Santas Sweet Treat Peppermint Bark Delight

Santas Sweet Treat Classic Christmas Peppermint Bark Delight

By Emily CollinsSeptember 5, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered how to make your Christmas truly magical? Let's dive into a "Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight" recipe that will knock your socks off.

Honestly, this is more than just a recipe. It's a ticket to pure Christmas joy!

Sweet Beginnings: Your Peppermint Bark Journey

You know, Christmas bark recipe homemade is a total staple this time of year. Peppermint bark has been around for ages! It's a super popular holiday chocolate bark , often made in the US.

It's easy to see why; the contrast of dark and white chocolate with peppermint is just chef's kiss . This recipe takes it to the next level, making it a bit extra special.

This recipe is rated 'Easy' and takes about 2 hours 25 minutes, including chill time. You get around 24 servings. Perfect for sharing...or not!

What Makes This Bark So Special?

Forget boring desserts; this bark delivers a delightful crunch and creamy chocolatey goodness. Plus, there is a layer of dark chocolate ganache.

This is a festive dessert recipe everyone will adore. Homemade Peppermint Treats are fantastic! If you love yummy sweets easy , it is for you! It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser perfect as one of your Celebration Recipes .

Let's get cracking with the ingredients you need.

Santa's Secret Stash: Ingredients & Equipment for Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight

Ready to whip up some Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight ? This recipe is so easy, even your nan could make it! This Christmas bark recipe homemade is a winner.

Honestly, this is one of the easy Christmas candy recipes I rely on every year.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Here’s what you’ll need, and remember quality matters.

Bittersweet Chocolate (Ganache): 8 ounces (225g) . Go for the good stuff! At least 70% cocoa for a rich, dark flavour.
Heavy Cream (Ganache): 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat is best for that lush ganache.
Unsalted Butter (Ganache): 2 tablespoons (30g) , cut into small pieces. Real butter only, please!
Peppermint Extract (Ganache): 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Just a touch to boost the peppermint flavour.
White Chocolate: 12 ounces (340g) . Again, quality is key! You want it to melt nice and smooth.
Vegetable Shortening: 1 teaspoon . This helps the white chocolate melt without seizing.
Peppermint Candy Canes: 1 cup crushed (about 12 standard canes or 8 ounces/225g pre-crushed). The star of our Diy Peppermint Candy Recipe !
Coarse Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For that yummy salty sweet contrast.

Seasoning Notes: Peppermint Power!

Peppermint is the MVP here, obviously. But don't underestimate that touch of sea salt. It elevates the whole thing. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne in the dark chocolate can add a surprising kick to your celebration recipes .

It is a very yummy sweet, easy and enjoyable

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this holiday chocolate bark !

Double Boiler (or microwave safe bowl): For melting the chocolate. Microwave works in a pinch.
8x8 inch baking pan: Lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
Rubber Spatula: For spreading the chocolate like a pro.
Rolling Pin (or food processor): For crushing those candy canes. Let out some rage!

That's it! Now you're all set to create some homemade peppermint treats and craft some peppermint bark gift ideas . Remember, this festive dessert recipe is all about having fun. Happy baking!

Santa's Sweet Treat: Classic Christmas Peppermint Bark Delight

Oh my gosh, Christmas is just around the corner, innit? And what's Christmas without some ridiculously yummy sweets easy to whip up? This Christmas bark recipe homemade is your ticket to festive fun.

Trust me, this Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight recipe is dead easy . Even if you're a complete disaster in the kitchen, you can nail this.

It’s the perfect treat for those festive parties, or even as peppermint bark gift ideas !

Prep Like a Pro, Not a Christmas Grinch

First, get your stuff sorted. It's called mise en place , fancy, right? We need our chocolate chopped, candy canes crushed, and baking pan lined.

To crush those candy cane baking ideas into life, just whack those peppermint sticks into a Ziploc bag and go to town with a rolling pin.

It's strangely therapeutic, honestly! For safety, keep your fingers out of the way!

step-by-step to Peppermint Perfection

Alright, let's get cracking, shall we?

Line your 8x8 inch pan with parchment. This makes life SO much easier later.
Bash those candy canes. Aim for a mix of fine and coarse bits.
Warm 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a pan. Pour over 8 ounces of dark chocolate, wait a minute, then whisk until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and a splash of peppermint extract.
Pour the dark chocolate into the pan and spread evenly.
Chill this in the fridge for 30 minutes , until firm.
Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate with 1 teaspoon of shortening in short bursts.
Pour white chocolate over the chilled dark layer.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint over, and add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
Chill for 1. 5 hours to set solid.
Break into pieces and serve.

Pro Tips for Peppermint Bark Royalty

Honestly, use good quality chocolate. It makes a HUGE difference. Don't overdo the white chocolate melting it goes grainy quick.

Also, work fast once that white chocolate is melted. Sprinkle your peppermint before it sets! For holiday chocolate bark , this is the top tier festive dessert recipes !

If you’re looking for some Diy Peppermint Candy Recipe variations, consider adding a layer of peanut butter between the chocolates!

Enjoy your homemade peppermint treats and have a holly, jolly Christmas!

Recipe Notes for Santa's Sweet Treat

Let's get into the nitty gritty about making this Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight truly shine. Honestly, these little things can make or break a recipe.

Remember, I'm not a chef, just a home cook sharing what I've learned the hard way! This is also an easy Christmas candy recipes that everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions: Deck the Halls with Deliciousness

Okay, so you've made this amazing Holiday chocolate bark! Now what? How about showing it off?

Plating and Presentation Ideas

First off, break it up! Random pieces look way more rustic. Dust with a tiny bit of powdered sugar for that fresh snow look.

It's all about the festive dessert recipes vibe. Think about small platters or cute little Christmas tins for Peppermint bark gift ideas .

Complementary Sides or Beverages

Picture this: A steaming mug of hot chocolate, maybe even spiked a little, next to a plate of your gorgeous peppermint bark.

Boom. Or, for something different, a glass of chilled dessert wine. It’s Candy Cane Baking Ideas at it’s finest!

Storage Tips: Keep the Yummy Sweets Easy

So, you managed not to eat all the Christmas bark recipe homemade in one sitting? Colour me impressed! Now let's talk about keeping it fresh.

Refrigeration Guidelines

Pop the peppermint bark in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll last about a week, maybe a bit longer. Honestly, though, it never lasts that long in my house!

Freezing Options (if applicable)

Yup, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It'll keep for about 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before breaking it up.

I find freezing affects the Diy Peppermint Candy Recipe ever so slightly though.

Reheating Instructions

You don't reheat it! This is meant to be enjoyed cold. Though, if it gets a bit soft at room temperature, just pop it back in the fridge for a bit.

Variations: Spice it Up!

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Of course, you do! Here are a couple of ideas:

Dietary Adaptations

Swap out the regular chocolate for dairy-free to make it vegan. Just make sure your Homemade Peppermint Treats also use vegan candy canes!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

During fall, use crushed gingerbread cookies instead of peppermint. Trust me, it's divine.

Nutrition Basics: The Not-So-Guilty Pleasure

Okay, let's be real: this is a treat. But, hey, everything in moderation, right? One serving is around 250 calories, so just keep that in mind.

Remember that they make great Celebration Recipes too!

Key Health Benefits

Dark chocolate does have antioxidants! Plus, peppermint might help with digestion. See? It's practically health food! wink

So, there you have it all my tips and tricks for making this Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight . Go on, give it a whirl! You might just surprise yourself, and everyone else will thank you! Have a very merry Christmas!

Frequently Asked Questions

My white chocolate seized when I was melting it! Help! What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, sounds like you might have overheated it, which is easily done with white chocolate. White chocolate is a bit of a diva! It's super sensitive to heat. Make sure you're using a double boiler or melting it in the microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between, and stop as soon as it's almost melted.

The residual heat will melt the rest. Next time you'll be alright, as the snowman said, "I'll be back again someday!"

Can I make Santa's Sweet Treat: Classic Christmas Peppermint Bark Delight ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight is actually perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it several days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before breaking it into pieces for easier handling.

Think of it like prepping the sprouts on Christmas Eve - one less thing to worry about on the big day!

How should I store my Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight to keep it fresh?

To keep your peppermint bark tasting its best, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or even the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm. Storing it properly helps prevent the chocolate from blooming (getting those white streaks) and keeps the peppermint nice and crunchy.

If you're storing it in the fridge, give it a little time to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

I'm allergic to peppermint, can I substitute something else for the candy canes in this Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight recipe?

No worries, you can definitely customize this recipe to suit your needs. Try using crushed toffee bits or other types of hard candies for a different flavour and texture. You could even use crushed pretzels for a salty sweet version. Just be sure whatever you use complements the chocolate and adds some nice crunch!

It's your recipe - make it your own, like choosing your favourite Christmas cracker joke!

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the base layer?

You absolutely can! Using milk chocolate will make the Classic Christmas Peppermint Sticks Delight a bit sweeter and creamier. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate tends to be a bit softer than dark chocolate, so it might take a bit longer to set in the refrigerator.

It's a matter of personal preference, really some like it dark, some like it milky, just like tea!