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Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Hearts with a Touch of Holiday Cheer

Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Bark Hearts, a delectable treat that perfectly balances sweet and minty flavors

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Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Hearts with a Touch of Holiday Cheer
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Storing the Bark:
Storage is key to keeping the bark fresh. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the bark’s texture. If storing for longer periods, refrigerate to extend freshness, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Chilling the Bark:
Chilling the layers allows the chocolate to set properly. Each layer should be set before adding the next to avoid mixing. Ensure the time in the refrigerator is sufficient, typically around 10-15 minutes, until each layer is firm to the touch.
Crushing Peppermint:
Crushing the peppermint candies can be easily done using a zip-lock bag and a rolling pin. This method keeps the mess contained while ensuring even-sized pieces. The texture of the crushed candies adds a satisfying crunch, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Cutting the Bark:
Cutting the bark into heart shapes requires precision. Utilize a heart-shaped cutter to press through the chilled bark gently. Ensure the chocolate is fully set for clean cuts. If you wish for a more rustic look, you can break the bark into pieces instead.
Layering Chocolate:
Layering is what makes this bark visually appealing and delicious. When pouring each layer, spread it evenly across the parchment paper to ensure uniform thickness. This helps in achieving a nice balance of flavors in every heart, presenting a beautiful contrast between the dark and white chocolate.
Melting Chocolate:
Melting chocolate is a critical step in this recipe. It’s essential to do this carefully to avoid burning. Use a microwave or a double boiler, ensuring to stir often to distribute the heat evenly. Adding coconut oil during melting helps maintain a smooth texture, which is vital for the final presentation.
Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Hearts with a Touch of Holiday Cheer

The Complete Guide to Mastering Peppermint Bark Hearts

Melting Chocolate:
Melting chocolate is a critical step in this recipe. It’s essential to do this carefully to avoid burning. Use a microwave or a double boiler, ensuring to stir often to distribute the heat evenly. Adding coconut oil during melting helps maintain a smooth texture, which is vital for the final presentation.
Layering Chocolate:
Layering is what makes this bark visually appealing and delicious. When pouring each layer, spread it evenly across the parchment paper to ensure uniform thickness. This helps in achieving a nice balance of flavors in every heart, presenting a beautiful contrast between the dark and white chocolate.
Cutting the Bark:
Cutting the bark into heart shapes requires precision. Utilize a heart-shaped cutter to press through the chilled bark gently. Ensure the chocolate is fully set for clean cuts. If you wish for a more rustic look, you can break the bark into pieces instead.
Crushing Peppermint:
Crushing the peppermint candies can be easily done using a zip-lock bag and a rolling pin. This method keeps the mess contained while ensuring even-sized pieces. The texture of the crushed candies adds a satisfying crunch, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Chilling the Bark:
Chilling the layers allows the chocolate to set properly. Each layer should be set before adding the next to avoid mixing. Ensure the time in the refrigerator is sufficient, typically around 10-15 minutes, until each layer is firm to the touch.
Storing the Bark:
Storage is key to keeping the bark fresh. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture from affecting the bark’s texture. If storing for longer periods, refrigerate to extend freshness, but bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Flavoring with Extracts:
Flavoring the white chocolate with peppermint extract enhances its minty profile. When adding extracts, do so sparingly; a little goes a long way. This step ensures a balanced flavor throughout the bark, keeping it refreshingly minty without overpowering the sweetness.
Drizzling for Decoration:
Drizzling melted chocolate over the top can add a decorative touch. Use a spoon or piping bag for precision. It creates an attractive finish and additional layers of flavor, making the bark visually appealing and even more delicious.
Gifting the Bark:
When gifting, presentation matters. Use decorative boxes or bags to package your peppermint bark hearts. Adding a personal note or festive ribbon enhances the gift's charm, making it a thoughtful present during the holiday season.
Serving the Bark:
When serving, consider pairing the peppermint bark with coffee or hot chocolate for a perfect sweet treat. Arrange the hearts on a decorative platter for parties, allowing guests to enjoy these delightful bites.
Pro Chef Secrets to Perfect Peppermint Bark
Wrap individual hearts in cellophane bags with festive ribbons to give as gifts during the holiday season.
Consider adding a drizzle of dark chocolate over the white chocolate layer for a decorative touch.
Ensure that each layer of chocolate is completely set before adding the next to prevent mixing of colors.
Feel free to taste test after each layer to adjust the minty flavor to your preference.
Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Hearts with a Touch of Holiday Cheer

Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Hearts with a Touch of Holiday Cheer

Indulge in the festive delight of Peppermint Bark Hearts, a delectable treat that perfectly balances sweet and minty flavors. Made with rich semi-sweet chocolate, creamy white chocolate, and crushed peppermint candies, each heart is a delightful explosion of taste and texture. The smoothness of the chocolate contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the peppermint, creating a texture that is both silky and satisfying. Whether you're crafting these for a holiday gathering, a romantic Valentine's Day surprise, or as homemade gifts for loved ones, these treats evoke warmth and joy. Perfectly sweet, with a hint of refreshing mint, they are sure to evoke memories of cozy winter evenings and cheerful celebrations. Share them at festive parties or simply enjoy them as a delightful pick-me-up during the chilly season. With their charming heart shape, they’re more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of love and sharing during the most wonderful time of the year.

Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bark Hearts with a Touch of Holiday Cheer
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
Chef
JUE
Category
Dessert
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
American
Yield
24 hearts
Dietary
Vegetarian
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
0% Complete

Ingredients

For the Dark Chocolate Layer:
01
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
02
1 teaspoon coconut oil, for smooth melting
For the White Chocolate Layer:
03
8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
04
1 teaspoon coconut oil, for smooth melting
For Topping:
05
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
06
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract, for an extra minty kick
07
Optional: Sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

01
Step 1: Begin by lining a baking sheet or a large cutting board with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
03
Step 3: Pour the melted semi-sweet chocolate mixture onto the prepared parchment paper, spreading it into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to set for about 10 minutes.
04
Step 4: Meanwhile, repeat the melting process with the white chocolate and remaining coconut oil in a separate bowl until smooth.
05
Step 5: Once the dark chocolate has set, pour the melted white chocolate over the dark layer, spreading it evenly.
06
Step 6: Before the white chocolate sets, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies evenly over the top along with a pinch of sea salt if desired.
07
Step 7: Drizzle the peppermint extract over the white chocolate layer for added flavor.
08
Step 8: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 10-15 minutes to allow the top layer to set completely.
09
Step 9: Once fully set, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart shapes from the chocolate bark.
10
Step 10: Carefully remove the hearts from the parchment paper and place them in a decorative box or serving platter for serving.