On National Peppermint Bark Day, we celebrate the seasonal treat we cannot wait to get our hands on every Christmas! The unbeatable combination of mint and chocolate is the perfect sweet indulgence.
The once-a-year favorite is crafted using white chocolate, layered with custom blended dark chocolate. This “bark” is finished with a snowfall of peppermint candy pieces. The result is an unforgettable holiday confection with a perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite.
History of National Peppermint Bark Day
Peppermint bark is a beloved holiday treat but its true origins are unknown. The combination of chocolate and peppermint dates back to ancient times, as both ingredients have long histories of being used in various cultures. However, the specific creation of peppermint bark as a holiday confection began in the United States in the 1990s. The treat quickly gained popularity and became a staple in holiday gifting and celebrations.
Traditionally, peppermint bark is made with dark or milk chocolate, topped with a layer of white chocolate and finished with crushed peppermint candies. This easy-to-make, festive dessert has become synonymous with Christmas and other winter holidays. The treat’s rise in popularity also coincided with an increase in seasonal flavored products, as companies capitalized on the demand for Christmas-themed foods and treats.
National Peppermint Bark Day timeline
Peppermint candy, a key ingredient in peppermint bark, is first produced and sold commercially in Europe and America.
An advertisement appears in the St. Petersburg Times offering peppermint bark by the pound.
Williams Sonoma introduces its version of Peppermint Bark and it becomes popular during the festive season.
Williams Sonoma sponsors National Peppermint Bark Day and the first celebration on National Today takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
National Peppermint Bark Day FAQs
When was Peppermint Bark created?
The confection was invented in 1998 after more than 20 rounds of recipe testing.
Why do they call it Peppermint Bark?
The most commonly accepted reasoning for the word ‘bark’ in chocolate bark is that the surface of the sweet treat resembles the crackly texture of a tree.
What does Peppermint Bark taste like?
Peppermint Bark is the perfect fusion of peppermint and chocolate.
National Peppermint Bark Day Activities
Indulge in Peppermint Bark
There’s nothing better than enjoying Peppermint Bark yourself to kick off the season. Why not find a quiet spot during the festive season, a good book and enjoy some ‘me’ time. Alternatively, ring in the full festive experience by tucking into Peppermint Bark while you decorate the house, to really get you in the holiday spirit.
Gift it to friends and family
Put a smile on everyone’s face this festive season by gifting a beautifully packaged, personalized tin of Peppermint Bark, which you can easily find online. It simply doesn’t get any better than this.
Visit a store for a free sample
Certain stores give out free samples of this sweet snack, Peppermint Bark, throughout the season. Hurry on down to try some and pick up a few tins while you are there.
5 Delightfully Sweet Facts About Peppermint Bark
It took a few attempts to reach perfection
It took more than 20 rounds of testing before the perfect recipe for their Peppermint Bark was landed on.
1/4 of the year is spent on prepping it
12 weeks a year are spent making Peppermint Bark, especially in preparation for the holiday season.
They use a lot of chocolate
More than 1 million lbs of chocolate is used each holiday season to make Peppermint Bark.
It takes a day to make
Making a single batch takes 24 hours, from start to finish.
A lot of peppermint bits go into it
65,000 peppermint bits are sprinkled on top of the Peppermint Bark.
Why We Love National Peppermint Bark Day
We love chocolate and peppermint!
The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic. The striking contrast of the minty coolness with warm chocolate is worth celebrating.
It’s a "sweet" holiday
Peppermint Bark Day is a delightfully sweet holiday that is perfect for the festive season. Kids and adults alike love it!
Peppermint Bark is nostalgic
There is something about Peppermint Bark that takes us back to our childhood. Watching our parents or grandparents make Peppermint Bark and enjoying it is a feeling we don’t want to forget.
National Peppermint Bark Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | December 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 1 | Friday |
