Triplethreat Peppermint Bark
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy making something that screams "Christmas"? Ever craved that posh peppermint bark you see at Fortnum & Mason? Honestly, you can nail this at home! It's surprisingly easy and the flavour punch is unreal.
Brief Overview
This chocolate bark recipe isn't steeped in ancient history, but it's a modern festive classic. Think of it as the edible equivalent of wrapping paper and carols.
It’s so easy, honestly a monkey could probably make it! All you need is about an hour. This easy dessert recipe yields enough to share… or not!
Main Benefits
The best thing about this peppermint bark recipe ? Besides being utterly delicious and a great Christmas treat , it’s an amazing homemade gift.
Plus, dark chocolate has antioxidants, so it's practically health food, right? It's absolutely perfect for gifting during the holiday baking season and for making someone's Christmas morning that little bit sweeter.
This version is special because it layers dark chocolate , white chocolate and candy cane crunch for an unforgettable taste sensation.
Ready to make this festive treat? Let's get started with the ingredients.
What You'll Need for the Best Triple Threat Peppermint Bark
For the Dark Chocolate Layer: 225g good quality dark chocolate , finely chopped and 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening (optional).
For the White Chocolate Layer: 340g good quality white chocolate , finely chopped, ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening (optional).
For the Peppermint Crunch: About 12-15 candy canes , unwrapped.
You'll also need a baking sheet , parchment paper , a double boiler or heatproof bowl, a rubber spatula , a rolling pin and a ziplock bag .
Let's Get Cracking: Making Your Peppermint Masterpiece
First things first, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me, you'll thank me later when you're not scraping chocolate off the pan.
Next, pop those candy canes into a Ziplock bag and go to town with a rolling pin. I find it quite therapeutic, to be honest.
Set that aside. Now, melt your dark chocolate in a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water). Remember to keep the heat low, burnt chocolate is no fun!
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need to make this k_annotated : peppermint bark . It's easier than you think! Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.
It's the perfect k_annotated : christmas treat , ideal for k_annotated : homemade gifts .
Main Ingredients: It's All About the Chocolate
Alright, let's break it down. We're making a k_annotated : chocolate bark masterpiece.
- Dark Chocolate Layer: You'll need 225g (8 ounces) of good quality k_annotated : dark chocolate , finely chopped. I recommend a chocolate with at least 60% cocoa. A little bit of 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening is optional (for that shiny finish, you know?).
- White Chocolate Layer: Get 340g (12 ounces) of good quality k_annotated : white chocolate , finely chopped. ½ teaspoon of k_annotated : peppermint extract is essential. Again, 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening is optional.
- Peppermint Crunch: You'll need about 12-15 k_annotated : candy canes , unwrapped. k_annotated : Candy cane is a must in k_annotated : peppermint bark recipe .
For the chocolate, quality matters! Don't skimp here. Good chocolate melts better and tastes amazing. I've made it with cheap chocolate before, and honestly? You can taste the difference.
For the k_annotated : holiday baking , use the best you can find.
Seasoning Notes: Peppermint Power
- Peppermint Extract: Don't overdo it! Too much, and it tastes like toothpaste. Trust me, I've been there. Start small, you can always add more.
- Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of sea salt on top can really bring out the chocolate flavors. It’s chef’s kiss !
- Substitution Options: If you don't have candy canes, any hard k_annotated : peppermint candies will do. Just crush 'em up.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need fancy stuff for this k_annotated : easy dessert recipe .
- Baking Sheet: A standard 9x13 inch baking sheet is perfect.
- Parchment Paper: This is a must! It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Double Boiler: Or, a heatproof bowl and saucepan. Basically, something to melt the chocolate gently. Be careful not to burn it!
- Rubber Spatula: For stirring and spreading the chocolate.
- Rolling Pin & Ziplock Bag: For crushing those k_annotated : candy cane .
- Essential tools only : Don't worry if you don't have everything listed perfectly. The goal is to have some k_annotated : festive dessert !
That's it! With these k_annotated : peppermint bark gifts ingredients and tools, you're ready to make some seriously addictive k_annotated : peppermint bark .
It's the k_annotated : christmas bark recipe that keeps on giving!
Triple Threat Peppermint Bark: Let's Get Festive!
Oh my gosh, is it that time of year already? Time for all things cozy, sparkly, and utterly delicious. And what screams Christmas more than peppermint bark ? Honestly, it’s the perfect christmas treat , easy enough to whip up even if you're a bit of a disaster in the kitchen like me sometimes.
Forget buying it, let’s make it!
Prep Like a Pro
Before we dive in, let's get our act together. Think of it as mise en place , but make it festive.
We're talking about lining a baking sheet (approx 9x13 inch ) with parchment paper makes life so much easier.
Essential! Next, unwrap about 12-15 candy canes . We need to bash them up. I like to put them in a ziplock bag and go to town with a rolling pin stress relief and deliciousness all in one.
For safety, try not to smash them so hard that they rupture the bag.
How to Make Peppermint Bark (Like, Really Easy)
Ready to roll? Here's the lowdown:
Dark Chocolate Base: Melt 225g dark chocolate (plus a teaspoon of shortening if you are feeling fancy) in a double boiler or a bowl over simmering water.
Low and slow, my friend, low and slow!
Spread the Love: Pour that melted goodness onto your lined baking sheet. Spread it into a thin, even layer with your rubber spatula .
Chill Out: Pop it in the fridge for 15- 20 minutes . It needs to be firm but not rock solid.
White Chocolate Swirl: Melt 340g white chocolate (again, + optional shortening). Mix in ½ teaspoon peppermint extract . Smells like Christmas already.
White Out: Spread that white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer.
Crunch Time: Sprinkle your crushed candy cane over the top. Gently press them into the chocolate.
Final Chill: Back into the fridge for at least 30 minutes , or until totally firm.
Break it Down: Once it's hard, break it into random, rustic pieces. Imperfection is key!
Pro Tips for Peppermint Bark Perfection
Okay, listen up, I have learned a couple things after making a couple batches of chocolate bark . Use good quality chocolate.
Seriously, it makes a huge difference. And don’t overheat the chocolate! Burnt chocolate is the worst. Low and slow wins the race.
If you want to be super fancy, look up tempering chocolate . It gives your bark a super shiny, professional look.
I sometimes skip this step if I’m being honest. What is the best part? It is a great base for a peppermint bark recipe .
So, there you have it! You’re on your way to becoming a peppermint bark pro. This easy dessert recipe makes for amazing homemade gifts .
It is also the perfect holiday baking activity, whether you’re using dark chocolate or white chocolate ! It's just like Fortnum & Mason, but made with love (and maybe a little bit of chaos) in your own kitchen.
Time to get festive and get baking!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Peppermint Bark
So, you are about to try this peppermint bark recipe ? Ace! Here are a few bits and bobs I learned while making it myself.
Trust me, they will help you create a showstopper Christmas treat .
Serving like a Pro
Want your chocolate bark to look extra snazzy? Me too! Try arranging the peppermint bark shards on a pretty plate.
A dusting of icing sugar looks very festive. Pair it with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Or maybe some mulled wine for the grown ups cheers! This easy dessert recipe is perfect.
Storage Secrets
Store any leftover peppermint bark gifts in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge and it'll last for up to a week.
You can also freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in cling film first. When you fancy some, let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Sorted!
Peppermint Bark Variations
Fancy a twist? Honestly, there are tons of things you can do. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free chocolate. Swap out the candy cane pieces for crushed nuts for a different crunch.
And, why not try using milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate ? Yum. You can also add some oreo cookie to the white chocolate layer.
Christmas Bark Recipe Nutrition Lowdown
Each piece of this festive chocolate bark is roughly 250 calories. It has about 2g of protein, 15g of fat and 30g of carbs.
Remember though, this is an estimate. Peppermint Bark it is a total treat that you can make into homemade christmas candy .
So there you have it! A simple peppermint bark recipe ! Have some fun with it. It is so easy to make, with only a few tools like baking sheet or parchment paper .
Whether you’re giving it as a homemade gift or keeping it all to yourself, I hope you enjoy every bite.
Remember, even if it doesn't look perfect, it will taste amazing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My chocolate seized up! What did I do wrong when making peppermint bark?
Oh dear, seized chocolate is a classic kitchen calamity! It usually happens when even a tiny bit of water gets into the melting chocolate. Make sure your bowls and utensils are bone dry, and be careful when using a double boiler to ensure no steam sneaks in. Low and slow is the motto!
How long does peppermint bark last, and what's the best way to store it? I want to make a big batch before the Christmas rush!
Peppermint bark, if stored correctly, can last for up to 2-3 weeks. The key is to keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in the fridge is a good idea, but be aware it might affect the texture slightly.
Think of it like keeping biscuits you want to prevent them from going soft!
Can I make peppermint bark ahead of time? I'm hosting Christmas this year and want to get organised.
Absolutely! Peppermint bark is a fantastic make-ahead treat. Prepare it a few days or even a week in advance and store it in an airtight container as described above. This will free up valuable time when you are busy wrangling the Christmas turkey and all the trimmings.
What kind of chocolate is best for making peppermint bark? Should I splurge on fancy stuff?
While you don't need to go full-on artisan chocolatier, using good quality chocolate really does make a difference in the flavour and texture. A decent quality dark and white chocolate will give you that proper festive indulgence.
Consider it a treat for yourself you deserve it after all that Christmas shopping!
My peppermint bark looks dull, not like the shiny stuff from Fortnum & Mason. How can I get that glossy finish?
Ah, the quest for the perfect shine! A couple of things can help. Firstly, adding a tiny bit of vegetable shortening (or coconut oil) to the chocolate when melting can boost the gloss. Secondly, tempering the chocolate will give you a professional look.
It's a bit more involved, but totally worth it for that "wow" factor. Plus, nobody likes chalky chocolate.
Can I use different types of peppermint candies for my peppermint bark? I can't find candy canes!
Definitely! While candy canes are traditional, any hard peppermint candies will work perfectly well. Just make sure they are crushed into small pieces. You could even mix and match different peppermint flavors or use a combination of peppermint and wintergreen candies for a unique twist.
Get creative and add that personal touch!
Triplethreat Peppermint Bark
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |