There’s something truly magical about the holidays, and peppermint bark brownies capture that spirit perfectly. The rich, fudgy chocolate combined with the bright crunch of candy canes creates a festive treat that’s irresistible. This recipe is not only simple but delivers an impressive dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or cozy nights at home.
What makes these brownies special is their combination of textures and flavors. The creamy white chocolate frosting contrasts beautifully with the dense cocoa-infused brownie base, while the crushed candy canes add a refreshing peppermint touch. They’re great for gatherings or as a sweet snack for yourself and your family, bringing a delightful holiday spirit with each bite.
Why you’ll love peppermint bark brownies
- The rich chocolate flavor is deeply satisfying.
- They come together in under an hour, from start to finish.
- The festive peppermint twist makes them perfect for the holidays.
- They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal equipment.
- Leftovers (if any!) keep well, making them great for meal prep.
“These brownies are a holiday favorite in our home!”
Step-by-step overview
Making peppermint bark brownies involves mixing melted butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, followed by the dry ingredients, and baking to perfection. After cooling, simply frost with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
What ingredients do I need for peppermint bark brownies?
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1 cup white chocolate for frosting
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best for balanced flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Candy Canes: You can substitute with chocolate mint candies for a variation.
- White Chocolate: You can use chocolate chips or bars; just ensure they’re well-melted for frosting.
How do I make peppermint bark brownies step-by-step?
To make these delightful brownies, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter and sugar until thoroughly combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top for even baking.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish.
- For the frosting, melt the white chocolate and then spread it evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Finally, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that festive touch.
- Let the frosting set before cutting into squares and serving.
Pro Tip: To ensure your brownies are perfectly soft and chewy, do not overbake them; check for doneness a couple of minutes early!
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure that your butter is fully melted for a smooth batter.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; letting the brownies cool completely before frosting helps the toppings adhere better.
- If the white chocolate for the frosting seizes up, you can stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to help smooth it out.
How should I serve it?
These peppermint bark brownies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more festive touch, top them with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or serve alongside a warm holiday drink.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brownies a day ahead; just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up without melting the frosting too much. For best quality, enjoy them within the first few days.
How do I fix common issues?
- Brownies are dry: Ensure you’re measuring your flour accurately and avoid overbaking.
- Batter is too thick: If it seems tough, you may need to mix a bit longer to incorporate everything, or add a touch of milk to thin it out.
- Frosting is too thick: If your melted white chocolate is too stiff, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil to help smooth it out.
What variations can I try?
For a twist on the classic peppermint bark brownies, you can:
- Substitute half of the white chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter before baking for added texture (optional).
- Incorporate a layer of caramel sauce between the brownie and frosting for an extra sweet touch.
FAQs
Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, for a deeper flavor, you can use semi-sweet chocolate for the frosting. The brownies will have a different aesthetic, but the taste will still be fantastic.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s one that measures cup-for-cup to maintain the same texture.
How long will the brownies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, they will remain fresh for about a week at room temperature and can be refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter and sugar until thoroughly combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top for even baking.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish.
- For the frosting, melt the white chocolate and spread it evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Let the frosting set before cutting into squares and serving.