Description
This Peppermint Bark Crackers recipe combines crispy Ritz crackers with a luscious toffee sauce, layered with rich dark and creamy white chocolate infused with peppermint extract, and topped with festive crushed candy canes for a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 54 Ritz crackers (snowflake kind for Christmas)
Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Layers
- 16 oz. chopped dark chocolate (60%, Ghirardelli recommended)
- 16 oz. chopped high quality white chocolate (Lindt recommended)
- 1/2–1 tsp peppermint extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the base layer: Arrange the 54 Ritz crackers in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they fit snugly and cover the surface evenly.
- Make the toffee sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup salted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup light brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture boils. Continue boiling and stirring for about 3-5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Pour toffee over crackers: Carefully pour the hot toffee sauce evenly over the arranged Ritz crackers, spreading it to cover them completely. Let cool slightly so toffee begins to set.
- Melt dark chocolate layer: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the 16 oz. chopped dark chocolate until smooth. Spread the melted dark chocolate evenly over the toffee-coated crackers. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator to chill and set for about 15-20 minutes.
- Melt white chocolate layer: In a separate bowl, melt the 16 oz. high quality chopped white chocolate until smooth. Stir in 1/2 to 1 tsp peppermint extract, adjusting to taste. Spread this white chocolate layer over the set dark chocolate layer and return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes to harden.
- Add the peppermint topping: Once the white chocolate is firm, sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed candy canes evenly over the top to add a festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
- Set and serve: Allow the assembled peppermint bark crackers to chill until fully set and firm. Break into pieces or cut as desired before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate brands like Ghirardelli and Lindt for best flavor and melting results.
- Adjust peppermint extract according to your taste preference, starting with 1/2 tsp and adding more if desired.
- To crush candy canes, place them in a sealed plastic bag and gently hammer with a rolling pin.
- Refrigerate the bark between layers to ensure even setting and prevent mixing.
- Store the peppermint bark crackers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 2 weeks.
- This recipe is perfect for holiday parties, gifts, or festive dessert tables.
Keywords: Peppermint bark, Christmas dessert, holiday treat, toffee crackers, chocolate bark, peppermint extract, candy cane topping