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Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
  • Yield: 9 brownies 1x

Description

Peppermint Bark Brownies combine a rich, fudgy dark chocolate brownie base with a creamy, mint-infused white chocolate frosting and a crunchy topping of crushed candy canes. This festive treat perfectly balances dense chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint, making it ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a seasonal dessert with a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 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

Mint White Chocolate 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)

Topping

  • 2 candy canes (crushed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal, or lightly grease the pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Chop butter and dark chocolate finely. Melt together in a heatproof bowl using 45-second intervals in the microwave at medium power, stirring between intervals until smooth. Alternatively, melt over a double boiler. Let cool until warm but not hot.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate-butter mixture until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the batter is just combined without lumps.
  5. Bake Brownies: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in the oven’s center for 26-32 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs. Adjust baking time for preferred fudginess.
  6. Cool Brownies: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for several hours to ensure the frosting will adhere properly.
  7. Melt White Chocolate: Finely chop white chocolate and melt in a heatproof bowl in 45-second microwave intervals at medium power, stirring between until smooth. Cool slightly.
  8. Prepare Frosting Base: Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and salt, gradually mixing on medium speed until incorporated.
  9. Combine Frosting Mixture: Mix the cooled melted white chocolate thoroughly into the butter-sugar mixture.
  10. Adjust Frosting Sweetness and Texture: Beat in remaining powdered sugar 1/3 cup at a time, alternating with tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until desired sweetness and consistency are reached. Optionally add extra peppermint extract for stronger mint flavor.
  11. Prepare Brownies for Frosting: Ensure brownies have fully cooled and the pan is no longer warm.
  12. Remove Brownies from Pan: Lift the brownies out using the parchment paper overhang onto a cutting board.
  13. Frost Brownies: Spread the peppermint white chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled brownies using a flat knife or spatula.
  14. Decorate with Candy Canes: Lightly crush candy canes using a rolling pin on a cutting board and sprinkle evenly over the frosting layer for a festive crunch.
  15. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into 9 equal servings, wiping the blade after each cut for clean slices.

Notes

  • Use peppermint extract, not peppermint essence, for the best flavor.
  • Allow brownies to cool fully to room temperature before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Adjust powdered sugar and cream in the frosting to achieve your preferred sweetness and spreadability.
  • For fudgier brownies, bake towards the lower end of the time range.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Peppermint bark brownies, chocolate peppermint brownies, holiday brownies, fudgy brownies, peppermint frosting

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