Thinking about the holidays can bring up so many warm feelings. It also brings a long list of things to do. Finding Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas that don’t take all day is a real gift.
That is where this amazing peppermint bark recipe comes in. It is one of the most simple and festive treats you can make. It is a wonderful part of any list of Holiday Dinner Ideas. Let’s make some holiday magic.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly simple. You do not need to be a baking expert to create a beautiful and tasty dessert. It is a no bake recipe which is a huge plus.
When your oven is busy with the main course, having a dessert that needs zero oven time is a huge relief. This is one of those Simple Christmas Dinner Ideas that truly saves the day.
It is also so festive looking. The bright reds and greens on the creamy white chocolate just scream holiday cheer. It looks so pretty on a dessert platter or packed into little bags as gifts.
Plus, it is completely customizable. You can add your favorite candies, nuts, or different types of sprinkles. It’s a fun activity to do with kids too. They will love sprinkling on the toppings.
Honestly, it’s one of my favorite Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas because it delivers big on flavor and festive vibes without a lot of effort. What could be better during a busy season?
Ingredients
You only need a handful of things to make this delicious treat. It is a very forgiving recipe, so feel free to adjust amounts based on your taste.
- 12 oz white chocolate chips (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
- Peppermint candy canes or candies, crushed
- M&M’s, holiday colors are great
- Assorted holiday sprinkles
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? Let’s walk through the steps together. You will be amazed at how quickly it comes together. It is a key part of my Easy Christmas Meals plan.
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First, get a rimmed baking sheet. Lining it with wax paper or parchment paper is a very important step. This prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Melt The Chocolate
Place your white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. If you are using the vegetable oil, add it now. The oil helps make the chocolate a bit smoother and easier to spread, but it’s optional.
Microwave the chocolate on medium power, which is usually 50 percent. Start with 20 to 30 second bursts for the first minute. Stir well after each interval. This is key to prevent scorching.
After the first minute, switch to 15 second intervals. Keep stirring each time. Stop heating as soon as the chips are just about melted. A few small lumps are okay, they will melt as you stir.
Step 3: Spread The Chocolate
Pour the beautifully melted white chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. It doesn’t need to be tidy, just aim for a consistent thickness.
Step 4: Add Your Toppings
Now for the fun part. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle everything on top. Start with your crushed candy canes, then add the M&M’s and a generous amount of holiday sprinkles.
Gently press the toppings into the chocolate with your hand or the back of a spatula. This helps them stick as the bark sets. This creative step makes it one of the best Christmas Food Ideas For Dinner.
Step 5: Let It Set
All you have to do now is wait. Let the baking sheet sit on the counter for about one or two hours. It needs to become completely firm. If you are in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge to speed it up.
Once it is hard, you can break it into pieces. You can make them big or small, whatever you prefer. The rustic, uneven shapes are part of its charm.
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftover bark, storing it is simple. Place the pieces in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to a week, as long as your home is not too warm.
If you want it to last longer or if your house is warm, store the container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for a couple of weeks this way. The bark tastes great chilled too.
Tips
Want to mix things up? Try using different types of chocolate. A layer of dark chocolate on the bottom with white chocolate on top is a classic combination. It looks and tastes fantastic.
Do not be afraid to experiment with toppings. Crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows would be delicious additions. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover holiday candies.
When crushing your candy canes, put them in a sturdy zip top bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin or mallet. This contains the mess and gives you nice, varied piece sizes.
This also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Break the bark into pieces and package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. It’s a thoughtful present that people love to receive.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A super easy, festive, and delicious treat that is a wonderful addition to your list of Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas. It proves that you do not need complex recipes for a happy holiday.
This peppermint bark saves time, frees up your oven, and adds a splash of color to your dessert table. It is one of those Simple Christmas Dinner Ideas that you will make year after year.
When you are planning your Christmas Food Ideas For Dinner, remember to include simple recipes like this one. They help reduce stress and allow you more time to enjoy with loved ones.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Chocolate?
Absolutely. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate work just as well. You can even create a layered effect by spreading a layer of dark chocolate first, letting it set, and then adding the white chocolate layer on top.
How Far In Advance Can I Make This?
You can make this peppermint bark up to two weeks ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It’s a great make ahead dessert for your Holiday Dinner Ideas.
What Else Can I Add For Toppings?
The sky is the limit. Some other great topping ideas include crushed nuts like pecans or pistachios, dried cranberries for a chewy texture, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter for extra sparkle. This is what makes it one of the most flexible Easy Christmas Meals.
Easy Peppermint Bark
This incredibly simple and festive peppermint bark recipe is a delightful, no-bake treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With creamy white chocolate and crunchy peppermint candies, it’s a customizable dessert that saves oven space and brings cheer.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First, get a rimmed baking sheet. Lining it with wax paper or parchment paper is a very important step. This prevents the chocolate from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set it aside for now.
- Place your white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. If you are using the vegetable oil, add it now. The oil helps make the chocolate a bit smoother and easier to spread, but it’s optional. Microwave the chocolate on medium power, which is usually 50 percent. Start with 20 to 30 second bursts for the first minute. Stir well after each interval. This is key to prevent scorching. After the first minute, switch to 15 second intervals. Keep stirring each time. Stop heating as soon as the chips are just about melted. A few small lumps are okay, they will melt as you stir.
- Pour the beautifully melted white chocolate onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. It doesn’t need to be tidy, just aim for a consistent thickness.
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle everything on top. Start with your crushed candy canes, then add the M&M’s and a generous amount of holiday sprinkles. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate with your hand or the back of a spatula. This helps them stick as the bark sets.
- All you have to do now is wait. Let the baking sheet sit on the counter for about one or two hours. It needs to become completely firm. If you are in a hurry, you can pop it in the fridge to speed it up. Once it is hard, you can break it into pieces. You can make them big or small, whatever you prefer. The rustic, uneven shapes are part of its charm.
Notes
If you have any leftover bark, storing it is simple. Place the pieces in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to a week, as long as your home is not too warm. If you want it to last longer or if your house is warm, store the container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for a couple of weeks this way. The bark tastes great chilled too.
Want to mix things up? Try using different types of chocolate. A layer of dark chocolate on the bottom with white chocolate on top is a classic combination. It looks and tastes fantastic.
Do not be afraid to experiment with toppings. Crushed pretzels, chopped nuts, or even mini marshmallows would be delicious additions. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover holiday candies.
When crushing your candy canes, put them in a sturdy zip top bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin or mallet. This contains the mess and gives you nice, varied piece sizes.
This also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Break the bark into pieces and package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon. It’s a thoughtful present that people love to receive.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
