Peppermint Chocolate Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much peppermint extract to use in melted chocolate? ›

Add 1/2 teaspoon of oil. Melt in 20-second increments, stirring vigorously with a silicone spatula spatula or spoon after each increment, until completely melted and smooth. White chocolate and chocolate overheat easily, so it's important to do this in increments. Once melted, stir in 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.

Also, melted chocolate doesn't mix readily with tiny amounts of liquids. So, don't add peppermint extract or any other liquid to the melted chocolate, as this may cause the chocolate to suddenly harden. (A few drops of peppermint oil, on the other hand, can be added.)

The trick for chocolate peppermint bark layers that stick together is to add the white chocolate layer before the semisweet layer is completely set.

Remove the Peppermint Bark from the pan by lifting the edges of the aluminum foil. Peel back the foil and break, or cut, the bark into small irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Peppermint oil is highly concentrated and can cause adverse reactions if not used properly. Inhalation of too much peppermint oil can cause respiratory distress, including difficulty breathing and coughing. It can also cause irritation to the eyes and skin.

Add 1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil per quarter pound of chocolate. If you add too much flavor to the chocolate, it can cause the chocolate to not set as hard due to the added fat content. But don't worry too much, that's a lot of flavor you'd be adding to cause the change - which is super unnecessary.

An important step to remember: Keep the chocolate dry

Chocolate and water don't go together. Even a small splash of water in your melting chocolate will cause it to seize, becoming stiff and grainy instead of smooth and silky. And sadly, there's no way to completely undo the damage.

And oh, by the way, this includes extracts as well; adding a teaspoon of vanilla to your melted chocolate will turn it into a stiff, recalcitrant mass.

Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil while microwaving helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and makes it the perfect consistency for dipping! The caveat here is that once cool, the chocolate won't set up quite as hard as it did to begin with due to the added fat content.

Don't let chocolate come in contact with water or steam, which cause it to seize. (Peppermint extract is made with alcohol so even though it's liquid, it won't seize). Let bark sit at room temperature for few minutes before slicing/breaking to prevent layers from separating.

What can I use instead of parchment paper for peppermint bark? ›

You'll need parchment paper to make the recipe work properly; don't try to replace it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. The bark looks attractive either cut or broken into ragged pieces. I pllace in cookie boxes lined with red cellophane.

Does peppermint bark go bad? Yes, peppermint bark will go bad if not stored properly and/or consumed within a few weeks. It's very important that you store the peppermint bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions. How long is peppermint bark good for? Peppermint bark will last at room temperature for 2 weeks or in the refrigerator for 3 weeks.

Homemade peppermint bark will last about 2 weeks in an airtight container on the counter. In the fridge, it will last up to 3 weeks, although the candy cane pieces on top can become a bit sticky. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it in foil first.

It is important to remember that when adding alcohol extracts and liqueurs to chocolate, these liquids need to be added to chocolate mixtures, not pure melted chocolate, otherwise the alcohol will cause the chocolate to seize and form a lumpy mass.

Melt or temper chocolate to desired temperature. Add the extract of choice and mix it gently. The extract will mix with the chocolate without any changes to the consistency or texture of the chocolate. Set the chocolate in molds, use in ganache, as dipping sauce etc.

Be especially careful with methods like the double boiler or water bath, which involve water. Other liquids like vanilla extract will cause seizing too, so avoid stirring into your melted chocolate.

Extracts will seize up chocolate because of the alcohol content. If you have a chocolate mixture, meaning it has other ingredients with it, then it should be fine. But if you add an extract to plain, melted chocolate, you'll end up with a big lump.