Making your own peppermint bark at home is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a festive treat without the mystery ingredients. With just a few quality ingredients, you can create a delicious, homemade version that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
I love making things myself, it brings a sense of joy and fulfillment that just doesn’t come from buying something off the shelf. And truly, given the choice, I’ll take a quiet kitchen over a store run any day.
Peppermint bark isn’t something we buy often, and I’m not sure why because everyone here loves chocolate and peppermint. Maybe it’s because those store-bought bags come with ingredient lists that make me raise a brow. Either way, this homemade version is worlds better and takes no time at all.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Bark Recipe
It’s incredibly simple. Just four basic ingredients... nothing weird, nothing complicated, and no candy thermometers needed.
Perfect for last-minute gifting. It comes together in about 10 minutes and looks beautiful wrapped in a tin or cellophane bag.
Better than store-bought. You control the ingredients, the flavor, and the quality. No oils, fillers, or artificial peppermint.
Beautifully festive. The red-and-white candy cane topping makes it look instantly Christmas-ready with almost no effort.
Kid-friendly to make and eat. Little hands can help crush candy canes or sprinkle them over the top... and you can cut it evenly later to avoid the “that piece is bigger” drama.
Great make-ahead treat. It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you can prepare it days (or weeks) before Christmas.
Ingredients for Peppermint Bark
This recipe is wonderfully basic and uses just four ingredients:
- Milk chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Peppermint extract
- Candy canes (or crushed peppermint candy)
Use the best ingredients you can find... organic chocolate, real cane-sugar candy canes, and homemade peppermint extract if you have it. Better ingredients... better bark.
Tips for Making the Best Peppermint Bark
Use a double boiler.
Low, gentle heat is key. If you don’t have one, place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with an inch of simmering water.
Temper your chocolate for that perfect “snap.”
After melting, stir in about ½ cup of reserved chocolate chips. This helps your bark set beautifully.
Stir in the peppermint extract quickly.
Once it’s added, mix fast and smooth so it blends evenly.
Let the bark come to room temperature before breaking.
If you take it straight from the freezer to the knife, the layers may separate. A short rest helps them bond.
Crush your own candy canes.
Just toss them in a zipper bag and whack with a rolling pin or mallet. Easy.
How to Break Peppermint Bark (Without Arguments!)
Everyone loves the “rustic shards” method, but if you have kids… the debates over who got the biggest piece never end.
To keep the peace, I let the bark return to room temperature and cut it into small squares with a chef’s knife. You’ll get about 16 one-inch squares... the perfect amount to share.
How to Gift Homemade Peppermint Bark
Homemade peppermint bark makes such a sweet little Christmas gift... simple, thoughtful, and beautiful without much effort. Here are a few easy ways to package it up:
In a tin: Line a small cookie tin with parchment paper, stack the bark inside, and add a sprig of evergreen on top. It feels classic and festive.
Cellophane bags: Place a handful of pieces in a clear bag, tie with twine or red-and-white baker’s twine, and add a simple “Merry Christmas” tag. Perfect for teachers, neighbors, or stocking stuffers.
Mason jars: Break the bark into smaller squares and layer them in a pint-size jar. Add a ribbon and a handwritten label for a rustic touch.
Gift box with mixed treats: Peppermint bark pairs beautifully with buckeyes, Christmas jam, cookies, or candied nuts. Add parchment dividers and create a homemade treat box.
Add to a gift basket: Nestle a bag of peppermint bark into a basket with hot cocoa mix, a mug, a candle, or other simple homemade goodies.
However you package it, a homemade treat always feels personal... like you paused long enough in December to make something with your own hands. And that’s the heart of good gifting.
How to Store Homemade Peppermint Bark
Peppermint bark keeps best in an airtight container in a cool, dark place:
- Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: up to 2–3 months
We keep ours in a glass container in the fridge and grab a piece whenever we’re in the mood.
Since it only takes 10 minutes of active time (plus an hour to set), it’s a fantastic last-minute Christmas treat or edible gift.
I hope your family loves this peppermint bark as much as we do! If you try it, I’d be thrilled to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below or give this recipe a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating.
And if you’re looking for more homemade Christmas ideas, here are a few reader favorites:
📖 Recipe
Homemade Peppermint Bark Recipe
This homemade peppermint bark is a simple, festive treat made with just four real ingredients... milk chocolate, white chocolate, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes. It comes together in minutes, sets quickly, and tastes far better than anything store-bought. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or keeping tucked in the fridge for a sweet Christmas bite.
Ingredients
- 12 Ounces Milk Chocolate Chips
- 12 Ounces White Chocolate Chips
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
- Handful Crushed Candy Canes
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients. Weigh out both chocolates, keeping the milk chocolate and white chocolate separate. Reserve ½ cup of each type for tempering later. Crush your candy canes and measure out two ½-teaspoon portions of peppermint extract.
- Prepare the pan. Line an 8×8-inch dish with wax paper and set aside.
- Melt the milk chocolate. In a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with an inch of simmering water), melt all but the reserved ½ cup of milk chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Temper the milk chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup of milk chocolate until fully melted and glossy.
- Add flavoring. Quickly stir in ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Spread the first layer. Pour the milk chocolate into your lined dish and spread evenly to about ⅛-inch thickness. Place the dish in the freezer to set.
- Melt the white chocolate. Clean your double boiler, then melt all but the reserved ½ cup of white chocolate the same way as before... low and slow, stirring constantly.
- Temper the white chocolate. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining ½ cup until smooth.
- Add peppermint. Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract.
- Add the top layer. Remove the set milk chocolate from the freezer, then carefully spread the white chocolate evenly over the top.
- Add candy canes. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint over the warm white chocolate.
- Chill to set. Return the dish to the freezer for about 1 hour, or until fully firm.
- Finish and cut. Remove the bark from the freezer, peel off the wax paper, and let it come to room temperature before breaking or cutting into squares.
Notes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16 SquaresServing Size:
1 SquareAmount Per Serving: Calories: 243Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 37mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 3g
cate says
peppermint bark is one of my favorite Christmas treats! I think i'll have to try my hand at making some!
Danielle McCoy says
It's so, so easy! I had no idea something so delicious could be so simple lol.
Cheryl says
have you ever done this with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Danielle McCoy says
Yep, it works just fine!