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To make Peppermint Chocolate Bark Cups, you need simple, tasty ingredients. Here is what you will need: - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup white chocolate chips - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping) - 1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers (for base) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for easier melting) - Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a sweet, minty treat. The semi-sweet chocolate gives a rich base. The white chocolate adds creaminess. Peppermint extract brings a fresh flavor. Crushed candy canes add crunch and color. The graham crackers form a nice base. Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly. You can use sea salt for a touch of contrast. Each ingredient plays a special role in making these cups festive and fun. {{ingredient_image_1}} Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or silicone cups. This helps with easy removal later. Make sure to press the liners down well. This ensures your cups hold their shape. Take a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix in ½ tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave this mix in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until smooth. The chocolate should be shiny and easy to pour. Spoon a small amount of melted chocolate into each liner. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the bottom. You want just enough to cover it. Place the muffin tin in the freezer for about 10 minutes. This helps it set well. In another microwave-safe bowl, add 1 cup of white chocolate chips with the remaining ½ tablespoon of coconut oil. Use the same 30-second microwave method. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This will keep your white chocolate creamy. Once melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Add half of the crushed candy canes into the mix. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. This adds a festive touch to your cups. After the base is set, pour the white chocolate mix over the semi-sweet layer. Fill each cup about ¾ full. Then, sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top. Press them in gently to stick. Optionally, sprinkle some sea salt for a nice contrast. Return the muffin tin to the freezer. Let the cups set for at least 30 minutes. They should feel firm to the touch when done. Then they are ready to serve! To get smooth melted chocolate, use the microwave. Start with a bowl of chocolate chips and a bit of coconut oil. Heat it for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat until it melts. This method helps avoid burning. If you prefer, you can melt chocolate using a double boiler. Just set a bowl over simmering water. Stir it gently until melted. You can change the taste of these bark cups. Try using almond or vanilla extract instead of peppermint. This adds a unique twist. You can also adjust the sweetness by using more or less chocolate. If you want it sweeter, add more white chocolate. For a less sweet flavor, use dark chocolate. For your holiday parties, serve these cups on a festive platter. You can stack them in a pyramid for an eye-catching display. Use colorful liners to match your theme. To make them extra special, drizzle melted chocolate on top. A sprinkle of extra crushed candy canes adds a nice touch. Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture in your bark cups. Chill Between Layers: Ensure each layer is fully set in the freezer before adding the next to maintain distinct layers. Customize Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla for a unique twist on the classic peppermint flavor. Presentation Matters: Consider using festive liners or adding decorative sprinkles for a more visually appealing treat. {{image_2}} You can play with the chocolate in your cups. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. It pairs well with peppermint for a bold flavor. Try using a 70% cocoa dark chocolate. This adds depth to your bark cups. If you prefer a sweeter treat, use milk chocolate. Milk chocolate melts well and is creamy. It balances the minty taste nicely. You can mix it with white chocolate for a fun twist. Adding nuts or dried fruits can make your cups special. Chopped almonds or walnuts can add crunch. You might also try dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity touch. If you want more candy, consider mini marshmallows or M&Ms. They add color and fun to the top. You can also swap crushed candy canes for crushed Oreos for a different flavor. You can make bark cups that fit different diets. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers. They work just as well for the base. If you want a vegan version, choose dairy-free chocolate. There are many brands that offer great taste. You can also skip the graham crackers and use crushed nuts instead. This keeps the cups tasty and satisfying while meeting dietary needs. To keep your peppermint chocolate bark cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. Choose a container that fits snugly to prevent air from getting in. This helps keep the chocolate from getting dry or losing its flavor. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Avoid areas that get too warm, as this can cause the chocolate to melt or lose shape. These peppermint chocolate bark cups stay fresh for about one to two weeks when stored properly. If you notice any white spots on the chocolate, this is called bloom. It happens when the fat or sugar separates. While it looks unappealing, the bark is still safe to eat. If you notice off smells or strange textures, it’s best to toss them. To freeze your bark cups, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. You can also use freezer-safe bags. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, remove the cups from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge for about an hour. You can also leave them out at room temperature for a quicker thaw. Avoid using a microwave, as this can change the texture. Enjoy your festive treats! The best way to melt chocolate is in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl. Combine chocolate chips with coconut oil. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until smooth. This method keeps the chocolate from burning. Stirring helps it melt evenly. Yes, you can make these bark cups ahead of time. They store well in the fridge. Just keep them in an airtight container. You can make them a few days in advance. This makes them great for parties or gifts. Peppermint chocolate bark cups last about one week. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. Check for any off smells or changes in texture. If they look good, they are still good to eat! Absolutely! You can use any candy you love. Try crushed nuts or dried fruit. You can also use different types of candy canes. Get creative and mix flavors that you enjoy. Just keep the toppings balanced for a tasty treat. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers. You can also find dairy-free chocolate. Check labels to ensure they meet your needs. If you want a vegan recipe, use plant-based chocolate and coconut oil. There are many ways to enjoy these treats! You can create delicious peppermint chocolate bark cups with simple steps. Start with quality ingredients like chocolate and peppermint. Follow instructions carefully for melting and mixing. Remember to keep things fun by trying new flavors or toppings. Store your treats well to enjoy them later. By using my tips, you can impress at any gathering. Enjoy your tasty creations!

Peppermint Chocolate Bark Cups

Delicious chocolate cups filled with peppermint white chocolate and topped with crushed candy canes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 0.5 cup crushed candy canes
  • 0.5 cup finely crushed graham crackers
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • optional sea salt flakes

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cupcake Tin: Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners or silicone baking cups for easy removal.
  • Melt Semi-Sweet Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
  • Create the Base: Spoon a small amount of the melted semi-sweet chocolate into each cupcake liner, just enough to cover the bottom. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to spread it evenly. Place the muffin tin in the freezer to set for about 10 minutes.
  • Melt White Chocolate: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil in the same way used for the semi-sweet chocolate.
  • Add Flavor: Once melted, stir in the peppermint extract and half of the crushed candy canes into the white chocolate mixture until evenly distributed.
  • Fill the Cups: Remove the muffin tin from the freezer. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the set semi-sweet chocolate, filling each cup to about 3/4 full.
  • Add Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top of the white chocolate layer, gently pressing them in to adhere. Optionally, add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for contrast.
  • Set in Freezer: Return the muffin tin to the freezer and allow the bark cups to set for at least 30 minutes, or until completely firm.
  • Serve: Once set, carefully remove the chocolate bark cups from the tin. You can serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Keyword candy canes, chocolate, dessert, peppermint