Loaded Peppermint Bark Recipes

PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Spread 1/3 of the peppermint candy over a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with wax paper.
• Melt the milk chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, just until melted. Pour the melted chocolate over peppermint candy in the prepared pan. Sprinkle another 1/3 of the candy on top of the milk chocolate. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes.
• Melt the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Stir in the oil-based peppermint flavoring. Pour the white chocolate over the milk chocolate, then spread the remaining 1/3 peppermint candy on top.
• Refrigerate until the white chocolate hardens, about 30 minutes. Cut or break into pieces to serve.

PEPPERMINT BARK POPCORN

Steps:

• Spread the popcorn out in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
• Melt the chocolate chips and white chocolate chips in two separate bowls, each with ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil, on 30-second intervals until smooth. Make sure to stir between each round.
• Drizzle the melted chocolate mixtures over the top of the popcorn then sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies and sprinkles.
• Allow the chocolate to set for about 30 minutes then enjoy or bag up.

LAYERED PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 9x12 inch baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Melt half of the white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Spread the white chocolate into the prepared pan. Sprinkle 1/4 of the crushed peppermints evenly over white chocolate. Chill until firm, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate, heavy cream, and peppermint extract together in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until just melted. Quickly pour the chocolate layer over the chilled white chocolate layer; spread evenly. Chill until firm, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the remaining white chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just barely simmering water, stirring frequently, until just melted. Spread quickly over the chilled bark. Sprinkle with the remaining peppermint pieces; chill until firm, about 20 minutes. Cut or break into small pieces to serve.

FULLY LOADED CHRISTMAS BARK

Steps:

• Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Place 2 inches of water in each of 2 medium saucepans. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat so the water stays at a very gentle simmer.
• Place the white chocolate chips in a large heatproof bowl and the dark chocolate chips in another large heatproof bowl. Place the bowls over the simmering water in the pans. Stir the pots occasionally with rubber spatulas until smooth, being sure to use a separate spatula for each to keep the chocolates separate.
• Pour the melted white chocolate into the prepared baking sheet. Spread the chocolate evenly with an offset spatula or the same rubber spatula. Place in the freezer to firm up, about 5 minutes.
• Stir the peppermint extract into the dark chocolate. Remove the chilled white chocolate from the freezer and pour the dark chocolate on top. Spread the dark chocolate evenly on the baking sheet, then sprinkle with the pretzels, rice cereal and crushed candy. Press the toppings gently into the dark chocolate so they'll stay in place when the chocolate hardens. Place back in the freezer until the chocolate is firm to the touch, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Cut the bark into 24 pieces, or break it into shards with your hands for a more rustic look. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place, or refrigerate.

LOADED PEPPERMINT BARK

Steps:

• Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, shiny-side up; smooth out any wrinkles.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.