Peppermint Bark
This homemade peppermint bark gives you all the classic Christmas flavors: rich chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy peppermint candy canes — without the dairy! It's beautiful enough for homemade Christmas gifts, cookie boxes, or a holiday dessert board.
The secret is using a good dairy-free white chocolate that melts smoothly and pairs well with dark chocolate.
Dairy-free chocolate options: Look for dairy-free white chocolate from brands such as Enjoy Life or Pascha, checking the specific product label for current ingredients and allergen statements. Dairy-free white chocolate can be a little trickier to find than dark chocolate.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 1–2 hours | Yield: About 20 pieces
What you'll need:
For the Pizza:
10 oz dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
10 oz white chocolate chips
½–1 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided
3–4 candy canes, crushed
1 teaspoon coconut oil, optional, to help the chocolate melt smoothly
How to make it:
Melt the dark chocolate. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stir in half the peppermint extract. Spread onto a parchment-lined baking sheet into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Chill for 10–15 minutes, just until mostly set but not completely cold.
Melt the white chocolate. Melt the dairy-free white chocolate slowly, using short microwave intervals and stirring frequently. Add the remaining peppermint extract to taste. If the chocolate is too thick, stir in a small amount of coconut oil if compatible with your chosen chocolate.
Layer and decorate. Gently spread the white chocolate over the dark chocolate. Sprinkle generously with crushed candy canes, lightly pressing them into the surface.
Chill and break. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until completely firm. Break into rustic pieces and store in an airtight container in a cool place or in the refrigerator.
Tips:
Avoid overheating the white chocolate. Dairy-free white chocolate can seize or become grainy easily. Melt it gently and stop while a few small pieces remain, stirring until smooth.
Don't let the dark chocolate get completely cold before layering. A slightly tacky surface helps the layers adhere instead of separating when you break the bark.
Check your candy canes. Most traditional candy canes are dairy-free, but always check the package if you're making this for someone with a milk allergy.
For gifting: Break the bark into uneven pieces and package it in a clear cellophane bag or a small parchment-lined tin.