Butter Cracker Peppermint Bark is a delightful holiday treat that combines the buttery crunch of crackers with creamy white chocolate and the refreshing zest of peppermint. Topped with crushed peppermint candies and festive sprinkles, this no-bake recipe is perfect for gifting, snacking, or as a quick addition to your holiday dessert table.
Why You Will Love Butter Cracker Peppermint Bark
- Sweet and Salty Combo: The buttery crackers and sweet chocolate create a perfectly balanced treat.
- No-Bake Convenience: No oven required—just melt, assemble, and chill.
- Festive Flair: Peppermint candies and colorful sprinkles make it ideal for holiday celebrations.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in no time with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personalized twist.
Ingredients Notes for Butter Cracker Peppermint Bark
- Butter Crackers (55): Thin, salty crackers like Ritz provide a crisp base.
- White Chocolate Melting Wafers (24 ounces): Use high-quality melting wafers or vanilla candy coating for smooth, easy melting.
- Peppermint Extract (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds an extra burst of peppermint flavor.
- Vegetable or Coconut Oil (1 teaspoon): Helps the chocolate melt smoothly and prevents clumping.
- Soft Peppermint Candies (25, crushed): Adds festive color and refreshing flavor. Substitute with crushed candy canes if preferred.
- Red and Green Sprinkles: Optional but great for a festive touch.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Silpat mat or parchment paper
- Small pot
- Heat-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Airtight container for storage
How to Make Butter Cracker Peppermint Bark
- Prepare the Crackers: Lay the butter crackers in a single layer on a Silpat or parchment-lined baking sheet. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Fill a small pot with about an inch of water and bring to a simmer over low heat.
- Place a heat-safe bowl over the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water.
- Add the white chocolate and oil to the bowl. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Be patient and avoid letting any moisture into the chocolate to prevent it from seizing.
- Add Peppermint Extract: Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, stir in the peppermint extract (if using).
- Assemble the Bark:
- Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the crackers on the baking sheet. Use a spatula to gently spread it, covering all the crackers.
- While the chocolate is still unset, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies and festive sprinkles over the top.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, break the bark into irregular pieces for serving or gifting.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Arrange on a platter or package in festive gift bags for a thoughtful homemade treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate melting wafers instead of white chocolate for a rich, bittersweet option.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds alongside the crushed peppermint for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle Effect: Drizzle milk or dark chocolate over the top for a visually appealing contrast.
Helpful Notes
- Crush peppermint candies in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin to avoid mess.
- For smoother spreading, pour the chocolate in the center of the crackers and work outward with a spatula.
- If you’re sensitive to peppermint, you can omit the extract and still enjoy the flavor from the candies.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Use the best quality chocolate you can find—it makes all the difference in no-bake recipes.”
- Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman): “When working with chocolate, take your time and melt it slowly to avoid burning or seizing.”
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “Chill the bark until completely firm before breaking it into pieces to ensure clean, sharp edges.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use candy melts instead of white chocolate wafers?
Yes! Candy melts are a great alternative and come in various colors to suit your theme.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Make sure no water or steam touches the chocolate during melting. Stir gently and melt over low heat.
Can I use salted crackers?
Yes, salted crackers enhance the sweet-and-salty contrast in this recipe.
What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies?
Place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy object.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply use a larger baking sheet and double the ingredients for more bark.
Butter Cracker Peppermint Bark is a quick, festive, and delicious treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy holiday baking!