Yields: About 12-15 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Set Time: 20-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chips (Use a higher-quality chocolate for the best taste)
- 5-6 regular-sized candy canes (or about 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Zip-top bag or resealable container
- Meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy object
Instructions
Prepare the baking sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help the bark release easily once it’s hardened.
Crush the candy canes:
- Place unwrapped candy canes inside a zip-top bag or between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or another heavy object, crush the candy canes into a mix of small pieces and finer bits.
Melt the chocolate:
- Microwave method: Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
- Double-boiler method: If you don’t have a microwave or prefer this method, fill a saucepan with an inch or two of water and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl that fits over the saucepan (making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir frequently until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Assemble the bark:
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Use a spatula to spread the chocolate into an even layer, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the melted chocolate.
Set the bark:
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened.
Break and enjoy:
- Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Flavor variations: Try white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate. You can also add a small drizzle of melted white chocolate over the finished bark for a decorative touch.
- Add a touch of extract: Stir in a 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract with the melted chocolate for an extra peppermint boost.
- Gift-giving: This peppermint bark makes a wonderful and easy holiday gift!
