Deliciously Balanced Peppermint Bark
This delightful peppermint bark recipe, inspired by the McCormick's Pure Peppermint Extract, is a festive treat that strikes the perfect harmony between rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Whether you're a peppermint bark lover or just exploring, this recipe will impress your taste buds with its creamy white chocolate, aromatic peppermint, and a festive splash of color. The final product not only tastes great but looks stunning as well, making it an ideal addition to any holiday gathering or dinner party. Be prepared for compliments as your guests savor this luxurious treat. Note: To avoid the bark sticking to the surface, consider using wax paper instead of foil for an easier release!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
white chocolate baking squares
10 - 12 ounces (melted)
peppermint extract
1 teaspoon (liquid)
red food coloring
8 - 10 drops (liquid)
peppermint candies
3 ounces (crushed (optional))
Instructions
1
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper for an easier release of the bark.
2
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate baking squares while stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
3
In a zip-top plastic bag, place the unwrapped peppermint candies. Reinforce the bag with another zip-top bag if necessary. Use a hammer or rolling pin to gently crush the candies into small pieces.
4
Once the chocolate is mostly melted, remove it from heat and immediately stir in the peppermint extract until well combined and smooth.
5
Spread the melted chocolate evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, smoothing it into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
6
Drop the red food coloring over the melted chocolate in a random pattern. Using a wooden skewer or toothpick, gently swirl the food coloring through the chocolate to create a marbled effect.
7
Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top of the chocolate, gently pressing them in with a spatula to ensure they stick.
8
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill until the bark is set, about 10-15 minutes.
9
Once set, break the bark into pieces of your desired size. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deliciously Balanced Peppermint Bark?
It is a festive treat that combines rich white chocolate with refreshing peppermint, inspired by McCormick's Pure Peppermint Extract.
What are the main ingredients for this peppermint bark?
The recipe requires white chocolate baking squares, peppermint extract, red food coloring, and peppermint candies.
How much white chocolate is needed?
You will need 10 to 12 ounces of white chocolate baking squares.
How much peppermint extract should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
How many peppermint candies are required?
You will need 3 ounces of peppermint candies.
How much food coloring is added to the bark?
Use 8 to 10 drops of red food coloring to create the marbled effect.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper for an easier release of the bark.
Is wax paper better than foil for this recipe?
Yes, using wax paper instead of foil is recommended to avoid the bark sticking to the surface.
How do I melt the white chocolate?
Melt the white chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
How do I crush the peppermint candies?
Place unwrapped candies in a zip-top bag and use a hammer or rolling pin to gently crush them into small pieces.
How can I prevent the plastic bag from breaking while crushing candies?
You can reinforce the bag by placing it inside another zip-top bag before crushing.
When do I add the peppermint extract to the chocolate?
Add the extract immediately after removing the mostly melted chocolate from the heat.
How thick should the chocolate layer be on the baking sheet?
Spread the chocolate into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
How do I create the marbled effect?
Drop red food coloring randomly over the chocolate and use a wooden skewer or toothpick to gently swirl it.
How do I ensure the crushed candies stick to the chocolate?
Sprinkle them evenly over the top and gently press them in with a spatula.
Where should the bark be placed to set?
The bark should be placed in the refrigerator to chill.
How long does it take for the peppermint bark to set?
It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes for the bark to set in the refrigerator.
How do I serve the bark once it is firm?
Once set, break the bark into pieces of your desired size.
What is the best way to store the finished peppermint bark?
Store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the peppermint bark stay fresh?
The bark can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake candy recipe that only requires melting and chilling.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a candy, holiday treat, and festive dessert.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
The recipe specifically calls for white chocolate baking squares to achieve the intended flavor and appearance.
What tools are needed for the marbling step?
A wooden skewer or a toothpick is used to swirl the food coloring.
Should I keep the chocolate on the heat while adding the extract?
No, remove it from the heat before stirring in the peppermint extract.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: white chocolate, peppermint extract, food coloring, and candies.
What should the texture of the melted chocolate be?
It should be stirred until it is well combined and smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an ideal addition to any holiday gathering or dinner party.
What is the preparation style for the peppermint candies?
The candies should be crushed.
What provides the aromatic peppermint scent in this recipe?
The aromatic scent comes from the addition of peppermint extract and crushed candies.