Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe

This dark chocolate homemade vegan peppermint bark is a healthy version of the holiday favorite! Made with coconut oil, dark cocoa powder, maple syrup, and peppermint extract, and it’s an easy homemade holiday gift!

My husband’s all time favorite holiday treat is peppermint bark. He chooses it over holiday cookies any day of the week. His favorite is the big box of peppermint bark from William Sonoma. He’s tried dozens of versions of peppermint bark over the years, and hands down, in his opinion, William Sonoma delivers the best peppermint bark around. At $30 a box, it’s also on the pricey side. While I have to admit their peppermint bark is pretty delicious, it’s not exactly healthy, and it’s certainly not vegan. With milk fat, corn syrup, and refined sugar I decided to take on this holiday classic with a healthy vegan make-over.

The result, was a creamy, rich, dark chocolate peppermint bark that made a chocoholic like me, and a peppermint bark connoisseur like my husband, decide to ditch store bought peppermint bark for good.

I didn’t realize until I started how easy it is to make homemade chocolate! With a few simple ingredients, and a little patience you’ll never need to buy store bought chocolate again!

This peppermint bark does not have the traditional white chocolate layer. Almost all commercially made white chocolate is made with milk fat. It’s possible to make your own version of a white chocolate layer using cacao butter and coconut oil. I found this version with the one layer of dark chocolate flavored with peppermint had the same flavor profile without the need for an extra step.

Why You’ll Love this Healthy Vegan Peppermint Bark…

• 5 simple ingredients
• Rich and chocolatey
• No need for two layers to get the peppermint flavor
• Easy step by step instructions
• Makes an excellent edible holiday gift
• Healthy version without processed ingredients
• Kid and husband approved!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup refined coconut oil
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp organic maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 2 Wholesome Candy Canes

I find a little peppermint extract goes a long way. The 1/4 tsp of peppermint bark was the perfect amount of peppermint flavor for me. I suggest starting with a smaller amount, tasting it, and adding more if you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor.

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

Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

• Saucepan
• Spatula
• Shallow glass container
• Parchment paper

I love these glass storage containers. They are very reasonable in price and come in various sizes. I used the 3 cup rectangular container to chill the chocolate.

How to Make Healthy Vegan Peppermint Bark – Step by Step

Step 1: Heat the coconut oil on medium heat until melted.

Step 2: Add cocoa powder and maple syrup. Heat on low and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Remove from heat. stir in peppermint extract.

Step 4: Line a small shallow glass container, about 3×6 inches with parchment paper.

Step 5: Pour chocolate into glass container.

Step 6: Crush two candy canes by placing them in a large ziplock bag, and using a mallet or heavy saucepan break them into pieces.

Step 7: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate.

Step 8: Refrigerate for one hour or until completely solid.

Step 9: Remove from glass container running a knife along the edge, and using a spatula break it free from the bottom of the container. If you have trouble removing it from the glass container, microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it slightly.

Step 10: Break into smaller pieces. Place in an air tight container.

Tips for Making Homemade Vegan Peppermint Bark

• 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 cocoa powder and maple syrup keep at medium. The cocoa powder will quickly be absorbed by the oil. Allow to heat for about 2 minutes. It will thicken slightly.
• Be sure to line your glass container with parchment paper. This will help with the ease of getting the chocolate out.
• You can use other containers to cool your chocolate in as well. Try using individual muffin cups, or another shallow dish or pan.

What makes this Vegan Peppermint Bark Healthy?

• Natural Ingredients-This recipe uses all natural ingredients. It does contain coconut oil, so if you are oil-free this recipe is not for you.
• Refined Sugar Free-There are no white or refined sugars in this recipe. The chocolate is sweetened with natural maple syrup.
• Free of Artificial Colors-Most candy canes contain artificial colors. using the Wholesome Candy Canes you avoid these harmful food dyes.

How long does homemade vegan peppermint bark last?

This peppermint bark will last 2-3 weeks when refrigerated but I doubt it will last that long! My family devoured it in a matter of days.

Does peppermint bark have gluten?

This peppermint bark recipe is gluten-free. If you have celiac buy a cocoa powder that is certified gluten-free, such as Anthony’s Organic Cocoa Powder. All of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can you freeze peppermint bark?

You can freeze peppermint bark if you choose. My whole family has a thing for frozen chocolate, so we prefer to keep it refrigerated or in the freezer. The peppermint bark will keep longer when frozen, about 2 months.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER HEALTHY HOLIDAY RECIPES!

• Vegan Hot Chocolate
• No-Bake Snowball Cookies
• Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
• Healthy Vegan Brownies
• Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies by My Darling Vegan

If you’ve tried this Vegan Peppermint Bark, please rate the recipe and let me know how they turned out. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more plant-based vegan family recipes your whole family will enjoy!