Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are the ultimate festive, no-bake delight that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! As the resident joyful home baker and storyteller here at DailyCake.net, I’m thrilled to share this quick and easy recipe that’s sure to become a new holiday favorite. Bursting with creamy white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and a touch of peppermint, these treats are the perfect balance of sweet, minty, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift idea or a quick party snack, these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats will deliver all the holiday cheer you need.
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Why You’ll Love This Minute Peppermint Bark Treats
These Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they’re also endlessly customizable, making them the perfect recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the combination of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint is truly a match made in heaven, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are sure to become a new seasonal staple. With their festive appearance and irresistible taste, these no-bake wonders are the perfect way to spread a little extra joy this holiday season.
Ingredients
To make these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: creamy white chocolate, crushed candy canes, and a touch of peppermint extract. The white chocolate provides a rich, velvety base, while the crushed candy canes add a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor and a delightful crunch. The peppermint extract enhances the minty notes, ensuring each bite is a true taste of the holidays. With these three core components, you can create a delightful, homemade treat that’s sure to impress.
- 12 oz – Creamy white chocolate
- 3/4 cup – Crushed candy canes
- 1/2 tsp – Peppermint extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Candy Canes: Crushed peppermint candies or dark chocolate chips (for a contrast)
- White Chocolate: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate (for a richer flavor)
How to Make Minute Peppermint Bark Treats
The first step in creating these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats is to gather all your ingredients and prepare them for the main cooking process. Begin by unwrapping and crushing the candy canes into small pieces, either using a rolling pin or by placing them in a resealable bag and gently smashing them. This will ensure a lovely, crunchy texture throughout the treats. Next, melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat it. Finally, have your peppermint extract ready to go.
Step 1: Prep Work
The first step in creating these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats is to gather all your ingredients and prepare them for the main cooking process. Begin by unwrapping and crushing the candy canes into small pieces, either using a rolling pin or by placing them in a resealable bag and gently smashing them. This will ensure a lovely, crunchy texture throughout the treats. Next, melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, being careful not to overheat it. Finally, have your peppermint extract ready to go.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to bring the Minute Peppermint Bark Treats to life. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted white chocolate and the crushed candy canes, stirring until the two are evenly distributed. Then, add a few drops of peppermint extract and stir gently to incorporate, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now, it’s time to assemble your Minute Peppermint Bark Treats. Line a baking sheet or cutting board with parchment paper, and using a spoon or small scoop, drop the chocolate-candy cane mixture onto the prepared surface, forming small, bite-sized mounds. Be sure to leave a little space between each treat, as they will need to set and harden.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes over the top of the treats before they set. This will not only add a lovely visual appeal but also enhance the peppermint flavor in each bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Richer Flavor: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate in place of the white chocolate for a more indulgent treat.
- Varied Candy Canes: Experiment with different types of candy canes, such as peppermint, spearmint, or even candy cane-flavored chocolate.
- Chocolate Dip or Drizzle: Dip the finished treats in melted dark chocolate or drizzle them with a bit of melted chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Festive Decorations: Sprinkle on some festive holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets for a pop of color.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Reheat: Let the treats come to room temperature before serving, as the cold can sometimes make the chocolate a bit too firm.
Make-Ahead: These Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire batch, let it set, and then store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Explore even more joyful desserts on Pinterest: DailyCake_.
Nutrition Information
These Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are a decadent and indulgent treat, but they can certainly be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving (about 2 treats) contains approximately 150 calories, 8 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 2 treats
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
Minute Peppermint Bark Treats – Festive No-Bake Holiday Delight
These Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are a quick and delightful holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: ⏱️ Easy & Quick Recipes
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
8 oz white chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions
1. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the melted semi-sweet chocolate evenly on the sheet.
3. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until set.
4. Melt the white chocolate in a similar manner and mix in the peppermint extract.
5. Spread the melted white chocolate over the set semi-sweet chocolate layer.
6. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly on top of the white chocolate.
7. Refrigerate for another 20 minutes or until completely set.
8. Break into pieces and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
You can substitute the peppermint candies with other toppings like nuts or dried fruits for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peppermint bark, holiday treats, quick desserts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for white chocolate, you can easily substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a richer, more indulgent flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to balance the sweetness.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes, these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats are naturally gluten-free, as they are made with just white chocolate, candy canes, and peppermint extract. Just be sure to check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How long do these treats last?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these Minute Peppermint Bark Treats will stay fresh for up to 1 week. For extended shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make these treats in advance?
Absolutely! These treats are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire batch, let it set, and then store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, making them a great option for holiday parties or gifts.
How do I crush the candy canes?
There are a few easy ways to crush the candy canes for this recipe. You can place them in a resealable bag and gently pound them with a rolling pin or the back of a heavy spoon. Alternatively, you can use a food processor or blender to quickly turn the candy canes into a fine crumb.