The scent of peppermint and chocolate always signals the start of the holiday season for me. Festive Christmas bark isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a memory in the making, a joyful burst of color and flavor that brings smiles to every gathering. I remember whipping up my first batch years ago, a little nervous about tempering chocolate, but delighted by how easy and impressive the final result was. Now, it’s a staple in our holiday tradition, filling our kitchen with festive cheer and our dessert platters with irresistible goodness.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s something uniquely magical about festive Christmas bark that makes it stand out amidst a spread of holiday cookies and cakes. For starters, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to get as creative as you like with toppings, making each batch a personalized masterpiece. It’s also surprisingly quick to prepare, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season when every minute counts. Plus, it makes for stunning edible gifts – package some up in a pretty tin, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present that everyone will adore.
> “I made this Christmas bark for our office party, and it was the first dessert to disappear! So easy and absolutely delicious. A new holiday favorite!” – Sarah L., avid home baker
How this recipe comes together
Making festive Christmas bark is simpler than you might think. It essentially involves melting down your favorite chocolate, spreading it onto a prepared baking sheet, and then immediately showering it with a delightful array of festive toppings. Once everything is set and firm, you simply break it into whimsical, irregular pieces, creating a beautiful mosaic of holiday cheer. It’s a low-fuss, high-reward kind of recipe that even beginner bakers can master with ease.
What you’ll need
Gather these items for your holiday bark adventure:
- Chocolate: 16 oz (about 450g) good quality chocolate (dark, milk, or white, or a combination), chopped
- Peppermint candies: 1/2 cup crushed (candy canes work perfectly!)
- Pretzels: 1 cup small pretzels, broken into pieces
- Sprinkles: 1/4 cup festive red and green sprinkles
- Optional toppings: 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or mini marshmallows
Directions to follow
Here’s how to bring your festive Christmas bark to life:
- Prepare your surface: Line a large baking sheet (about 10×15 inches) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is crucial for easy removal of the bark once it’s set.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler method (a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water).
- Spread the chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly into a thin layer. Don’t worry too much about perfection; the rustic look is part of its charm.
- Add the festive flair: Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies, pretzel pieces, and festive sprinkles evenly over the melted chocolate. If using, now is the time to add any other optional toppings like dried cranberries or nuts.
- Chill to set: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely firm and snaps easily.
- Break it up: Once set, remove the bark from the refrigerator. Lift the parchment paper off the baking sheet and place the chocolate on a cutting board. Gently break the bark into irregular pieces by hand or use a sharp knife to cut it into desired shapes.
Best ways to enjoy it
Festive Christmas bark is incredibly versatile! It’s fantastic on its own as a sweet treat after a holiday meal or alongside a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. You can also break it into smaller pieces and use it as an edible garnish for vanilla ice cream, or even crumble it over a holiday trifle for extra texture and flavor. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the various-sized pieces on a festive platter or in a clear glass jar.
The best way to save extras
To keep your festive Christmas bark fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. If your home is particularly warm, you can store it in the refrigerator, but let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor. This bark also freezes beautifully! Place pieces in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Tricks for success
- Quality chocolate matters: Using good quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture of your bark. Brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt, or even good baking chocolate chips work wonders.
- Don’t overheat the chocolate: Overheated chocolate can seize and become lumpy. Melt slowly and stir often. If using a microwave, always do it in short bursts.
- Work quickly: Once the chocolate is melted, spread it and add toppings promptly, as it will start to set fairly quickly, especially if your kitchen is cool.
- Get creative with toppings: This is where the “festive” truly comes into play! Think beyond the basics. White chocolate drizzle, mini chocolate chips, edible glitter, or even a hint of sea salt can elevate your bark.
Creative twists
- White Chocolate Peppermint: Use entirely white chocolate as your base and swirl in a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate before spreading. Top with crushed candy canes.
- Nutty Caramel Bark: Drizzle a thin layer of melted caramel over your chocolate base before adding toasted pecans or walnuts and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Gingerbread Spice Bark: Swirl in 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon into your melted chocolate. Top with crushed gingerbread cookies and a sprinkle of crystalized ginger.
- Citrus Cranberry Pistachio: Use dark chocolate and sprinkle with dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and a little bit of orange zest for a bright, sophisticated flavor.
Your questions answered
Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?
A: Yes, absolutely! Chocolate chips are designed to melt smoothly, making them a convenient option for bark. Just be sure to use a good quality brand for the best flavor and texture.
My bark isn’t setting. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the chocolate wasn’t melted completely or if there’s too much moisture introduced. Ensure your bowl and tools are completely dry, and give it ample time to chill in the refrigerator. If it’s still very soft after an hour, it might be an issue with the chocolate quality or tempering process.
How can I make this bark dairy-free?
A: To make this festive Christmas bark dairy-free, simply choose your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips or bars (many brands are available now!) and ensure all your toppings, like sprinkles, are also dairy-free. Most candy canes are naturally dairy-free, but it’s always good to check the label.
Peppermint White Chocolate Bark
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz good quality white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (about 2 cups)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to make removal easier.
- Combine white chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth, then stir in peppermint extract.
Assembly
- Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, then immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Finishing
- Chill the bark in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes until firm, then break it into irregular pieces.