Festive Peppermint Bark Hearts
Delight your loved ones with these charming Festive Peppermint Bark Hearts, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any Valentine's Day celebration, Christmas festivity, or heart-themed gathering! This easy-to-make treat combines the rich flavor of vanilla candy coating or almond bark with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy canes, all set in adorable heart shapes. These chocolates not only taste divine but also make for a beautiful gift or party favor. With a simple preparation process and minimal ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Just remember, the 30-minute cooling time is essential for achieving that perfect, set texture. Enjoy these delectable bites of joy with friends and family!
9
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Peppermint candy canes
18 (unwrapped)
Vanilla candy coating or almond bark
5 ounces (chopped)
Crushed peppermint candy canes
2 teaspoons (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Begin by lining a cookie sheet with waxed paper to prevent sticking.
2
Carefully arrange the unwrapped peppermint candy canes on the waxed paper in pairs, positioning their ends to touch each other to form heart shapes.
3
In a microwave-safe measuring cup, place the chopped vanilla candy coating or almond bark.
4
Microwave the candy coating on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even melting.
5
Continue to stir until the mixture is completely melted and has a smooth consistency.
6
Use a spoon or piping bag to generously fill the centers of the heart shapes with the melted candy coating, ensuring to cover all gaps.
7
Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the top for a delightful crunch and festive touch.
8
Allow the hearts to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until the candy coating is fully set before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Peppermint Bark Hearts?
Festive Peppermint Bark Hearts are easy-to-make treats that combine vanilla candy coating or almond bark with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy canes, shaped into adorable hearts.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires only three ingredients: peppermint candy canes, vanilla candy coating or almond bark, and crushed peppermint candy canes.
How do I form the heart shapes?
To form the hearts, arrange pairs of unwrapped peppermint candy canes on waxed paper so that their ends touch to create the heart silhouette.
What type of candy coating should I use?
You can use either vanilla candy coating or almond bark; both work well for filling the heart shapes.
How do I melt the vanilla candy coating?
Place the chopped coating in a microwave-safe measuring cup and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Should I stir the melting candy coating?
Yes, it is important to stir halfway through the melting process and again at the end until the consistency is completely smooth.
How do I fill the peppermint hearts?
You can use a spoon or a piping bag to generously fill the centers of the peppermint heart shapes with the melted coating.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes approximately 9 servings.
How long do the hearts need to cool?
Allow the hearts to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the candy coating is fully set.
Is the cooling time necessary?
Yes, the 30-minute cooling time is essential for achieving the perfect, set texture before serving.
How much candy coating is required?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of chopped vanilla candy coating or almond bark.
How many candy canes do I need to make the shapes?
You will need 18 peppermint candy canes to form the pairs for the heart shapes.
What do I sprinkle on top of the hearts?
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of crushed peppermint candy canes over the top for extra crunch and a festive look.
Are these hearts suitable for Valentine's Day?
Yes, they are perfect for Valentine's Day celebrations, as well as Christmas and other heart-themed events.
Do I need to line the cookie sheet?
Yes, line the cookie sheet with waxed paper to prevent the candy from sticking.
Can I use a microwave to prepare this recipe?
Yes, the microwave is used to melt the candy coating on medium power.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gifts?
Absolutely, these chocolates make beautiful and delicious gifts or party favors.
Should the candy coating be chopped before melting?
Yes, the recipe specifies using chopped vanilla candy coating to ensure even melting.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This is an easy candy recipe with a simple preparation process and minimal ingredients.
Can I use a piping bag for the filling?
Yes, a piping bag is recommended for filling the centers neatly, though a spoon also works.
How do I ensure the hearts don't have gaps?
When filling the centers with the melted coating, make sure to cover all gaps within the candy cane frame.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.
How should the candy canes be prepared?
The candy canes should be unwrapped before you begin arranging them on the waxed paper.
What power level should the microwave be set to?
The microwave should be set to medium power to prevent the candy coating from burning.
Can I substitute peppermint candy canes for other flavors?
While this recipe specifically uses peppermint for a festive flavor, you could technically use other flavors of candy canes if desired.
How long does the entire process take before cooling?
The preparation is quick, involving only a few minutes of arranging and melting before the 30-minute cooling period.
Are Festive Peppermint Bark Hearts crunchy?
Yes, the combination of the candy cane base and the crushed peppermint topping provides a delightful crunch.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, because it is simple and uses minimal ingredients, it is a fun project to make with family.
What should I do if the coating is too thick?
Ensure you stir it thoroughly after melting; it should reach a smooth consistency that is easy to pour or pipe.
Can I store these for later?
Yes, once fully set and cooled, you can store these treats to enjoy later or package them as gifts.