Peppermint bark is a wonderful gift to give someone during the holiday season. Christmas bark made with candy canes is a simple go-to recipe when you need a homemade gift sooner than later.
Step by step how to make peppermint bark
- Obtain 1 chocolate bar and break it into smaller pieces. Place the small broken chocolate pieces into a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave your chocolate in 30 second intervals, mixing in between. Mix vigorously until the chocolate is smooth.
- Add 1/8-1/4 tsp peppermint extract depending on how strong you want the peppermint taste. If you just want a hint of peppermint, go with 1/8 tsp. If you want more of a heavier mint flavor, add 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract.
- Place a silicone mat on a baking sheet.
- Pour the chocolate onto the silicone mat. Spread with a pastry scraper or the back of a spoon until it’s 1/8″ thick.
- Put a couple of small candy canes in a resealable bag. Get all the air out of the bag.
- Place the bag on a cutting board on your kitchen table. Break the candy canes into small pieces by using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin.
- Sprinkle the candy cane pieces over the chocolate until it’s evenly distributed.
- Place in the fridge for minimum 1 hour to solidify.
- Break the Christmas candy cane bark into smaller bit sized pieces and serve.
How long does peppermint bark last
Peppermint bark will last 2-3 weeks. Store your peppermint bark at room temperature. Do not place the peppermint bark in the fridge. The fats in the chocolate will come to the surface, creating a white look to the chocolate. Keeping the peppermint bark at room temperature will allow it to still look pristine weeks after making it.
What is bark candy
Bark candy is chocolate that has been melted and spread out to a thin layer 1/8 ” – 1/4″ in thickness, and then it has candy added on top of the bark.
The candy pieces are not pressed into the chocolate. The candy pieces are delicately in the chocolate due to gravity.
If you press the candy into the bark it has the potential to smear the chocolate over the candy. This isn’t the esthetic look your bark candy should have.
When dropping the candy into the bark, hold it about 6″ above the chocolate so it will fall into the chocolate far enough.
