Name: 4-Ingredient Vegan Peppermint Bark
Prep time: 2 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dark chocolate; 1/2 cup white chocolate; 1/4 tsp peppermint extract (optional); 2 tbsp crushed candy cane

Made with just 4 simple ingredients, this Chocolate Peppermint Bark contains layers of white and dark chocolate for an easy vegan take on a classic Christmas recipe. Make it ahead of time for holiday parties and gift ideas!

Disclaimer: This recipe was inspired by Suburban Simplicity and her Easy Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark Recipe!

Happy Holidays!

December is here, ya’ll, and I cannot contain my holiday excitement another minute longer! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good pumpkin moment with recipes like Maple Pumpkin Donuts and Pumpkin Spice Scones. However, we all know the superior flavors come out after Thanksgiving. If you don’t agree, you’re entitled to your opinion, but it’s wrong. Sorry, not sorry. Jokes aside, though, who can turn down delicious recipes like PB Stuffed Snickerdoodle Cookies? Not me, that’s for sure! So, I decided to kick off the month with a take on a favorite childhood treat, and made chocolate peppermint bark!

For this creation, I took the original recipe and made it both super easy and vegan-friendly to meet all your needs. You’re welcome. To get started, you’ll need 4 ingredients and a few minutes in the kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be on your way to enjoying the best chocolatey treat that is both sweet and refreshing. Even better, it’s the perfect recipe to make ahead of time for your loved ones this season! After all, there’s nothing quite like watching someone’s face light up when they open a box of homemade peppermint bark. So, ready to get started? Let’s go!

Why is it Called Peppermint Bark?

After doing a bit of research for you guys, I discovered that the exact origins of peppermint bark recipes are unknown. However, it has been tracked as far back as the 1960s to a store in Florida where it was being sold in September.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Bark

As the name suggests, this chocolate peppermint bark recipe is made with chocolate. However, I also did my best to make it as simple and user-friendly as possible. So, I used just 4 ingredients for the best peppermint bark you’ll ever taste!

Vegan White Chocolate – I used a white chocolate chips, but white chocolate bark works as well. You can even melt down your favorite white chocolate candy bar, if you like!

Vegan Dark Chocolate – Similar to the white chocolate, I used dark chocolate chips to melt down the chocolate, but any dark chocolate you have on hand can be used. You could even substitute it for milk chocolate, if you prefer!

Peppermint Extract – Peppermint extract is crucial to add that classic peppermint flavor throughout the entire bark without overwhelming the chocolate. However, you could also use peppermint oil instead.

Candy Canes – For the easiest bark, I recommend crushing full-sized candy canes into pieces. However, you could also use mini candy canes or peppermint chips.

Optional Add-Ins

If you want to create an even more flavorful white chocolate peppermint bark, feel free to add in additional ingredients including white chocolate chips, mini chocolate chips, pretzel pieces,peppermint candies, sprinkles, chopped Oreos, chocolate covered espresso beans, crushed nuts, and more!

How to Make Peppermint Bark

Quite possibly the best thing about this recipe, peppermint bark doesn’t require you to turn on the oven or even the stovetop for that matter! All you’ll need is a couple bowls and the microwave.

Line. To start, line a small baking dish with parchment paper.

Melt. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30 second intervals until they are melted through, stirring in between each 30 seconds.

Stir and Spread. Stir in the peppermint extract, and pour the chocolate on top of the parchment paper, using a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Refrigerate. Place the dark chocolate in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.

Repeat. Once the dark chocolate has set, repeat the melting process with the wite chocolate chips, and pour the melted white chocolate on top of the hardened dark chocolate. Top the chocolate with the peppermint chips.

Refrigerate. Place the peppermint bark back in the fridge for at least an hour to set completely.

Break. Once set, remove the peppermint bark from the fridge, and break it into pieces to enjoy! For the best results, let your chocolate peppermint bark come to room temperature before breaking it into pieces!

Stove Top Option

If you don’t want to use the microwave, you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate instead. Or, you can cheat and place a bowl over a pot of boiling water to create a DIY boiler!

Tips & Tricks

To crush your bark, place it in a sealable bag, and smash it with a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even just a spoon!
To prevent the layers from separating, score the edges before placing it in the fridge to harden.
Use high-quality chocolate! Not only does this improve the taste of the chocolate bark, it also prevents it from separating.

Why is My Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark Separating?

If you’re using white chocolate that contains fats such as palm oil or coconut oil in place of cocoa butter, it will separate from the dark chocolate.

Also, make sure not to leave the dark chocolate in the refrigerator for too long before adding the white chocolate on top. If it gets too cold, the white chocolate will not stick!

How Long Does Vegan Peppermint Bark Last?

To keep your chocolate peppermint bark fresh, I recommend storing it in an airtight container, keeping it either at room temperature or in the fridge. However, I don’t recommend storing it in the freezer as it will become sticky or somewhat soggy once thawed.

Room Temperature: Peppermint bark will stay fresh for 2 weeks.

Fridge: Peppermint bark will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.

More Peppermint RecipesYou’ll Love

Light, refreshing, and a super fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, this chocolate peppermint bark is the perfect recipe for all your holiday needs. Do you have any go-to holiday recipes I should try? Let me know in the comments below!