Loaded Peppermint Bark

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: about 1 1/4 pounds bark
  • Total: 1 hr 20 min (includes firming time)
  • Active: 20 min
Make this iconic holiday treat with triple the peppermint power: peppermint extract, mini peppermint patties and candy canes!
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Ingredients

1 pound bittersweet chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

4 ounces white chocolate, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 cup mini peppermint patties, roughly chopped

1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 3) or hard round peppermint candies

Directions

  1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles.
  2. Heat 1 inch of water in a saucepan over low heat until steaming. Put half of the bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over the saucepan of steaming water (do not let the bowl touch the water) and heat, stirring, until most of the chocolate is melted. Remove the bowl from the saucepan; keep the steaming water over low heat. Gradually stir in the remaining bittersweet chocolate a few pieces at a time, until all of the chocolate is melted. Return the bowl to the saucepan if needed, 5 to 10 seconds at a time, to help melt the chocolate. Do not rush this step: It may take up to 10 minutes to melt the chocolate.
  3. Wipe off any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Stir 3/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract into the chocolate, then quickly pour into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Firmly tap the bottom of the dish against the counter to remove any air bubbles. Set aside.
  4. Meanwhile, put all of the white chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and repeat the melting process over the steaming water; dry off the bottom of the bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. 
  5. Dollop tablespoons of the white chocolate mixture over the bittersweet chocolate. Drag a toothpick in loops and swirls through the white and dark chocolate to create a marbling effect. Sprinkle immediately with the chopped peppermint patties and crushed candy canes, gently pressing them into the chocolate. Set aside at room temperature until firm, about 1 hour. 
  6. Lift the bark out of the dish using the foil and break it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

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Anonymous

I’ve never made peppermint bark before. I like my chocolate simple. I needed some holiday hostess gifts. This recipe looked uncomplicated so I thought I’d try it. I followed the chocolate preparation exactly - a little time consuming but it’s what creates smooth shiny chocolate. I was concerned that bittersweet chocolate would not work but adding the chopped mint patties and combining just enough white chocolate to the bittersweet base resulted in the perfect balance of yummy flavors..plus the peppermint crunch. I got rave revues from all my recipients.

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