Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe

This dark chocolate homemade vegan peppermint bark is everything you love about the holiday classic treat! It has a layer of dark chocolate, topped with a layer of vegan white chocolate, with an essence of peppermint and chunks of candy cane! YUM!

This easy homemade vegan peppermint bark is made with melted vegan dark chocolate, vegan white chocolate, peppermint extract, and chunks of candy cane.

Peppermint bark is my husband’s all-time favorite holiday treat. He loves getting the big box of peppermint bark from William Sonoma. He’s tried dozens of versions 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 makeover.

The result is a creamy and rich bark that made a chocoholic like me, and a peppermint bark connoisseur like my husband, decide to ditch the store-bought version 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. It’s a super delicious holiday plant-based dessert and candy you can share with everyone!

💗 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

🥣 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 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.

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

📋 How to Make Healthy Vegan Peppermint Bark: Two Methods

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 2: In a medium glass mixing bowl add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 30-second increments, stirring with a spatula in between each increment until the chocolate is melted.

Step 3: Add the peppermint extract to the melted dark chocolate.

Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula to evenly spread the chocolate. Place the tray in the refrigerator to chill for 10 minutes or until firm to the touch.

Step 5: Crush two candy canes by placing them in a large ziplock bag, and using a mallet or heavy wooden spoon to break them into pieces.

Step 6: While the dark chocolate layer is chilling, melt the vegan white chocolate chips in a medium size glass mixing bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted, stirring with a spatula between each increment.

Step 7: Reserve 1 tablespoon of the crushed candy canes. Pour the rest into the melted white chocolate. Stir to combine.

Step 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.

Step 9: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the crushed candy cane to the top of the white chocolate layer. Chill for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 10: Once the layers are solid and firm, break apart the large chocolate bar into small pieces using your hands.

Steps for Making Your Own Peppermint Chocolate (Not Using Chocolate Chips)

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

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

Step 3: Remove from the heat. Stir in peppermint extract.

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

Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate into the 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 the crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate.

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

Step 9: Remove from the glass container by 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 it for 10 seconds to loosen it slightly.

Step 10: Break into smaller pieces. Store in an airtight container.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

• If using the chocolate chip method, be sure to use high-quality semi-sweet, and vegan white chocolate chips. I recommend Enjoy Life.
• If using the coconut oil and cacao powder method, be sure to 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 cacao 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 or baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with the ease of releasing 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.

🌱 Making Your Own Peppermint Chocolate Is Healthier

Here’s why…

• 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.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

😋 How to Serve

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

🎄 More Vegan Holiday Recipes!