Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m beyond excited to welcome you to my delicious corner of the internet. Get ready to turn ordinary meals into extraordinary flavor adventures, one recipe at a time! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a batch of something truly special: Peppermint Bark Brownies.
These aren’t your grandma’s brownies (unless your grandma is seriously cool, of course!). We’re talking fudgy, chocolatey goodness swirled with the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint. This Peppermint Bark Brownies recipe is a total game-changer.
I stumbled upon this Peppermint Bark Brownies creation during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. I was craving something festive, something chocolatey, and something with a serious kick. Let’s just say this recipe was born out of pure deliciousness. I’ve been making this recipe non-stop ever since!
The excitement of that first bite was unreal! The rich chocolate mixed with the sharp peppermint created a symphony of flavors that I knew I had to share. Friends went wild! I knew I had struck gold with this fusion favorite.
Trust me, these Peppermint Bark Brownies will make every occasion a little more special. Get ready to impress your friends, wow your family, or simply treat yourself to a little piece of chocolate peppermint heaven.
Come on, let’s get baking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Peppermint Bark Brownies ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be shy about adding a little extra of what you love. Let’s gather what we need.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: This is the base for our rich, fudgy brownies. You can grab this during your normal shopping trip.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness is key! Feel free to reduce slightly if you prefer a less sweet brownie.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives our Peppermint Bark Brownies that deep, chocolatey flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just a bit, giving them the perfect texture.
- 4 large eggs: Adds moisture and richness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies. No worries if you don’t have all-purpose; a 1:1 gluten-free flour works great too.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always a good idea!
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies: This is where the magic happens! Adds that signature peppermint flavor and a festive touch. This Peppermint Bark Brownies gets its amazing taste from this candy.
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted: For the peppermint bark topping.
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (for topping): More peppermint, please!
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract: For an extra boost of peppermint flavor. I love adding extra peppermint extract to my Peppermint Bark Brownies for that extra kick.
Here’s my Peppermint Bark Brownies secret that takes it from good to incredible: use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate. It makes a world of difference! Store your cocoa powder in a cool, dark place for maximum freshness.
Okay, you’ve got all your ingredients ready to go! Now for the fun part.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into making these amazing Peppermint Bark Brownies! Get ready for some delicious magic!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is super important so your brownies don’t stick! I like to line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Mix until well combined. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract (and peppermint extract, if using). Make sure everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we don’t want that.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. Fold them in gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. This is my favorite part of making Peppermint Bark Brownies – watch the magic happen!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. In my kitchen, this Peppermint Bark Brownies usually takes about 28 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for getting clean cuts. While your Peppermint Bark Brownies is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Melt the white chocolate according to package directions. I like to melt mine in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Spread the melted white chocolate evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Sprinkle with the remaining crushed peppermint candies. Get creative with your design!
- Let the white chocolate set completely before cutting into squares. This usually takes about 30 minutes. If you’re impatient (like me!), you can pop them in the fridge for a bit.
- Cut, serve, and enjoy! These Peppermint Bark Brownies should smell absolutely incredible right now.
Don’t worry if your Peppermint Bark Brownies looks a little cracked on top – that just adds to their charm! If you find your peppermint candies are melting too much during baking, try adding them in the last 5 minutes.
And there you have it! A batch of seriously delicious Peppermint Bark Brownies ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Up This!
These Peppermint Bark Brownies are so versatile! There are tons of ways to serve them up and enjoy every single bite.
I love to enjoy this Peppermint Bark Brownies with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream against the warm, fudgy brownie is simply divine! I’m also a big fan of pairing these brownies with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Talk about a chocolate peppermint overload!
These brownies are perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. People literally do happy dances when this Peppermint Bark Brownies hits the table with a dusting of powdered sugar. For a festive presentation, try cutting the brownies into small squares and arranging them on a platter.
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can transform them into a delicious ice cream sundae. Crumble the brownies over your favorite ice cream, add some whipped cream, and a cherry on top! You could also try crumbling them into a milkshake for an extra chocolatey treat.
I’ve even experimented with making a Peppermint Bark Brownies trifle. Layer the brownies with whipped cream, chocolate pudding, and more crushed peppermint candies for a show-stopping dessert.
This Peppermint Bark Brownies is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! Or pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat. Check out these Peppermint Bark Brownies | Lemons & Zest for more inspiration.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Peppermint Bark Brownies are guaranteed to be a hit!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making these amazing Peppermint Bark Brownies.
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Peppermint Bark Brownies?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Just take your time and follow the instructions, and you’ll be baking like a pro in no time!
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the type of chocolate you use.
What if I don’t have peppermint candies?
No problem! You can use peppermint extract instead. Just add a few drops to the brownie batter and the white chocolate topping.
How do I store these brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They’re delicious straight from the fridge!
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before serving.
What if my brownies are too dry?
Make sure you’re not overbaking them! Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. Also, adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the batter can help add moisture.
What if I mess up my Peppermint Bark Brownies? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Hey, we all make mistakes in the kitchen! Even if your brownies don’t turn out perfectly, they’ll still taste amazing. Trust me! I have some incredible triple chocolate brownies if you want a base recipe.
How can I prep this Peppermint Bark Brownies for busy weeknights?
You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just add the wet ingredients and mix!
These Peppermint Bark Brownies are so much fun to make and even more fun to eat! Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings.
CONCLUSION:
These Peppermint Bark Brownies are more than just a dessert – they’re a celebration of flavor, a testament to the joy of baking, and a reminder that even the simplest things can be extraordinary. They bring me so much joy because they are something that I created.
My Peppermint Bark Brownies Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the peppermint! The more peppermint, the merrier!
- Use high-quality chocolate. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
- Don’t overbake! Fudgy brownies are the best brownies.
I’ve tested a few delicious Peppermint Bark Brownies variations, including one with a layer of cream cheese frosting and another with a swirl of chocolate ganache. The cream cheese frosting version is perfect for a more decadent dessert, while the chocolate ganache version is great for chocolate lovers. For another bold flavor mashup, consider tiramisu brownies.
If you are having a large Christmas party, bring this Easy Holiday Treat! Danny N shares a delicious holiday treat using … For a potluck with friends, make the classic peppermint bark version! The Most Addicting Peppermint Bark Brownies – CaliGirl Cooking are decadent and worth every calorie!
Trust your taste buds and get creative! There are no rules in the kitchen, so have fun and experiment with different flavors and toppings. I’m so excited for you to try this Peppermint Bark Brownies recipe! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do. This Peppermint Bark Brownies is a weeknight winner!
Happy baking, fellow food lovers! And remember, every meal is an opportunity to create something special! I can’t wait to hear all about your own Peppermint Bark Brownies adventures.
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Peppermint Bark Brownies
Indulge in rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy white chocolate and crunchy peppermint pieces. These Peppermint Bark Brownies are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.3 ounces) brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare brownie mix according to package directions.
- Pour brownie batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for the time recommended on the box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
- While the brownies are baking, melt the white chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in peppermint extract.
- Once brownies are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the melted white chocolate mixture over the top.
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a dark chocolate brownie mix. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for an extra decadent treat.