Homemade Peppermint Bark: A Festive Delight or Delicious Snack?
It doesn't have to be the holiday season to make it the perfect time to indulge in a sweet treat, and there's no better way to treat yourself than with a batch of homemade peppermint bark. This delightful confection combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint, making it a favorite for festive gatherings, gift-giving, and the perfect sweet treat when you have that craving for chocolate. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own peppermint bark.
Check out the video above! 👆
Ingredients
To make a classic peppermint bark, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 12 oz of high-quality dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 2 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Workstation:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the chocolate from sticking and make it easy to break into pieces later.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate until smooth. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Or place in glass bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval until melted.
- Once melted, remove from heat and add peppermint essential oil. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer using a spatula. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
-Sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
3. Set the Bark:
- Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the entire bark is firm and set.
4. Break Into Pieces:
- Once the bark is completely set, remove it from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet and place it on a flat surface.
- Break the bark into pieces of your desired size using your hands or a sharp knife. (A pizza cutter works great for cutting the chocolate.) Don’t worry about making them perfect – the irregular pieces add to the charm!
Storage
Store the peppermint bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can keep it in the refrigerator to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Tips for Success
- Quality Chocolate: Using high-quality chocolate makes a significant difference in the taste and texture of your peppermint bark. Choose chocolate bars or chips with a higher cocoa content for a richer flavor.
- Even Layers: When spreading the chocolate, work quickly to ensure the layers are even. This helps the bark set properly and makes it easier to break into pieces.
- Crushing Candy Canes: To crush candy canes, place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or a heavy object to break them into small pieces. Be careful not to crush them too finely – small chunks add a pleasant crunch.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your peppermint bark! Here are a few variations to try:
- Swirled Bark: Try swirling dark and white chocolate together for a marbled effect.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, over the top layer for added texture and flavor.
- Use Different Chocolates: Experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even flavored white chocolate to create unique combinations.
Peppermint bark is a simple yet elegant treat that brings holiday cheer to any occasion. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, this homemade version is sure to delight. Enjoy the process, and the sweet treat!
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