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Easy Peppermint Bark: 5-Minute Homemade Holiday Treat

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This easy peppermint bark is a 5-minute, 3-ingredient holiday treat that’s perfect for gift giving. With a dark chocolate base, white chocolate top, and crushed candy canes, it’s a foolproof, gluten-free dessert that delivers a satisfying crunch and festive flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), finely chopped
  • 12 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 6–8 full-sized canes)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare your pan: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang by about two inches on each side. Set aside.
  2. Crush the candy canes: Place candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin into a mix of fine powder and small chunks (from coarse sand to pea-sized). Set aside.
  3. Melt the dark chocolate: Place chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each, until mostly melted and smooth (about 90 seconds total).
  4. Spread the dark chocolate layer: Pour melted dark chocolate onto prepared baking sheet and spread into an even 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Refrigerate for 10 minutes until firm.
  5. Melt the white chocolate: In a separate bowl, melt white chocolate using the same microwave method (30-second intervals at 50% power), stirring until smooth.
  6. Spread the white chocolate layer: Remove pan from fridge. Pour white chocolate over set dark layer and spread evenly to similar thickness.
  7. Add the peppermint topping: Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes evenly over white chocolate. Gently press them in with fingertips or spoon while white chocolate is still wet.
  8. Set the bark: Return pan to refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until completely firm.
  9. Break or cut the bark: Lift bark out using parchment handles. Break into irregular shards by hand or cut into clean squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Do not use chocolate chips; they contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting. For best texture, crush candy canes into a mix of fine powder and small chunks. White chocolate sets faster than dark, so have toppings ready before spreading. Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. Peppermint flavor intensifies after a day or two.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint bark, easy holiday treat, 3-ingredient candy, homemade chocolate bark, Christmas candy, gluten-free dessert, gift idea

Find it online: https://islatable.com/easy-peppermint-bark-5-minute-homemade-holiday-treat/