How Much Peppermint Bark to Make Per Person

Peppermint bark is one of those classic holiday treats that never goes out of style. It’s festive, simple to make in big batches, and looks gorgeous on dessert tables or tucked into gift boxes. Whether you’re handing it out as homemade gifts or serving it at a holiday party, the big question is always:

“How much peppermint bark do I actually need?”

The good news is, peppermint bark is easy to portion out — and a little goes a long way. With just a few simple guidelines, you’ll be able to make the perfect amount, whether you’re serving a small family gathering or a crowd of fifty.

Average Serving Size of Peppermint Bark

The ideal serving depends on how you’re offering it:

Snack-sized portions (party trays or dessert tables):
Plan for 1½ to 2 ounces per person (roughly 2 small pieces).
Gift boxes or bags:
Plan for 4–6 ounces per person (around 4–6 pieces, depending on thickness).
Dessert favor or stocking stuffer:
Plan for 2–3 ounces per person (about 2–3 pieces).

Tip: Peppermint bark is rich and sweet, so smaller portions are perfect for snacking — you don’t need massive pieces for guests to enjoy it!

How Much Peppermint Bark to Make for a Group

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan your batches:

Number of Guests	Snack Portions (2 oz each)	Gift Portions (4–6 oz each)	Favors (3 oz each)
6 people	¾ lb (12 oz)	1½–2¼ lb	1 lb
12 people	1½ lb	3–4½ lb	2¼ lb
20 people	2½ lb	5–7½ lb	3¾ lb
30 people	3¾ lb	7½–11 lb	5½ lb
50 people	6¼ lb	12½–18¾ lb	9½ lb

Quick reference:

1 standard 9×13 pan of peppermint bark typically makes about 1½–2 pounds of bark, depending on how thick you pour it.
That’s enough for 12–16 snack-sized servings or about 8–10 gift-sized portions.

Planning Tips

1. Decide how you’re serving it.
The amount changes a lot depending on whether it’s going into party platters, individually wrapped bags, or gift boxes.

2. Thinner bark stretches further.
If you’re making bark for a big group, spread your melted chocolate thinner — this gives you more servings without feeling skimpy.

3. Uniform pieces look more polished.
You can break it into rustic shards (pretty and casual) or cut into clean squares for a more gift-worthy look. Either way, try to keep portions similar in size.

4. Keep a little extra on hand.
People love peppermint bark. A 10–15% buffer ensures you won’t run out if guests go back for seconds or you need a few extra gifts last minute.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about peppermint bark? It stores beautifully.

Room temperature: Up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.
Refrigerator: Up to 3 weeks.
Freezer: Up to 3 months (just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent condensation).

Store pieces with parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

If you’re gifting, make the bark a few days in advance so it has time to fully set and break cleanly.

Batch Planning Guide

If you’re trying to figure out how many pans of peppermint bark to make:

1 pan (9×13) = ~1½–2 lb bark = 12–16 snack servings
2 pans = ~3–4 lb = 24–32 snack servings
3 pans = ~5–6 lb = 36–48 snack servings
4 pans = ~6–8 lb = 48–64 snack servings

For gift boxes, plan on fewer servings per pan since you’ll use larger pieces.

Serving Ideas

Arrange shards on a tiered tray for a party centerpiece.
Tuck pieces into clear treat bags with a ribbon for a festive favor.
Add it to charcuterie-style dessert boards for an elegant touch.
Pair with hot cocoa or warm cider for a cozy holiday pairing.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint bark is one of those classic holiday treats that’s as practical as it is pretty. It’s easy to make, simple to portion, and loved by just about everyone.

A good rule of thumb:

2 oz per person for party trays,
3 oz per person for favors,
4–6 oz per person for gift boxes.

It’s always smart to make a little extra — peppermint bark disappears fast!

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or wrapping it up for sweet homemade gifts, a few pans of peppermint bark go a long way in spreading that holiday magic.