If you’re dreaming of a treat that’s both festive and delightfully creamy, you’re going to love this Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe. Picture layers of rich, velvety chocolate and luscious white chocolate, kissed by refreshing peppermint and topped with crunchy, crushed candy canes for that perfect holiday crunch. This no-bake delight is not only amazingly simple to make but also completely plant-based, making it a wonderful option for anyone craving a sweet peppermint fix without any dairy. Whether you’re gearing up for the holidays or just need a chocolaty pick-me-up, this Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe is a total game-changer that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you really need for this Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe are just a few straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that will wow your taste buds. From the creamy chocolate to the crisp peppermint bits, these essentials come together beautifully to craft a treat that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.
- Mini candy canes: These bring the iconic peppermint crunch and vibrant red-and-white color to your bark.
- Vegan chocolate chips or bars: The rich, smooth base layer that melts in your mouth.
- Vegetable oil: Helps melt the chocolate perfectly and gives it that silky, glossy finish.
- Peppermint extract: Intensifies the minty freshness, making each bite invigorating.
- Vegan white chocolate chips: Adds sweetness and creaminess to balance the dark chocolate layer.
How to Make Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Candy Canes
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to make clean-up a breeze. Then, grab your mini candy canes and crush them into two textures: finely crushed for mixing into the white chocolate, and chunkier pieces for sprinkling on top. Crushing them just right lets you enjoy a mix of subtle peppermint flavor and delightful crunch in every bite.
Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your vegan chocolate chips with half the vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until you achieve a smooth, glossy chocolate. Stir in the peppermint extract to infuse that essential mint burst. Pour this chocolate onto the prepared pan and spread it thinly but evenly. You want it to set firmly without being rock hard, so letting it chill briefly can help, but avoid making it too cold so the layers stick beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the White Chocolate Layer
Next, melt the vegan white chocolate chips with the remaining vegetable oil the same way—microwaving in intervals and stirring until velvety smooth. Fold the finely crushed candy cane pieces into this sweet white chocolate, then pour it gently over the dark chocolate layer. Spread carefully to keep your layers distinct and prevent mixing, as the warmth of the white chocolate can soften the bottom layer slightly.
Step 4: Top and Chill the Bark
Immediately after smoothing the white chocolate, sprinkle the chunkier candy cane pieces across the top. This adds delightful bursts of peppermint flavor and a festive pop of color. Allow your bark to cool completely at room temperature or pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes until fully set. Once hardened, you can slice or break it into pieces, ready for snacking or gifting.
How to Serve Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe
Garnishes
While the bark is stunning on its own, adding a pinch of edible glitter or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on serving plates can elevate its festive appeal. Fresh mint leaves beside the bark also add a natural touch and complement the peppermint theme beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe with your favorite hot cocoa or a creamy plant-based latte for an indulgent treat. Its crisp texture and vibrant peppermint flavor balance out warm drinks perfectly, creating a cozy, celebratory combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or party trays, arrange pieces in colorful tins or clear jars tied with festive ribbons. Layering bark with parchment paper in decorative boxes also makes for a charming homemade gift. You can even stick bark shards into cookie platters or atop cupcakes for a peppermint surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Vegan Peppermint Bark keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead treat. Keep it away from heat and humidity to preserve the texture and freshness of the chocolate and peppermint.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bark longer, it freezes beautifully. Just wrap pieces tightly in parchment and foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature to keep the bark from sweating or becoming sticky.
Reheating
Because this recipe is best served cold and crunchy, reheating isn’t recommended. If the bark softens, simply let it chill again in the fridge to restore its perfect snap and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular (non-vegan) chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe is designed to be plant-based, using regular chocolate will still yield a delicious treat if you don’t have vegan options on hand.
How do I crush the candy canes without making a mess?
Place candy canes in a strong ziplock bag and seal it well (a reusable silicone bag works too). Use a rolling pin or heavy pan to gently crush them. The bag keeps all those peppermint shards contained for easy cleanup.
Can I substitute the peppermint extract with another flavor?
Definitely! If peppermint isn’t your thing, try vanilla or almond extracts for a different twist, though peppermint really makes this bark shine with its classic holiday feel.
What if I don’t have a microwave to melt the chocolate?
Not a problem! Use a double boiler on the stove instead: place the chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water and stir until smooth and melted.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe is fun and safe for kids, but just keep an eye on hot chocolate when melting and ensure candy cane shards aren’t too large to avoid any choking hazard.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, blending creamy chocolate, refreshing mint, and festive crunch that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, giving it as a gift, or simply treating yourself, its simple ingredients and easy steps make it the perfect sweet tradition to share. Whip up a batch today and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy at this delightful peppermint indulgence!
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Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Peppermint Bark is a delightful no-bake treat that combines rich vegan chocolate, creamy vegan white chocolate, and festive crushed candy canes. A simple 5-ingredient recipe perfect for holiday indulgence or gifting, offering a refreshing peppermint twist without any dairy or animal products.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 25 mini candy canes
- 12 ounces vegan chocolate chips or bars
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 12 ounces vegan white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet. Line a large baking sheet (at least 9×13 inches) with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Set aside for layering your chocolates.
- Crush candy canes for layers. Finely crush 5 mini candy canes in a ziplock or reusable bag using a rolling pin until very fine for mixing into the white chocolate. Transfer these to a small bowl. Then, crush the remaining candy canes into small chunks, larger than the finely crushed ones, to sprinkle on top.
- Melt the vegan chocolate. In a microwave-safe medium bowl, combine the vegan chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until smooth and melted.
- Add peppermint flavor and spread chocolate. Stir in the peppermint extract into the melted chocolate. Pour this mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly into a thin rectangle with an offset spatula. You can place it briefly in the refrigerator to speed setting but avoid making it too cold to maintain layer adhesion.
- Melt the white chocolate. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegan white chocolate chips with the remaining 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until completely smooth.
- Mix crushed candy canes and layer white chocolate. Stir the finely crushed candy canes into the melted white chocolate. Pour this over the partially hardened dark chocolate layer, spreading carefully to almost the edges without mixing layers.
- Add topping and chill. Immediately sprinkle the coarsely crushed candy cane chunks over the white chocolate layer. Allow the bark to cool at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate for about 30 minutes until fully hardened.
- Slice and store. Once solid, cut the bark into 18 pieces with a sharp knife or break by hand. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use vegan-certified chocolate to ensure the recipe stays vegan.
- Adjust peppermint extract amount to your taste preference.
- Crushing candy canes into different textures adds both flavor and crunch.
- If you prefer thicker bark, spread the chocolate layers smaller or use a different pan size.
- Keep the bark in a cool place to prevent melting, especially if your climate is warm.
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle crushed nuts on top along with candy canes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
