Santas Little Helper Bark White Chocolate Peppermint Delight
Recipe Introduction
Craving Christmas?
Ever feel like you need a little festive magic in your life? Honestly, sometimes I do. And nothing screams Christmas like the classic white chocolate peppermint bark .
This treat isn't just delicious, it's like a hug in a bite. Think creamy, sweet, and a burst of refreshing peppermint.
What's the Big Deal with this Bark?
The humble peppermint bark has roots in American holiday traditions. It's a super easy peppermint bark recipe , perfect for a quick festive fix.
This christmas bark recipe will give you about 20-24 pieces of pure joy. It’s a great for sharing, but I won't judge if you keep it all to yourself.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Peppermint Bark
This recipe is not just for Santa. I find that the combo of mint and chocolate soothes and stimulates after a hearty meal.
Aside from a festive palate cleanser, It’s a great way to make someone smile. Plus, making peppermint bark gifts is way more personal than buying something at the shops.
I even made it once for a work Secret Santa, and it was a hit! It stands out among other festive holiday treats because it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
Let's get started with this incredible white chocolate peppermint slice .
Ingredients Ready?
Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to make this brilliant white chocolate peppermint bark . Honestly, it's simpler than brewing a pot of tea! Think of it as your secret weapon for festive holiday treats .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this easy peppermint bark recipe :
- 16 ounces (450g) of proper, good quality white chocolate, chopped. Now, hear me out: go for chocolate bars, not chips. They melt smoother, trust me!
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.
- 1/2 cup (60g) of crushed peppermint candies. Candy canes are ace for this!
- Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) of red and green sprinkles. For extra Christmas cheer, innit.
Now, about that white chocolate. You want it to be decent. No scrimping! The better the chocolate, the better the peppermint bark .
Aim for something with a good cocoa butter content. It makes all the difference.
Seasoning Notes
Alright, so you've got your main players. But what about the extras?
- Peppermint extract is key, obvs. But don't go overboard! Too much and it'll taste like toothpaste. You know?
- No peppermint extract? Vanilla'll do in a pinch. But it won't be peppermint bark , will it?
- Fancy a bit of a twist? A tiny pinch of sea salt on top works wonders with the sweetness.
Equipment Needed
Don't worry, you won't need a fancy kitchen for this christmas bark recipe .
- A double boiler or microwave safe bowl for melting the chocolate. I usually use the microwave, dead easy.
- A baking sheet.
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Keeps things from sticking!
- An offset spatula or rubber spatula. For spreading the chocolate like a pro.
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter. For breaking it into bits once it's set.
Now, if you haven't got a double boiler, don't sweat it. Just pop a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water.
Sorted! And if you're feeling lazy, the microwave works a treat. Just do it in short bursts, stirring in between.
The key is to not let the chocolate burn or seize. If that happens you're left with a chocolate rock! Trust me, I’ve been there.
Let’s avoid that, shall we?
Once you've got your homemade peppermint bark ready, you can use it as a peppermint bark gift .
Alright, mates! Fancy making some festive magic? Let's whip up a batch of white chocolate peppermint bark that'll make you the star baker this Christmas.
Honestly, this easy peppermint bark recipe is so simple, even I, who once set fire to toast, can nail it.
It’s better than a cracker, and much more festive too!.
Cracking Prep for Your Christmas Bark Recipe
Right then, before we get our aprons on, a bit of prep is key. This is the essential mise en place part.
First, chop your 16 ounces of glorious white chocolate . And get your 1/2 cup of peppermint candies crushed. Prepping saves a proper load of time, you know? And don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment saves on the washing up, doesn't it?.
This will form the base of the best homemade peppermint bark .
step-by-step: Making Santa's Little Helper Bark
Right, listen up! This is easier than queuing for the Boxing Day sales.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently melt your white chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave in 30-second bursts . Keep stirring! Avoid over heating, or it'll go grainy, and no one wants that, do they?.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract . This stuff packs a punch, so don't go overboard.
- Pour and spread the melted chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet. Make it roughly 1/4 inch thick .
- Chuck the 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (and 1/4 cup sprinkles , if you're feeling fancy) over the melted chocolate, making sure you get a decent spread.
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes until firm.
- Bash it up into pieces. No need to be neat!
- Serve and enjoy this peppermint bark gift .
Pro Tips for Peppermint Bark Perfection
Oh my gosh, I've made so many mistakes over the years making this, so listen up! First, the white chocolate .
Go for quality. The cheap stuff melts weirdly. Second, don't overheat the chocolate. It’s a right pain when it seizes! Another essential tip is that for a super quick method, crush the candy canes and sprinkles together, it will save you so much time.
The end results will be very close. For a change you can use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate, this variation is not as sugary.
So, there you have it! A dazzling white chocolate peppermint slice that'll have everyone begging for more. It’s perfect for festive holiday treats . Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Gettin' Down to the Nitty Gritty
So, you’re ready to make some white chocolate peppermint bark ? Ace! Here's the lowdown to make sure your easy peppermint bark recipe turns out spiffing.
We're aiming for a right proper Christmas bark recipe , you know? Honestly, a little prep can go a long way and avoid a right kerfuffle later.
Serving Suggestions: Blimey, That Looks Good!
Alright, picture this: your homemade peppermint bark is done. Time to show it off! Slice it up and pile it high on a pretty plate.
Presentation is everything, innit? Serve it with mugs of hot chocolate, proper festive. Or pair it with a cheeky glass of Baileys.
If you are planning to create a peppermint bark gift , use cellophane and ribbon to make it beautiful.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Now, if you have any white chocolate bark left (unlikely, I know!), here's how to keep it tip-top. Pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge.
That'll keep it firm and stop it from getting melty. It should last for about 2 weeks like that. Freezing the candy cane bark ? I wouldn't, it can get a bit wonky.
Variations: Mix it Up, Mate!
Fancy a bit of a twist? You could easily make a dark chocolate peppermint bark version. Just swap out the white chocolate for dark.
Bob's your uncle! For a vegan version, use vegan white chocolate. Add a handful of toasted almonds for some extra crunch in your white chocolate peppermint slice , you know?
Nutrition Basics: A Little Treat, Mind!
Okay, let's be real, this isn’t a health food. Each piece is about 150 calories. But hey, it's Christmas! It’s all about enjoying yourself.
Plus, dark chocolate actually has some antioxidants. So, it's almost good for you. Just remember, everything in moderation, even festive holiday treats !
Give that white chocolate peppermint bark recipe a go, you'll be proper chuffed with the results. Happy baking, and have a wonderful Christmas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my white chocolate seizing up when I try to melt it for my white chocolate peppermint bark?
Oh dear, seizing chocolate is a classic baking blunder! White chocolate is a bit of a diva. It seizes easily if overheated or if even a tiny drop of water gets in. Melt it gently in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. Make sure your equipment is completely dry.
Also, be sure to use actual white chocolate and not white chocolate chips.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of a chocolate bar for my white chocolate peppermint bark?
While you can use white chocolate chips in a pinch, for the best results, a high-quality white chocolate bar is the way to go! Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting as smoothly as a chocolate bar.
This can affect the final texture of your bark, making it less creamy and more prone to seizing.
How do I store white chocolate peppermint bark to keep it fresh?
To keep your white chocolate peppermint bark as delightful as the day you made it, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, like a pantry. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can even pop it in the fridge.
Just be sure to let it come to room temperature a bit before serving for the best flavour and texture.
What kind of peppermint candies are best for making peppermint bark?
You can use either candy canes or hard peppermint candies! Candy canes tend to crush more easily, giving you a mix of larger and smaller pieces, which looks lovely. Hard peppermint candies provide a more uniform texture. Just make sure they are well crushed - no one wants to break a tooth!
Can I make vegan white chocolate peppermint bark?
Absolutely, you can! Look for vegan white chocolate, which is readily available in many health food stores or online. Then, check your peppermint candies to ensure they're also vegan (some contain gelatin). Follow the recipe as usual, and you'll have a delicious, cruelty free treat that's perfect for sharing (or not!).
My peppermint bark is too sweet! How can I balance the sweetness?
White chocolate can be intensely sweet. Counteract this by using a high-quality white chocolate with a lower sugar content or a brand known for its balanced flavour. Alternatively, use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate, or look for some 'extra strong' peppermint candies, they are sure to pack a punch!
Another option is to add a pinch of sea salt on top of the bark before it sets to enhance the other flavours and cut through the sweetness.
Santas Little Helper Bark White Chocolate Pepper
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
