My closest friend loves no-bake recipes and she asked me for ideas since the holidays are approaching.
We made these barks together and it was delicious!
It’s one of those holiday recipes that feels like magic!
It’s simple, quick, and impossibly festive.
Your kitchen will smell like melted chocolate and crushed candy canes, and it’s such a lovely gift to share with friends.
It’s crisp, minty, and rich, with just the right balance between dark chocolate and sweet peppermint crunch.
I’m adding variations and substitutes at the bottom of the recipe.
Tips to Make It Even More Delicious
- Use this silicone baking mat to get perfectly even bark that peels off easily once it sets.
- For that glossy finish, melt chocolate using this stainless steel double boiler — it helps prevent overheating and gives your bark a professional shine.
- Crush your candy canes with this small mortar and pestle for the perfect texture — not too powdery, not too chunky.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on top to balance the sweetness — it makes the flavor pop beautifully.
- Package the bark as gifts in these festive glass jars tied with ribbons — they look so cute for Christmas gifting!
Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy12
pieces5
minutes4-6
hoursIngredients
12 oz dark chocolate, chopped or in chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional, for smooth texture)
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. Stir in the peppermint extract. The smell will instantly remind you of Christmas!
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread it evenly with a spatula to about ¼-inch thickness. Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top while the chocolate is still warm. Gently press them down so they stick without sinking in.
- Place the tray in the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. Once firm, break it into rustic pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature (if it’s cool) or in the fridge if it’s warm in your kitchen.
Notes
- This makes an excellent gift for friends!
Variations and Substitutes
- Add a layer of white chocolate on top of the dark layer for a classic two-tone bark.
- Use crushed peppermint cookies or mini marshmallows instead of candy canes for a fun twist.
- Swap dark chocolate for vegan chocolate chips if you’re dairy-free.
- Mix in a handful of roasted almonds or pistachios before spreading the chocolate for extra crunch.
Conclusion
This dark chocolate peppermint bark is everything I love about the holidays — simple, sweet, and beautiful.
It’s the kind of recipe that takes only minutes to make but feels thoughtful and festive.
Break it into pieces, share it with people you love, or wrap it up for holiday gifts.
Every bite tastes like cozy winter nights and Christmas lights twinkling in the background.
