Peppermint Bark

Make easy peppermint bark with dark and white chocolate, peppermint and crushed candy canes. A lovely homemade Christmas gift with simple steps and storage tips.

10/24/20262 min read

Peppermint Bark

Two-Layer Chocolate With a Candy Cane Crunch

Peppermint bark is one of those gifts that looks like it came from a smart chocolate shop. A layer of dark chocolate, a layer of creamy white chocolate with a hint of mint, and a scatter of red and white candy cane on top. It's pretty, it's crisp, and it tastes like Christmas.

The secret is that there's no tempering and no special skill. You just melt chocolate, spread it, and let the fridge do the work. It breaks into rough, rustic shards, so no one can tell if the edges are wonky. It's one of my favourite last-minute gifts.

Peppermint bark troubleshooting guide table offering solutions for common chocolate making problems and tips for success.

Packaging and Gifting

Bark is flat, light and a little fragile, so pack it with care.

• Container: a lidded tin, a small gift box, or a clear cellophane bag inside a box. A 250 ml (1 cup) wide-mouth jar also holds about 5 or 6 pieces.

• Layer it. Put a sheet of baking paper between layers so the shards don't stick or scratch each other.

• Decorate. A red ribbon, a sprig of rosemary, or a mini candy cane tucked under the bow.

• Keep it cool. In hot weather, travel with it in a cool bag.

Label wording:

Peppermint Bark. Made on [date]. Contains milk, soy (from the chocolate). May contain traces of nuts and gluten. Keep cool and dry, in the fridge in warm weather. Best eaten within 2 weeks.

Gift tag message:

Cool, minty and a little bit crunchy. Merry Christmas!

Lovely things to pair it with:

• A mug and a box of tea or a jar of Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar

• A few mini candy canes

• A Christmas movie night pack with a box of popcorn

Allergen note: contains milk and soy from the chocolate. May contain traces of nuts and gluten, depending on the brand of chocolate and candy canes. Always label your gifts.

Making It With the Kids/Grandkids

This one is a winner with children, because the jobs are fun and the hot part is quick.

• Ages 3 and up: unwrap the candy canes (the adult stands by), scatter the crushed candy cane over the top, and decorate the labels and boxes.

• Ages 5 and up: crush the candy canes in a zip-lock bag with a rolling pin, with a tea towel over the top, and line the tray with baking paper.

• Ages 7 and up: help spread the cooled chocolate with a spatula, under supervision.

• Adults only: the microwave or stove, hot bowls, and the knife.

• Allergies first: check before sharing, and wash hands before you start.

Candy cane shards can be sharp, so make sure children don't eat small, hard pieces.

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This post is part of my Edible Gifts From the Kitchen series. You will find loads more edible gift ideas, along with some delicious Christmas recipes here.

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With love, Kim xx

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