Easy Vegan Peppermint Bark Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are Ghirardelli peppermint bark vegan? ›

No. This product is not vegan as it lists 1 ingredient that derives from animals.

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

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.

A: Peppermint bark has a shelf life of 1 year.

Ghirardelli Vegan Options

While this new vegan option from Ghirardelli is promising, there is currently only one other vegan option available. The Intense Dark 72% Cacao Dark Chocolate is fully plant-based. It is available as a bar or individual squares.

If your bark chilled in the refrigerator for longer than 3–4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to slightly soften before breaking/slicing. (Or else the layers might separate.)

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.

The main reason that peppermint bark layers can separate is it you try to layer a white chocolate made with palm oil over a dark chocolate that's made with cocoa butter. The palm oil can prevent the two layers from sticking together. Be sure to let the bark chill until it's completely set.

Parchment doesn't have to be washed and is more compact to store, and of course you can cut it to size and put it in your cake pan. Both work equally well as a nonstick surface. Alternatively, I think highly of both original Pam and the Pam for Baking with Flour. They work great.

What not to do with parchment paper? ›

It does need to be said that while parchment paper is heat-resistant, it is not flame-retardant. Which is why you should never let any parchment paper (including ours) come in contact with an electric heating element or be exposed to a direct flame.

Peppermint bark will keep for weeks if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes it a great gift idea around the holidays—make a big batch at the beginning of December and grab what you need for easy gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends.

So what's the overall verdict? It depends on your preference! If you really love mint, want your peppermint bark to have some heft, or plan to gift it to loved ones, Williams Sonoma is your best bet. If texture or price are the most important factors for you, Costco wins by a landslide.

If you leave your bark out at room temperature the peppermint bark will tend to be soft. Place back in the refrigerator to harden it back up.

From the Package. SUGAR, UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE, COCOA BUTTER, WHOLE MILK POWDER, NONFAT DRY MILK, MILK FAT, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, SOY LECITHIN, PALM OIL, NATURAL PEPPERMINT FLAVOR, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, VANILLA EXTRACT, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE JUICE (COLOR), NATURAL FLAVOR, CORN STARCH, CURCUMIN (COLOR), RICE SYRUP.

No. This product is not dairy free as it lists 3 ingredients that contain dairy.

Any ingredient that uses bone char in its making isn't considered part of a proper vegan diet. However, manufacturers aren't required to identify products processed with bone char. The good news is that candies are made (including peppermint ones) without using the bone char process.

You might be thinking, Of course, mints are vegan. But beware—these cruelly obtained ingredients lurk in some mints: Gelatin (which is produced from animal skin, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and/or bones) Shellac (also known as “confectioner's glaze,” made from the resinous excretions of certain insects)