Vegan Peppermint Bark

This vegan 4-ingredient, 2-layer dark chocolate and white chocolate vegan peppermint bark is SO easy to make and the ultimate holiday snack, dessert, or edible gift!

Quick and Easy 2-Layer Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Whoever said simple doesn’t have to mean boring almost certainly must have had vegan chocolate peppermint bark in mind. With just four ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on prep, you can make a batch of this bark ready to snack on all holiday season, bring to holiday gatherings, or gift to others as a low-budget stocking stuffer. For a homemade gift basket, pair it with a jar of my vegan hot chocolate mix.

It’s so simple to prepare that even your kids can get involved. There’s just a bit of melting, pouring, and sprinkling. Plus, there are several ways to customize the recipe with extra flavors or toppings, depending on your taste or the person you’re gifting it to. The combination of vegan chocolate and peppermint candy canes tastes like Christmas, and everyone will love it. I love setting it out next to a plate of dairy-free Christmas cookies and a batch of my no-bake coconut balls.

Love peppermint? You might also enjoy my vegan chocolate chip peppermint cookies, silken vegan chocolate peppermint pie, and vegan peppermint patties. Or, add some peppermint to this easy vegan fudge recipe.

The Ingredients

Just 4 inexpensive pantry ingredients make up a delicious homemade recipe for peppermint bark.

• Vegan chocolate chips: I use vegan chocolate chips for both layers, semisweet on the bottom and white chocolate on top. Dark chocolate works well for the bottom layer, too, if you like a richer flavor. Vegan white chocolate chips are easier to find than ever, and you can also order them online.
• Coconut oil: This is optional, but it helps the bark set up hard and snappy, especially since the chocolate isn’t tempered.
• Candy canes: Crushed candy canes give the bark its classic look and crunch. Other peppermint candies work, too.
• Peppermint extract: This is optional. For a stronger mint flavor, stir ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into each bowl of melted chocolate.

Flavor Variations and Chocolate Peppermint Bark Toppings

• Other extracts: Almond extract or vanilla extract pair well with mint.
• Spices: Chai spice or a little cinnamon could be mixed into the white chocolate layer.
• Milk chocolate peppermint bark: You can use JUST milk chocolate. Optionally add ½ tsp peppermint extract, too.
• Dark chocolate peppermint bark: (aka bittersweet chocolate above 70% cocoa content) Either alone or with the white chocolate layer.
• Sea salt: Sprinkle some salt flakes over the top for a delicious salty-sweet flavor.
• Toppings: Customize this easy peppermint bark recipe with your favorite toppings like:
  • Chopped nuts (like almonds, cashews, pistachios, or walnuts)
  • Crushed cookies (like vegan chocolate sandwich cookies)
  • Pretzels (for a salty crunch to contrast the sweet)
  • Shredded coconut (unsweetened, for texture and flavor)
  • Orange zest (it pairs so well with chocolate and peppermint)
  • Dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins, or apricots)
  • Sprinkles (in holiday colors, of course!)
• Want a sweet and salty bark for your holiday cookie tray, too? Try my chocolate peanut butter pretzel bark.

How to Make Peppermint Bark

Go slowly with the microwave so the chocolate stays smooth and glossy.

Add the second layer while the first one is thickened but not fully set so the two layers stick together.

Pour slowly and keep spreading to a minimum so the two layers stay clean and separate.

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• Use good quality vegan chocolate: The quality of your peppermint chocolate bark depends on the quality of plant-based chocolate used, so make sure to use a good one made with cocoa butter.
• Leave parchment paper overhang: Or at least enough parchment paper on the edges to make it easy to pull the bark out of the baking tray for easy removal.
• When to add the second layer: It’s important to add the vegan white chocolate before the semisweet one has completely set, so they adhere.
• For a swirl bar: Pour in the first layer, then immediately melt the vegan white chocolate and pour it over the top, using a skewer to create a swirl.
• To cut the bark: If you want control of the sizes, use a knife to cut it rather than breaking it. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water between each cut, wiping away moisture first.
• To gift the bark: I love wrapping some in cellophane and tying it up with a pretty bow.

How to Store Homemade Peppermint Bark?

Store it in an airtight container in layers separated by parchment paper in a cool dry place for up to 2 weeks (the peppermint candy softens and becomes chewy over time). If you live somewhere warm, store it in the refrigerator. I use these labels to keep track of when I store them, and I also usually like to keep mine in Stasher bags.

While you can technically freeze the bark for several months, too, the candy canes become chewy after thawing, so I don’t recommend it.

Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.