• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
An Edible Mosaic™
  • about
    • contact
    • accessibility
    • privacy policy
    • terms and conditions
  • cookbooks
  • recipes
  • world cuisine
    • arabic and middle eastern
    • asian
    • british
    • buffalo foods
    • czech
    • dutch
    • ethiopian
    • french
    • german
    • greek
    • indian
    • irish
    • italian
    • jamaican
    • jewish
    • latin
    • polish
    • russian and ukrainian
    • swedish
    • tex mex
    • thai
    • west african
  • Nav Social Menu

menu icon
go to homepage
  • about
  • fall recipes
  • recipes
  • cookbooks
  • subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • about
    • fall recipes
    • recipes
    • cookbooks
    • subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Type » Desserts » Candy

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark

    Published: Dec 9, 2019 · Modified: Jan 19, 2022 by Faith · This post may contain affiliate links · 55 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Everyone loves Chocolate Peppermint Bark; it’s a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s great for using up leftover candy canes!

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark 1

    While I was growing up, my mom used to solve our leftover candy cane problem by saving them to hang on the next year’s Christmas tree.

    This happened every year, so I’m sure we ended up with some candy canes there were over five years old. We tried to keep the old canes (the ones that were supposedly for decoration only) separate from the new ones that were for eating, but of course once they were all on the tree my sister and would I forget which ones were which. We’d inevitably eat a few old canes (yeah, kids are gross).

    Oddly enough, the old canes didn’t taste as disgusting as you might think they would. Come to think of it, that is really gross, and makes me wonder just how old the fresh ones are if the old ones taste fresh, lol.

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark 2

    Since then, we’ve come up with a better way to use up extra (or leftover) candy canes: Chocolate Peppermint Bark! It couldn’t be easier to make and is literally fool-proof. And peppermint chocolate is one of everyone's favorite flavor combinations!

    This treat comes together in just 15 minutes of hands-on time (that doesn’t include the time it takes to harden, so be sure to factor that in), and always looks impressive.

    Pro Tip: Packaged in a festive holiday box, Peppermint Bark is a perfect last-minute Christmas gift or party treat.

    Easy Peppermint Bark Recipe with Description

    In This Article

    • How Long Does Peppermint Bark Keep?
    • Should Chocolate Bark be Refrigerated?
    • Can I Freeze Peppermint Bark?
    • Who Invented Peppermint Bark?
    • More Chocolate Peppermint Recipes to Try:
    • Chocolate Peppermint Bark

    How Long Does Peppermint Bark Keep?

    Peppermint Bark keeps well for up to 2 weeks. Store it in an airtight container (stacked between parchment paper if need be) at cool room temperature.

    Should Chocolate Bark be Refrigerated?

    If it’s summertime (or if room temperature is above 72F), store it in an airtight food storage container in the fridge.

    Can I Freeze Peppermint Bark?

    Yes! Here is the best way to freeze peppermint bark:

    1. Stack it on a plate between layers of parchment paper.
    2. Wrap the plate with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
    3. Place the wrapped plate into a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
    4. To thaw, let it sit overnight in the fridge.

    Peppermint Chocolate Bark on White Wax Paper on Wooden Table

    Who Invented Peppermint Bark?

    Like a lot of food pop culture items, it’s hard to know exactly who invented this festive treat. According to Mental Floss, it dates back to at least the 1960’s. The St. Petersburg Times had an ad for peppermint bark in a printed newspaper dated September 12, 1966.

    Williams Sonoma made peppermint bark as we know it today popular. According to delish, in 1998 Chuck Williams asked a team of three merchants to come up with a nostalgic festive treat. It blew up in popularity, and, as they say, the rest is history.

    Peppermint Bark in Festive Christmas Tin on Wooden Table

    More Chocolate Peppermint Recipes to Try:

    • Skinny Peppermint Mocha Latte
    • Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
    • Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark 3
    Did you make this recipe? Please rate it and leave a comment below because I love hearing from you! You can also tag @anediblemosaic on social media. To stay up-to-date FOLLOW ME on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Xoxo, Faith

    Chocolate Peppermint Bark

    By: Faith Gorsky
    Everyone loves Chocolate Peppermint Bark; it’s a delicious, easy-to-make recipe that’s great for using up leftover candy canes!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 344 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 ounces good quality semisweet chocolate chips
    • 12 ounces good quality white chocolate chips
    • 6 regular-sized peppermint candy canes crushed

    Instructions
     

    • Line a half sheet pan 18 by 13-inches) with parchment paper and set aside.
    • Melt the semisweet chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler; pour onto the prepared dish and spread in an even layer into a rectangle about 14 by 10-inches (an offset spatula works well for this). Let the semisweet chocolate harden.
    • Melt white chocolate in a microwave or a double boiler; pour onto the hardened semisweet chocolate and spread in an even layer.
    • Sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top.
    • Let the white chocolate harden before cutting into squares or breaking into pieces.
    • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

    Faith's Tips

    • This recipe yields 1 (14 by 10-inch sheet) of candy, about 1 ⅔ lbs (750 g) of candy. I find it makes 12 generous-sized servings.
    • Packaged in a festive holiday box, Peppermint Bark is a perfect last-minute Christmas gift or party treat.
    How To Freeze Peppermint Bark:
    1. Stack it on a plate between layers of parchment paper.
    2. Wrap the plate with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
    3. Place the wrapped plate into a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
    4. To thaw, let it sit overnight in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Chocolate Peppermint Bark
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 344 Calories from Fat 180
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 20g31%
    Saturated Fat 12g75%
    Cholesterol 8mg3%
    Sodium 28mg1%
    Potassium 242mg7%
    Carbohydrates 38g13%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 32g36%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 23IU0%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 74mg7%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Keyword Chocolate Peppermint Bark, Peppermint Bark, Peppermint Chocolate
    Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

    Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe Pin

    This post was first published on An Edible Mosaic on December 26, 2010. It was updated with new photos on December 4, 2013, and more information on December 9, 2019.

    Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links to products I believe in, which means that even though it doesn’t cost you anything extra, I will receive a small amount of money from the sale of these items, which helps me keep this site alive – thank you for helping to support An Edible Mosaic!

    More Candy

    • chocolate date balls recipe featured image
      15 Minute Easy Chocolate Date Balls Recipe {video}
    • No Bake Classic Chocolate Rum Balls Recipe - Easy to Make in 20 Minutes!
    • salted caramels recipe featured image
      Simple Salted Caramels Recipe - Makes a Lovely Homemade Gift!
    • Rocky Road Fudge Recipe - Easy 5 Minute Microwave Fudge!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Dina says

      December 05, 2013 at 5:17 pm

      peppermint bark is one of my faves during the holidays. looks yummy!

      Reply
    2. FOODESSA says

      January 03, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      Can you believe that this was the first Christmas where all the candy canes disappeared! Well, better to the kids at our community center than in my tummy. LOL
      I'm book marking your recipe because in a few days I will be celebrating another party with them. I'm sure the center would be interested in this treat ;o)

      BTW...love the pics!

      Ciao for now,
      Claudia

      Reply
    3. Magic of Spice says

      December 30, 2010 at 3:53 pm

      These are so unique and so pretty :)

      Reply
    4. Krista says

      December 30, 2010 at 10:16 am

      Peppermint bark is one of my favourite holiday treats. I just love the mint/chocolate combo!

      Reply
    5. Julie M. says

      December 29, 2010 at 2:51 pm

      Such a simple and delicious way to handle leftover candy canes. I love it!

      Reply
    6. Sara says

      December 29, 2010 at 9:36 am

      Faith, what a wonderful idea to use the candy canes in the bark recipe! I will have to try it! Hope that you are enjoying the Holidays! xoxo

      Reply
    7. A Canadian Foodie says

      December 29, 2010 at 8:24 am

      Faith!
      What a great - and timely recipe. I have seen many versions of this, but yours wins: hands down. The white chocolate over the dark chocolate makes this stunning. And, then, with the peppermint on top, you can actually cut it instead of break it. Absolutely lovely.
      Happy New Year!!!
      Isn't this a lovely week to just relax, and reconnect with friends? I love this week.
      :)
      Valerie

      Reply
    8. Barbara Bakes says

      December 28, 2010 at 9:35 pm

      You're right it looks so festive. I'll have to make some for next year.

      Reply
    9. Megan says

      December 28, 2010 at 6:32 pm

      This beautiful bark! Now I want to go see if there is any candy canes left!

      Reply
    10. Karyn Bernard (French Charming) says

      December 28, 2010 at 11:36 am

      Chocolate and candy cane...doesn't get better than that! Your photos are gorgeous as always. Happy New Year Sweet Friend!
      xoxo
      Karyn

      Reply
    11. Jessie says

      December 28, 2010 at 10:31 am

      You are so creative as always, Faith! I love a bit of peppermint bark, but I've never tried to make my own. Now I'll have to!

      Btw, I giggled at the thought of you eating 5 year old candy canes! Kids! :P

      Reply
    12. Crustabakes says

      December 28, 2010 at 9:17 am

      These are sure a better way to use up the canes. Plus they look wonderful too!

      Reply
    13. MaryMoh says

      December 28, 2010 at 8:51 am

      This looks really easy and pretty too. Thanks very much for sharing. Hope you have a great Christmas holiday season and Happy New Year!

      Reply
    14. Rich says

      December 28, 2010 at 7:42 am

      Faith, those look great! Chocolate and peppermint are a combination equal to chocolate and peanut butter - that is to say, it's greatness.

      Reply
    15. marla {family fresh cooking} says

      December 28, 2010 at 7:39 am

      This bark is extra special because you have all of that white chocolate on top. Looks like a great texture & flavor. Old candy canes - do they get old? I guess a bit soft through time. Glad to hear you had some very happy holidays! XO

      Reply
    16. Monet says

      December 28, 2010 at 1:44 am

      Not only does this look beautiful...but I'm sure it is far less expensive than what I usually buy from Williams Sonoma. It is also a great way to use up extra candy cane! Thank you for sharing this with me. I hope you have a lovely week. I wish you and your family the happiest New Year!

      Reply
    17. grace says

      December 28, 2010 at 1:31 am

      leftover candy canes? pshaw--i buy them solely for this purpose! :)

      Reply
    18. Patty Price says

      December 27, 2010 at 11:17 pm

      I love your simple and pretty Recipe for peppermint bark. Happy holidays, I'm still enjoying all the goodies for a while longer:-)

      Reply
    19. Reeni says

      December 27, 2010 at 7:58 pm

      I love that you layered white with semisweet chocolate Faith! Very decadent! I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to stop by and wish you a Merry Christmas - hope you had a great one!

      Reply
    20. Tanantha @ I Just Love My Apron says

      December 27, 2010 at 7:27 pm

      Faith! I'm sorry I missed a few posts of yours! The jet lag got better. Yay. I didn't have candy canes this year but I just opened a gift from my friend last night, she gave me green tea candy canes! This bark is beautiful and colorful. I'm sure with a touch of green tea would work great on this.

      Happy Holidays Faith!
      PS: Thanks so much for your nice comments.

      Reply
    21. kim says

      December 27, 2010 at 7:21 pm

      What an useful way to 'recycle' candy canes. You just gave a new definition to this nostalgic sweet! :Q

      Reply
    22. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      December 27, 2010 at 6:29 pm

      That's a great idea Faith! I'm left with pretty much a whole bag of them! I don't think even one was eaten lol. I hate to throw things away so this is perhaps the best use of them! :D

      Reply
    23. Jen says

      December 27, 2010 at 6:18 pm

      Great idea Faith! Very festive! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas.

      Reply
    24. zerrin says

      December 27, 2010 at 5:29 pm

      These are adorable! Never used candies in this way, so creative! Happy new year to you and your loved ones!

      Reply
    25. Barbara says

      December 27, 2010 at 3:18 pm

      Well, no candy canes, but someone gave me a jar of crushed peppermint sticks from Williams Sonoma. Can't think of a yummier way to use them up!
      Hope your Christmas was great and the New Year even better, Faith!

      Reply
    26. Natalia - a side of simple says

      December 27, 2010 at 2:25 pm

      We actually still have some leftover candy from Halloween, so I think we better turn that into some bark before we even start to think about our candy canes. Thanks for the great idea!

      Reply
    27. Erica says

      December 27, 2010 at 2:14 pm

      What a great way to use up leftover candy canes. And I can't get enough bark ;)

      Reply
    28. Angie's Recipes says

      December 27, 2010 at 1:52 pm

      Faith, I love these peppermint barks and they are so easy to make.

      Reply
    29. Mary says

      December 27, 2010 at 1:51 pm

      This looks wonderful. I've never made Peppermint bark. I've bookmarked your recipe because yours looks so good. I hope you had a wonderful holiday. Blessings...Mary

      Reply
    30. Mia says

      December 27, 2010 at 12:40 pm

      Oh Faith , did u write this specially for me? To make me laugh and grin and tell me im not alone?
      Actually a little differently ,though!
      I have faint memories of candy cane , but have been looking around for them forever , ok fine , since last year and this year had my reallll , candy cane moment ,thannnxxx to Chaya!
      Well i have a little tin , quite full of them and i guess im gaurding them too hard , i limit myself to 2 a day , coz i dont want to miss them later :-)
      I have candy cane coffee every day with half a candy cane :-) and it helps some are a little broken :-) and then i have candy cane coco and sprinkle the dust on the marshmellow fluff ...whew!!
      I sure can spare some and make this cany cane bark , am thrilled for this recipe ,coz we dont find CC bark in the stores here :-)
      A bright new year to ya with lodsa love!

      Reply
    31. Emily Z says

      December 27, 2010 at 12:35 pm

      Great idea for leftover candy! I do love peppermint bark. You are always so creative, Faith! Hope your Christmas was fantastic!

      Reply
    32. Ameena says

      December 27, 2010 at 12:35 pm

      I also wonder if candy canes have an expiration date? Now I feel like I should have checked. LOL

      Wonderful idea Faith! I hope you had a great Christmas and are staying warm in the crazy weather you are having!

      Reply
    33. Krista says

      December 27, 2010 at 12:03 pm

      Absolutely delicious and so beautiful, Faith! I love candy canes in bars like this. Now I can't wait to get home again to make some. :-)

      Reply
    34. Nicole, RD says

      December 27, 2010 at 11:30 am

      It's gorgeous! Very festive, and yep...looks easy peasy :) Merry Christmas, Faith!

      Reply
    35. Heavenly Housewife says

      December 27, 2010 at 10:30 am

      Oh it looks picture perfect. You know, not long ago I was in America and I saw this at Williams Sanoma, it was over $20 a box. Its so cool that you made it yourself!
      *kisses* HH

      Reply
    36. Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather says

      December 27, 2010 at 10:14 am

      There are always so many left over candy canes! What a fun , pretty and tasty way to use them up! It is pretty gross how old canes taste the same as fresh candy canes.

      Reply
    37. Joanne says

      December 27, 2010 at 7:48 am

      I think that candy canes have so much sugar that they can never REALLY go bad. And I mean...you survived to adulthood! So they couldn't have messed with you too much lol.

      This bark looks great. TO be fair, I'd rather eat this than a straight up candy cane.

      Reply
    38. Priya says

      December 27, 2010 at 5:16 am

      Pretty bark,soo gorgeous..

      Reply
    39. lequan says

      December 27, 2010 at 2:38 am

      Oh Faith, having my own kids now, I know kids don't have the same "picture/idea" of gross as adults do. I totally would've done the same thing when I was a kid. When it comes to candy, kids know no fear. Believe it or not, I've never had a peppermint bark. They look so pretty and sound super easy to make. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    40. Anna Johnston says

      December 27, 2010 at 12:35 am

      I made these one year too, or similar ;) Love the sound of these too... I think I was probably like you Faith..., chomped into the old ones without a care. :)

      Reply
    41. Sanjeeta kk says

      December 27, 2010 at 12:06 am

      Lovely color and texture for the barks!

      Reply
    42. Maria @ Scandifoodie says

      December 26, 2010 at 11:22 pm

      This is such a perfect holiday treat! They look so pretty!

      Reply
    43. Priyanka says

      December 26, 2010 at 11:06 pm

      This peppermint barks looks lovely!

      Reply
    44. Veronica says

      December 26, 2010 at 10:25 pm

      Great idea! I usually throw them away--this is a great alternative.

      Reply
    45. Cara says

      December 26, 2010 at 10:14 pm

      Love this!
      It looks so festive...
      and who says the treats need to stop just because Christmas is over?

      Reply
    46. Betty says

      December 26, 2010 at 6:35 pm

      That would be so pretty on a cookie tray! No one eats the candy canes at my house now, so that's a perfect use for them. :)

      Reply
    47. Swathi says

      December 26, 2010 at 3:53 pm

      Faith,

      Peppermint bark looks delicious. Nice one.

      Reply
    48. BeadedTail says

      December 26, 2010 at 2:17 pm

      I love Peppermint Bark and I sure didn't know it was so easy to make. Thanks for another tasty recipe!

      Reply
    49. Beth says

      December 26, 2010 at 1:46 pm

      I was disappointed with the way my bark turned out -- yours looks much better! What a great way to use up those "fresh" candy canes.

      Reply
    50. Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says

      December 26, 2010 at 11:52 am

      Love the brown and with choco layers! For me the candy canes are from childhood, sorry to say not one candy cane has crossed my path this season.

      Reply
    51. Katerina says

      December 26, 2010 at 11:08 am

      I ate so much this Christmas, I would need days to recover. These cookies look so colorful and festive I wouldn't be able to resist, even after all this eating.

      Reply
    52. Victoria says

      December 26, 2010 at 11:05 am

      I can't believe how easy this recipe is! It looks gorgeous and so festive!! Merry Christmas, Faith :)

      Reply
    53. Rosa says

      December 26, 2010 at 10:45 am

      Those are so pretty!

      I hope you had a great Xmas day!

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
    54. Dana says

      December 26, 2010 at 10:09 am

      I don't like mint and chocolate together, but I bet this would be good with the fruity flavored candy canes, too!

      Reply
    55. Carol says

      December 26, 2010 at 10:02 am

      The bark looks great! What a great idea for leftover candy! LOL, at the old ones!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    faith photo with welcome

    Hi, I'm Faith!

    I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind An Edible Mosaic. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had. Welcome to An Edible Mosaic!

    More About Faith →
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS Feed

    Popular Recipes

    • boba milk tea featured image
      How to Make Bubble Tea (Easy Boba Tea Recipe)
    • mini victoria sponge cakes featured image
      Mini Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe - Fit for Royalty & Easy to Make as Cupcakes! {video}
    • canned chicken salad featured image
      Canned Chicken Salad Recipe
    • low carb chicken casserole featured image
      Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole - Based on the Dip! {video}

    Seasonal Recipes

    • pear kale salad featured image
      Simple Pear Kale Salad with Candied Almonds and Crumbled Feta
    • slow cooker enchiladas featured image
      Really Easy Crockpot Enchiladas (Ground Beef Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole)
    • baked brie featured image
      20-Minute Elegant Baked Brie Recipe with Honeyed Grapes
    • caramel apple popcorn featured image
      Easy Caramel Apple Popcorn Recipe and a Fall-Themed Movie Night Snack Board

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Contact
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    an edible mosaic stamp logo 1200 square

    SEE RECIPE INDEX

    Social

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • RSS Feed

    My Other Blogs

    • Daily Desserting
    • The Keto Queens

    An Edible Mosaic is monetized in part though affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and/or purchase an item after clicking on an affiliate link, I may receive a percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I use and love.

    Copyright © 2023 An Edible Mosaic