The first snow always makes me crave something sweet and cozy. The kitchen fills with the scent of melting chocolate and crushed peppermint, and suddenly, it feels like Christmas again. Salted peppermint bark is one of those treats that look fancy but come together so easily. Sweet, salty, minty, and chocolatey—it’s pure holiday comfort in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salted peppermint bark is quick to make and fun to gift. You only need a few ingredients and no special tools. It’s a large-batch recipe, perfect for sharing with family, friends, or coworkers. And if you’ve ever loved the famous versions from Williams Sonoma or Trader Joe’s, this one tastes just as good—maybe even better, because it’s homemade.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Main Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 24 oz light cocoa candy melts (or chocolate chips)
- 20 oz white almond bark (or white chocolate chips)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (optional, oil-based)
- 3 oz crushed peppermint or candy canes
- 1½ tsp sea salt flakes
Substitutions
Candy melts and chocolate chips both work fine. If you can’t find sea salt flakes, grind coarse salt slightly for texture. You can skip peppermint extract if you prefer a milder flavor. Almond bark or white chocolate both melt smoothly and taste great.
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll just need a double boiler or microwave, measuring cups and spoons, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. No candy thermometer needed.
How to Make Salted Peppermint Bark (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare pan
Line your baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.
Step 2: Melt base chocolate
Melt your light cocoa melts or chocolate chips slowly, stirring often so it stays silky.
Step 3: Spread and partially set
Pour melted chocolate on the lined sheet and spread evenly. Let it sit until it starts to firm but isn’t hard yet.
Step 4: Melt and flavor white chocolate
Melt the white chocolate, then stir in peppermint extract if using.
Step 5: Spread second layer
Spread the white chocolate gently on top of the first layer.
Step 6: Top with peppermint and salt
Sprinkle crushed peppermint and sea salt flakes evenly across the top.
Step 7: Set and cut
Let the bark cool completely at room temperature, then cut into pieces with a sharp knife. Each piece will have a little crunch, a little melt, and that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Tips for Success
Add the white chocolate while the base layer is still tacky. This helps the layers stick together. Always use oil-based peppermint extract so your chocolate doesn’t seize. To crush candy canes easily, place them in a zip-top bag and roll gently with a rolling pin. Sea salt flakes add sparkle, but a coarse salt grinder works too.
Variations
Try using only dark chocolate for a richer taste. You can also swirl the chocolates together for a marbled look. For extra crunch, add crushed pretzels or toffee bits.
How to Store Salted Peppermint Bark
Store your bark in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks. If you refrigerate it, colors might bleed slightly, but it’ll stay fresh. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just let it thaw in the container to avoid condensation.
Dietary Notes
This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian, so everyone at the party can enjoy it without worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is peppermint bark made of?
It’s made from layers of chocolate and white chocolate, topped with crushed peppermint candy and sometimes a pinch of sea salt.
What does peppermint bark taste like?
It’s rich, minty, and sweet, with a touch of salt. The mix of creamy chocolate and crunchy candy feels festive and comforting.
What are the benefits of peppermint bark?
It’s easy to make, stores well, and looks beautiful when wrapped for gifts. Plus, peppermint is refreshing and pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Why do they call it peppermint bark?
The broken, jagged pieces look like tree bark—hence the name. It’s rustic, fun, and perfect for sharing.
Salted Peppermint Bark Recipe Card
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Salted Peppermint Bark Recipe | Easy, Sweet & Festive
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 40 pieces 1x
Description
A sweet and salty Christmas candy made with layers of milk chocolate, creamy white chocolate, crushed peppermint, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for gifting, cookie platters, or cozy holiday snacking.
Ingredients
24 oz light cocoa candy melts or chocolate chips
20 oz white almond bark or white chocolate chips or melting wafers
1 tsp peppermint extract oil based optional
3 oz crushed peppermint or crushed candy canes
1½ tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, stirring continuously until smooth.
3. Pour melted chocolate on the prepared sheet and spread evenly. Allow to partially set until tacky.
4. Melt white chocolate and stir in peppermint extract.
5. Spread white chocolate over the semi-set chocolate base.
6. Sprinkle crushed peppermint and sea salt evenly on top.
7. Let the bark set completely at room temperature until firm.
8. Cut into pieces with a sharp knife and serve or package for gifts.
Notes
Add white chocolate while the base layer is still tacky to prevent layers from separating.
Use only oil-based peppermint extract to keep chocolate smooth.
Sea salt flakes add sparkle and crunch. If unavailable, use coarsely ground salt.
To crush peppermint, seal candies in a zip-top bag and roll gently with a rolling pin.
For variety, swirl chocolates together or add crushed pretzels or toffee bits.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.
Freezer-friendly up to 3 months. Thaw in the container to avoid condensation.
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. No candy thermometer needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love this, you’ll also enjoy my Christmas Candy Cane Cookies for a Festive Treat.
Or try Easy Christmas Brownies You Can Make in Minutes for a chocolate fix.
You might also love One Bowl Peppermint Brownies for the Holidays or my White Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something joyful about making salted peppermint bark at home. The swirl of chocolate, the sparkle of sea salt, and the sound of candy canes cracking—it all feels like Christmas magic in motion. Make a batch, wrap a few pieces in pretty bags, and share the sweetness with someone you love. You can also find more festive ideas on Pinterest or join the fun on Facebook.