This no-bake peppermint bark requires just five ingredients and is always a favorite gift in cookie tins and stockings.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Minty, creamy, and richthats what this peppermint bark delivers.

The optional flaky salt comes highly recommended.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark broken into pieces on a plate to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

With only five ingredients, this peppermint bark couldn’t be easier.

(Longer if you’re just making it for home.)

Learn how to make peppermint bark, and get ideas for turning it into the perfecthomemade food gift.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Why Is It Called Peppermint Bark?

The name “bark” or “candy bark” doesn’t exactly explain itself, does it?

Also, many barks are made with dark chocolates, so the color is similar, too.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark lining the pan with plastic wrap

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients for Peppermint Bark

You need five ingredients for peppermint bark; a sixth is optional.

What’s the best chocolate to use for peppermint bark?

How To Make Peppermint Bark

This recipe for peppermint bark couldn’t be easier.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark stirring together the chocolate mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Though there are a few steps, they’re also easy to accomplish.

In fact, the kids can help you.

Here’s a brief outline, and the full recipe with a step-by-step guide is further below.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark spreading the chocolate mixture in the bottom of the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How do you break up peppermint bark?

Repeat dipping it in hot water between cuts.

Can I add layers to my peppermint bark?

Southern Living Peppermint Bark chocolate layer after it has solidified

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Many classic peppermint bark recipes only have two layers: one white and one dark.

You’ll need additional ingredients, and just don’t stack the bark too much.

It could become difficult to break into pieces.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark stirring together the white chocolate mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to smash and roll the candy into smaller pieces.

In a pinch, the bottom of a heavy-duty stainless steel bottle or wine bottle would work, too.

Variations

you’re free to have a little fun with peppermint bark.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark adding the white chocolate layer

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In the fridge, it’ll last several more weeks.

After you break the bark, fill a cookie tin or other package with the pieces.

Melt bittersweet chocolate:

Place bittersweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons oil in a medium microwave-safe bowl.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark sprinkled with crushed candy

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Microwave on High until chocolate melts, about 1 1/2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds.

Stir in mint extract.

Spread chocolate:

Spread melted chocolate in a thin layer into bottom of prepared baking dish.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark after it has fully set

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Freeze chocolate later:

Place in freezer until set, about 10 minutes.

Spread melted white chocolate over bittersweet chocolate.

Chill bark in freezer:

Using the plastic wrap, lift bark out of the baking dish.

Southern Living Peppermint Bark cut into pieces to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cut bark into 18 pieces.

Store in the refrigerator.