Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe

💗 Why You’ll Love this Healthy Vegan Peppermint Bark…

• Five simple ingredients
• Rich and chocolatey
• Easy step-by-step instructions
• It makes an excellent edible holiday gift.

🥣 Ingredients and Notes

Vegan Dark Chocolate Chips: Look for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Make sure that there is no added milk. There are several vegan-friendly chocolate chips on the market.

Vegan White Chocolate Chips: There aren’t as many vegan white chocolate chips or white chocolate bars on the market. However, there are a few, including Enjoy Life, which is delicious!

Peppermint Extract: I find a little peppermint extract goes a long way. The ¼ teaspoon of peppermint bark was the perfect peppermint flavor for me. I suggest starting with a smaller amount, tasting it, and adding more if you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor.

Candy Canes: I use Wholesome Candy Canes as they are made without artificial colors.

📋 How to Make Vegan Peppermint Bark

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium glass mixing bowl, add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 30-second increments, stirring with a spatula between each increment until the chocolate is melted.
3. Add the peppermint extract to the melted dark chocolate.
4. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly. Place the tray in the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes or until firm to the touch.
5. Crush two candy canes in a large ziplock bag and break them into pieces using a mallet or heavy wooden spoon.
6. While the dark chocolate layer chills, melt the vegan white chocolate chips in a medium-sized glass mixing bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted, stirring with a spatula between each increment.
7. Reserve one tablespoon of the crushed candy canes. Pour the rest into the melted white chocolate. Stir to combine.
8. Remove the dark chocolate layer from the fridge. Make sure it is firm and solid. Pour the melted white chocolate over the top of the dark chocolate. Smooth over in an even layer with the spatula.
9. Add the remaining one tablespoon of the crushed candy cane to the top of the white chocolate layer. Chill for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Once the layers are solid and firm, break apart the large chocolate bar into small pieces using your hands.

📝 Expert Tips

• Using the chocolate chip method, use high-quality, semi-sweet, and vegan white chocolate chips. I recommend Enjoy Life.
• Using the coconut oil and cacao powder method, use high-quality cocoa powder and refined coconut oil. This will make all the difference in the flavor.
• Heat coconut oil on low to medium to melt. You don’t want to scorch the oil. When adding the cacao powder and maple syrup, keep it at medium. The oil will quickly absorb the cacao powder. Allow to heat for about 2 minutes. It will thicken slightly.
• Be sure to line your glass container or baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help ease the release of the chocolate.
• You can use other containers to cool your chocolate in as well. Try using individual muffin cups or another shallow dish or pan.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🍽 How to Serve

• Make a big batch for friends and neighbors as a holiday gift.
• Serve as a sweet holiday treat with a cup of hot chocolate!
• Bring to a holiday party as a hostess gift.