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To make this bark, you need the following main ingredients: - 2 cups white chocolate chips - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes - Pinch of sea salt These ingredients create a lovely mix of sweet and minty flavors. The white chocolate gives a creamy base, while dark chocolate adds depth. Dried cranberries give a chewy texture, and peppermint adds a festive crunch. You can enhance your bark with these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for a smoother melt) Adding coconut oil helps the chocolate melt evenly. It gives a nice shine to the finished bark too. If you want to make swaps, here are some ideas: - Use milk chocolate chips instead of dark for a sweeter taste. - Try using fresh mint leaves instead of crushed peppermint. Just chop them finely. - If you are avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free chocolate chips. These substitutions can help you tailor the recipe to your taste. Enjoy making this festive treat! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a microwave-safe bowl. Add the dark chocolate chips. If you want a smoother melt, add the coconut oil. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds. Take it out and stir. Repeat this until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Next, take a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper covers the whole bottom. Smooth out any wrinkles. This step helps the bark come off easily later. Now, use another microwave-safe bowl. Add the white chocolate chips. Just like before, heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until the white chocolate is melted and smooth. Once the dark chocolate is ready, pour it on the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Make it about 1/4 inch thick. Place the baking sheet in the fridge for 20 minutes. This time helps the dark chocolate set fully. After that, stir in the chopped cranberries and half of the crushed peppermint candies into the melted white chocolate. Pour this mixture over the dark chocolate. Spread it gently to cover it all. Top with the rest of the peppermint candies and a pinch of sea salt. Chill again for 30 minutes until set. Finally, break the bark into pieces and enjoy! To get a smooth melt, use a microwave. Place the chocolate in a bowl. If you want, add a little coconut oil. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir after each burst. This keeps the chocolate from burning. If you see any lumps, keep stirring. It will melt completely with a little patience. Layering chocolate is simple but needs care. First, pour the dark chocolate on the sheet. Spread it evenly to about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it’s flat. Chill it well before adding the white chocolate. When the white chocolate is ready, pour it gently over the dark layer. Use a spatula to cover it all. This helps both layers stick together. Presentation makes a big difference. Once set, break the bark into uneven pieces. Arrange them on a colorful platter. For extra flair, add whole cranberries and crushed peppermint on top. This makes it look festive and fun. A little garnish can make your treats shine. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, choose high-quality chocolate chips. This will enhance the overall taste of your bark. Chill Between Layers: Make sure to chill the dark chocolate layer completely before adding the white chocolate to prevent mixing of the two layers. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like nuts or dried fruits to personalize your bark and add extra texture. Store Properly: Keep the bark in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and crunch. {{image_2}} You can have fun with peppermint cranberry bark. Swap out the white chocolate for milk chocolate. This switch gives a sweeter taste that many love. You can also try adding orange zest for a fresh twist. The zest brightens the flavors and adds a citrus kick. Another idea is to use flavored chocolate. Dark chocolate with sea salt is a great choice. It adds depth to the bark. You can even try raspberry-flavored chocolate for a fruity touch. Nuts and fruits can change the bark's taste and texture. Try adding chopped almonds or walnuts. They add crunch and a nutty flavor. You can also use dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries. This swap creates a new flavor profile. For a festive look, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top. The green color contrasts beautifully with the red and white. You can make this bark vegan or dairy-free. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for both layers. They melt well and taste great. Instead of coconut oil, use a plant-based butter if needed. You can also use maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener. This change keeps it sweet but adds a unique flavor. Vegan peppermint candies are available too, making it easy to stick to your diet. To keep your peppermint cranberry bark fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Make sure the container is in a cool, dry spot. Avoid heat and sunlight, as they can melt the chocolate. Your peppermint cranberry bark lasts about two weeks at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it. In the fridge, it can stay fresh for up to a month. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste. You can freeze peppermint cranberry bark for about three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, take it out and leave it in the fridge overnight. Enjoy it once it's back to room temperature for the best flavor. Yes, you can use milk chocolate! It will add a sweeter flavor to your bark. Milk chocolate melts well, just like dark chocolate. Keep in mind, the taste will change. Milk chocolate pairs great with cranberries and peppermint, giving a festive twist. The dark chocolate takes about 20 minutes to set. Once you pour the white chocolate, chill it for another 30 minutes. In total, you're looking at around 50 minutes for the chocolate to fully set. After that, it will be ready for breaking and serving. You can find peppermint cranberry bark at many stores during the holidays. Look in the candy aisle or the baking section. Some specialty shops or bakeries may sell it, too. If you want the freshest taste, try making it at home! Absolutely! You can make peppermint cranberry bark days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it perfect for holiday gifts or parties. Enjoy this treat whenever you want! This blog post covered how to make peppermint cranberry bark from start to finish. We looked at the main and optional ingredients, along with substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for melting and layering chocolates, plus tips for a smooth melt and great presentation. You can try new variations, too, like adding nuts or making it vegan. Finally, I explained how to store and freeze your bark. Enjoy making this treat for yourself or sharing it with others. Trust me, it will be a hit!

Peppermint Cranberry Bark

A festive and delicious treat combining white and dark chocolate with cranberries and peppermint.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 0.25 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Melt the Dark Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips (and coconut oil, if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
  • Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire bottom without wrinkles.
  • Spread the Dark Chocolate: Pour the melted dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  • Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, or until the dark chocolate is fully set.
  • Melt the White Chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in the same way you melted the dark chocolate, stirring until smooth.
  • Add Cranberries and Mint: Once the white chocolate is melted, stir in the chopped dried cranberries and half of the crushed peppermint candies.
  • Layer the White Chocolate: Pour the white chocolate mixture over the set dark chocolate layer, spreading it gently to cover evenly.
  • Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the remaining crushed peppermint candies and a pinch of sea salt over the top of the white chocolate layer.
  • Chill Again: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, until fully set.
  • Break and Serve: Once set, take the bark out of the refrigerator, and using your hands, break it into irregular pieces.

Notes

Arrange the bark pieces on a festive platter and garnish with a few whole cranberries and peppermint candies for an added holiday touch.
Keyword bark, chocolate, dessert, holiday