Peppermint Bark

 

Ingredients:

12 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped and divided (6 oz. per layer)

6 oz. semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 1/2 t. vegetable oil or coconut oil, divided (1/2 t. per layer)

1/2 t. peppermint extract, divided (1/4 t. per layer)

2–3 regular-size candy canes, crushed

Directions:

1. Line the bottom and sides of a 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, smoothing out any wrinkles. 
2. Bottom layer:  Place 6 ounces of white chocolate in a small heatproof bowl or a liquid measuring cup. 
3. Add 1/2 teaspoon of oil. 
4. Melt in 20-second increments, stirring vigorously with a silicone spatula or spoon after each increment, until completely melted and smooth. *White chocolate and chocolate overheat easily, so it’s important to do this in increments. 
5. Once melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. 
6. Pour melted white chocolate into the prepared baking pan, and spread into a thin smooth layer. 
7. Place the baking pan in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes or until almost completely set. If it sets completely, the bark layers could separate. 
8. Middle layer:  Place semi-sweet chocolate in a small heatproof bowl or a liquid measuring cup. 
9. Add 1/2 teaspoon of oil. 
10. Repeat melting, just as you did with the white chocolate. 
11. Once melted, stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract. 
12. Pour all of the semi-sweet chocolate over the white chocolate layer and spread it into a smooth layer. 
13. Place the baking pan back in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes or until almost completely set.
14. Top layer:  Place the remaining 6 oz. white chocolate in a small heatproof bowl or a liquid measuring cup. 
15. Add last 1/2 teaspoon of oil. 
16. Repeat melting, just as you did with the other layers. 
17. Pour over the bark layers and spread into a smooth layer. (This layer will not have peppermint extract.) 
18. Sprinkle evenly with crushed candy canes. 
19. To crush, place the unwrapped candy canes in a sealed zipped-top bag and roll or hit with a rolling pin or meat mallet until crushed.
20. Refrigerate the bark until completely set, about 1 hour. 
21. Once hardened, remove from the pan and peel off the foil or parchment. 
22. Break or cut into pieces as large or as small as you want. 
23. If your bark chilled in the refrigerator for longer than 3–4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to slightly soften before breaking/slicing.
24. Cover and store leftover bark in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The bark can be left at room temperature for a few days in colder months, but it gets a little soft.