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Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x

Description

These Peppermint Bark Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy white chocolate peppermint frosting, topped with crushed candy canes for a festive seasonal treat. The decadent layers of chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor make these brownies perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter days.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (170 grams) (50-70%, or semi-sweet works too)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (83 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (17 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

  • 3 ounces white chocolate (85 grams)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)
  • 1–2 cups powdered sugar (110–220 grams)
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (NOT peppermint essence)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (15 ml) (or milk, if needed)

Decoration

  • 2 candy canes (crushed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper so that there’s an overhang around the edges, or lightly grease the pan for easy removal.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Chop the butter into about 8 pieces and finely chop the dark chocolate. Place both in a heatproof bowl and melt together in the microwave in 45-second intervals on medium power, stirring between each until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler. Let cool slightly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until well combined and smooth.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt until there are no visible clumps. Sift cocoa powder first if it’s lumpy.
  5. Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the center of the oven for 26-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Baking time depends on your oven and preferred fudginess.
  6. Cool Brownies: Remove brownies from oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan, which may take a few hours. Do not remove brownies until fully cooled.
  7. Prepare Frosting – Melt White Chocolate: Finely chop white chocolate and melt in a heatproof bowl in the microwave at medium power for 45 seconds intervals, stirring after each, or use a double boiler. Set aside to cool.
  8. Make Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, and salt, mixing on low to medium speed until incorporated.
  9. Add White Chocolate: Ensure the melted white chocolate is warm but not hot, then mix it into the butter mixture thoroughly.
  10. Finish Frosting: Beat in remaining powdered sugar 1/3 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk until desired sweetness and consistency is reached. Optionally add more peppermint extract for stronger flavor.
  11. Decorate Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled (pan bottom not warm), lift them out using the parchment overhang if used, place on a cutting board, and spread the frosting evenly with a flat knife.
  12. Sprinkle Candy Canes: Crush candy canes by lightly bashing them on a cutting board with a rolling pin, then sprinkle the crushed candy over the frosted brownies.
  13. Slice and Serve: Slice brownies with a sharp knife, wiping the knife between each cut for clean slices. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use real peppermint extract, not peppermint essence, for the best flavor.
  • Do not use high microwave power to melt chocolate to avoid burning.
  • Cooling brownies completely before frosting is crucial for the frosting to set properly.
  • For a stronger peppermint flavor, add extra peppermint extract in the frosting.
  • If cocoa powder is lumpy, sifting before mixing will prevent clumps.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Bring refrigerated brownies to room temperature before serving for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: peppermint bark brownies, holiday brownies, chocolate peppermint brownies, peppermint dessert, festive brownies

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Find it online: https://tastywithvictor.com/peppermint-bark-brownies-recipe/