squares is nice for the OCD person and I think makes a nicer presentation so perhaps try that if you are giving this as a gift. Either way, it doesn’t matter, it will be thoroughly enjoyed I am sure!
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
[Tweet “Peppermint Bark Swirl- A Must Make This Holiday Season! via @nutritiouseats”]
- 10 ounces bittersweet chocolate
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 12 ounce bag of while chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of neutral flavor vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
- peppermint candy (candy canes work well) crushed (I used about 14-15 mini candy canes)
- Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper, set aside. To crush candy canes: easiest way to do this is place candy in a zip lock bag and seal it closed. Use a wooden rolling pin or spoon to break the candy into pieces. In a double broiler over medium low heat, add bittersweet and unsweetened chocolate and stir until melted (make sure not let it come in contact with any water). As an alternate method, you can microwave the chocolate in 15-30 second increments, stirring each time until chocolate is melted. Stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Pour chocolate in the prepared dish and use a spoon to even it out. Let it cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Wash double broiler pan and dry thoroughly in order to melt while chocolate.
- Once double broiler is completely dry, add white chocolate chips and heat over medium low heat stirring constantly. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Once melted, stir in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour on top of chocolate, carefully trying to create a top layer. As you smooth it out the dark chocolate will start to peek through. Use a knife to create swirls until you have the desired marble look. Top with crushed peppermint candy.
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This looks so beautiful and delish!! Can’t wait to make this for my holiday party!
Chelsey recently posted..Fitness Friday! Why I Workout At Home and 5 Reasons You Should Too!
I am in love with all things peppermint! This peppermint bark not only looks so easy-to-make, but so delicious!
rachel @ athletic avocado recently posted..Epic Roundup of Healthy Gingerbread Recipes!
Happiest of happy birthdays to ya! Yes – you most definitely deserve something sweet on your bday – and, I will join you in eating something sweet and toasting ya – because this bark is irresistable
Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted..3 Ingredient Protein Cookies
Why don’t we make different flavors of bark throughout the year? It’s just too good to only be enjoyed around the holidays. Great recipe! 🙂
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted..Friday Favorites: Workout apparel, scents, treats and more
I have been craving all kinds of bark lately (everything except tree bark). I can’t wait to try this!
Tara recently posted..The Best Cold-Weather Layers for Babies and Toddlers
Lol, me too! I am ready to make more. 😉
What a beautiful holiday treat!! Yours looks so tasty, I’m not a great cook/baker, but hopefully mine will look good too. Thanks for sharing
thank you so much!
It’s pretty hard to mess up so you should be just fine! Thank you!
I would love to make this for my holiday party. It could make great party favors too if I put it in a cute can tin.
I love the party favor idea!
Happy birthday sweet dear!!!
My mom ALWAYS has to have her peppermint bark every year! They stuff is fantastic!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted..Friday Finisher 12/11/15
Thanks sweetie 🙂
Your photos are fantastic! Makes me what some peppermint bark right now:)
Thanks Alison, I appreciate that!
Happy Birthday!!! This bark looks so good. I always get some for Christmas but I’ve never thought of making it at home. Such a good idea!
brita recently posted..Bloggers Give Back- Xmas Edition
Thank you! It really is so simple
This looks amazing!! It would be SUCH a great Christmas gift! 🙂
It definitely makes a nice treat and lasts longer than cookies 😉
This looks good! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Sherisse’ 🙂
This is such a wonderful bark recipe, thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to try it!!
Thanks Ashleigh!
Peppermint bark is my favorite! I need to try to make some!
The Southern Thing recently posted..Gift Guide for the Fashion Lover
Yes, do it!
I just made some yesterday. I just love the homemade bark so much more than the ones in the fancy containers! Merry Christmas!
Mary recently posted..Holiday Gift Guide 2015 ~ For The Chef In Your Life
I agree, plus it’s so simple to make!
Oh yum! I’m all about chocolate and peppermint this time of year. Ok, actually all year ’round. Hope you enjoyed your birthday!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Year of Running 2015
i love peppermint flavor with chocolate…this is one of my fav things to eat and make this time of the year but this year i havent..thanks for the reminder.
happy belated birthday, Melanie! i am finally finding time to look at my favorite web sites (like yours!) – and just love this recipe! so funny that you mention your joy of walking around crate and barrel at Christmas time because i was just realizing this weekend that i never got around to doing that – oh well, that probably helped me keep some cash in my pocket! they do have the most awesome holiday decorations and food gifts!
happy 2016 to you!