This festive treat combines semisweet and white chocolate infused with peppermint extract for a refreshing mint flavor. The melted chocolates are swirled together to create a marbled effect before being topped with colorful green candies, sprinkles, and mini chocolate chips. After chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, the bark is broken into pieces, offering a delightful combination of creamy texture and crunchy toppings ideal for St Patricks Day festivities.
Last year my daughter begged me to make something green for her class St. Patricks Day party. I panic bought six bags of green M&Ms and this chocolate bark was born. The kids went absolutely wild for it.
Ive started making this every March now. My neighbor actually texted me last week asking if the green bark was coming back this year. People remember this stuff.
Ingredients
- 300 g semisweet chocolate: The darker chocolate balances all that sugar from the white chocolate and candy toppings. Chop it into evenly sized pieces so it melts smoothly.
- 200 g white chocolate: White chocolate can be finicky to melt. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent it from seizing up.
- 1 tsp peppermint extract: Divide this carefully between both chocolates. The mint flavor needs to be present but not overwhelming.
- ¼ cup green M&Ms or mint candies: Roughly chop these so they distribute evenly. Large pieces make the bark hard to break cleanly later.
- 2 tbsp green sprinkles: These are mostly for the festive factor. They add crunch but mostly make everything look celebratory.
- 1 tbsp mini chocolate chips: Totally optional but I love the extra chocolate texture against the smooth swirled base.
Instructions
- Prep your surface:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This seems obvious but trust me you do not want to chip frozen chocolate off a bare pan later.
- Melt the dark chocolate:
- Use a heatproof bowl over simmering water or microwave in 30 second bursts. Stir in half the peppermint extract until smooth.
- Create your base:
- Pour the semisweet chocolate onto your prepared sheet and spread it into roughly a 9x12 inch rectangle. Work quickly before it starts to set.
- Prepare the white chocolate:
- Melt the white chocolate using the same gentle method. Stir in the remaining peppermint extract.
- Make the swirl:
- Drop spoonfuls of white chocolate all over the dark base. Use a skewer or knife to marble them together without over mixing.
- Add the festive toppings:
- Immediately sprinkle the green candies sprinkles and mini chips evenly across the surface. Press them gently into the chocolate so they stick.
- Let it set:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until completely firm. The wait is the hardest part.
- Break into pieces:
- Use your hands to snap the bark into rustic irregular pieces. Knife cuts look too perfect for something this fun.
My friend tried making this with almond bark instead of real chocolate and said it just did not taste the same. The quality of chocolate actually matters here.
Getting The Perfect Swirl
The first few times I made this I over swirled and everything turned muddy green. Now I drop the white chocolate in distinct puddles and drag my knife through just once or twice in one direction. Less is definitely more for that marble effect.
Storage Solutions
This keeps perfectly in the fridge for a week. I actually prefer the texture cold. The chocolate snaps instead of bending and the mint flavor feels more intense.
Customization Ideas
You can tint some of the white chocolate with green food coloring before swirling for extra St. Patricks Day spirit. The contrast between dark chocolate light green and white chocolate looks incredible.
- Swap the M&Ms for chopped Andes mints if you want even more mint flavor.
- Add crushed pretzels for a salty sweet situation.
- Use rainbow sprinkles instead of green for a birthday version.
Hope this brings some minty joy to your March. Happy baking and even happier eating.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What chocolates are best for this mint bark?
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Using semisweet and white chocolate provides a balance of rich and creamy flavors, enhancing the minty notes perfectly.
- → How do I achieve the marbled swirl effect?
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Drop spoonfuls of melted white chocolate over the melted semisweet base, then swirl gently with a skewer or knife before adding toppings.
- → Can I substitute the mint flavor?
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Peppermint extract is recommended for its bright flavor, but spearmint or other mint extracts can be used to alter the mint profile.
- → How long should the bark chill before serving?
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Chill the bark in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until fully set to ensure clean breakage and firm texture.
- → What are some topping alternatives for this bark?
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You can swap green candies with nuts or festive sprinkles for varied textures and flavors while maintaining the vibrant look.