Pioneer Woman Peppermint Bark

This snappy, festive Pioneer Woman Peppermint Bark is made with semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, and crushed candy canes, ready in just one hour. The sharp crack as you break the chilled double-layer chocolate into jagged shards feels incredibly satisfying. I always keep a tin of this hidden in the back of my fridge during December.

Why This Classic Works

I used to struggle with the layers separating when I broke the bark apart. I learned that letting the dark chocolate set just until firm but not fully hardened is the real secret here.

When the warm white chocolate hits that slightly soft bottom layer, they bind together securely. It completely changed how I approach layered holiday treats.

Pioneer Woman Peppermint Bark Ingredients

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 oz white chocolate chips
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

How To Make Pioneer Woman Peppermint Bark

1. Melt the dark chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring until totally smooth.
2. Spread the base: Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it to a quarter-inch thickness, and chill for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the white chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips using the exact same microwave method, then stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Layer and top: Pour the white chocolate over the semi-sweet layer, spread gently, and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
5. Chill and snap: Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes until completely solid, then break into pieces using your hands.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality chocolate: Cheap chips contain stabilizers that prevent them from melting smoothly.
• Crush candies smartly: Put the candy canes in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin to contain the sticky mess.
• Do not over-chill the base: If the dark chocolate is ice cold, the white chocolate will cool too fast and will not stick properly.

What To Serve With Peppermint Bark

Serve this rich bark alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or strong black coffee. It also makes a beautiful garnish when wedged into a simple bowl of vanilla bean ice cream.

How To Store

Store the pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks. You can also freeze it for up to two months, though the candy canes might get slightly sticky when thawed.

FAQs

Why do my chocolate layers separate?

This usually happens because the bottom layer was too cold or had condensation on it before adding the top layer. Let the base set just until firm, not frozen.

Can I use chocolate bars instead of chips?

Yes, chopped baking bars actually melt much smoother than standard chocolate chips. Just weigh them to ensure you have 12 ounces of each.

How do I cleanly break the bark?

Use your hands to snap it naturally, or carefully use the tip of a sharp, heavy knife to crack it into irregular pieces.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
• Protein: 3 g

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Spice Granola
• Pioneer Woman Apple Pie Martini
• Pioneer Woman Freezer Cookie Dough