Peppermint Bark Brownies: Easy Holiday Dessert Recipe
Imagine a holiday dessert that combines rich chocolate with refreshing mint… YUM! That’s what Peppermint Bark Brownies offer. They’re gooey chocolate brownies topped with a yummy crunchy white chocolate peppermint bark. This treat is perfect for your holiday gathering and is super easy to make.
Introduction to Peppermint Bark Brownies
Peppermint Bark Brownies mix rich, fudgy brownies with peppermint’s refreshing taste. This creates a delightful peppermint dessert perfect for holidays. It’s not just tasty but also looks great, making it perfect for sharing at festive gatherings.
The mix of chocolate(s) and mint makes these brownies a holiday hit. The layers of dark and white chocolate and peppermint bark add a perfect flavor balance. Making these brownies is quick, making them great for parties or family events.
These brownies take about 10 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook. Each serving has about 256 calories, adding a sweet touch to your holiday meals. Serve them warm or cooled, topped with crushed candy canes for a festive look.
Try these peppermint bark brownies to make your holiday gatherings even more special. This delightful peppermint dessert is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why Peppermint Bark is a Festive Favorite
Peppermint bark is a beloved festive dessert. It mixes the deep taste of chocolate with the coolness of mint. This treat not only excites the taste buds but also brings back warm holiday memories.
The bright look of peppermint bark, with its holiday colors and textures, makes it a hit at gatherings.
The Allure of Merging Chocolate and Mint
The mix of chocolate and peppermint offers a special taste experience during the holidays. Peppermint bark, with its creamy white and dark chocolate layers, and crushed peppermint candies, captures the spirit of winter. The mix of flavors makes it a favorite dessert.
Popular Occasions for Peppermint Bark Desserts
Peppermint bark is enjoyed at important holiday times. It’s perfect for Christmas, winter parties, and New Year’s celebrations. It’s great as a topping for other desserts or as a standalone treat, adding to festive meals.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Peppermint Bark Brownies
To make tasty peppermint bark brownies, you need the right ingredients. They give the brownies a rich, fudgy texture and a great flavor. These brownies are easy to make and are perfect for the holiday season. They are both decadent and refreshing, making them a hit with everyone.
Essential Baking Components
The base of any brownie recipe starts with key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
These ingredients make a fudgy base. They add a delightful texture and taste that goes well with peppermint bark.
Optional Add-Ins for a Flavor Boost
For a special touch, add these optional ingredients:
- 1 cup of white chocolate chips
- Crushed peppermint candies (about 12 round peppermints or 3-4 crushed candy canes)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil or shortening
These add-ins boost the flavor and add a festive touch. Using high-quality chocolate, like Ghirardelli, makes your brownies stand out at any holiday event.
Peppermint Bark Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making peppermint bark brownies is easy and fun. This recipe makes 12 pieces, perfect for holiday parties. It combines great textures and tastes.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Preparing these brownies takes about 55 minutes. You’ll spend 35-38 minutes baking and 1 hour chilling the bark. Get your tools and ingredients ready to make it easier.
Detailed Baking Process
Here’s how to make those tasty peppermint bark brownies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8″x8″ baking pan with parchment paper, securing it with metal binder clips or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cocoa powder, unsalted butter, chocolate, and kosher salt.
- Whisk in the sugar, followed by the eggs, until thoroughly combined.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and semi-sweet chocolate chips until just combined.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan using a rubber spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 24-28 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few wet crumbs.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the peppermint frosting using ½ cup unsalted butter and 2 cups powdered sugar, mixing for about 2 minutes on medium-high speed.
- Once the brownies have cooled, spread the peppermint frosting evenly on top.
- In a double boiler, melt together the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter for the bark topping, then pour it over the frosted brownies.
- Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to firm up.
- Once chilled, use a sharp knife to slice the brownies cleanly, wiping the knife between cuts to prevent sticking.
White Chocolate Top Layer
- Melt 1 cup white chocolate chips and 2 teaspoon coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl at half power in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Stir in between with a dry spoon until a smooth white chocolate sauce forms. This method is a lot easier than using a double-boiler. Just be sure not to get any water or liquid in the chocolate as you are melting the chocolate.
- Pour white chocolate over the fudgy brownies and smooth from the center. Sprinkle the melted chocolate on top of the brownies, then sprinkle on finely crushed peppermint to taste (up to you how much!).
- Place in the refrigerator 30-45 minutes to set the chocolate, but can be left overnight. Slice and enjoy!
Keep the brownies fresh in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to three months. This way, you’ll always have a festive treat ready!
Enjoy your peppermint bark brownies at holiday parties. You’ll impress everyone with this easy and delicious recipe!
Tips for Cooking Perfect Fudgy Brownies
To make fudgy brownies, you need to pay close attention to detail. This includes keeping things clean and measuring ingredients accurately. By following these tips, you can make your dessert truly special. Remember, small mistakes in measurement can change the texture of your brownies.
Measuring Ingredients Accurately
Getting the right amount of each ingredient is key. Too much or too little can make your brownies dry or too wet. Here are some tips for making fudgy brownies:
- Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when measuring flour and cocoa powder.
- When using cups, ensure ingredients are leveled off for exact quantities.
- For ingredients like sugar and butter, room temperature measurements are ideal to mix thoroughly.
Choosing the Right Baking Pan
The pan you choose can affect how evenly your brownies cook. Metal pans are best because they distribute heat well. Here are some tips for choosing the right pan:
- A 9×13 inch metal pan is often recommended for brownies, ensuring they bake evenly.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal, preserving the shape of the brownies.
- Be cautious with dark baking pans; they can cause the bottom to cook faster, so check doneness early.
By following these tips, you can make delicious, fudgy brownies. They’re sure to be a hit at any event. For more baking ideas, check out these tasty desserts.
Enhancing Your Peppermint Bark Brownies
To make your peppermint bark brownies even better, choose the right chocolate. Mixing bittersweet and dark chocolate adds a deep flavor that pairs well with peppermint. Try adding crushed peppermint candies or mini candy canes for extra texture and taste. Each topping adds a special touch to your treats.
Alternatives to Traditional Ingredients
Looking for healthy baking alternatives can make your holiday treats better for everyone. With a few smart substitutions, you can make delicious peppermint bark brownies. These can be vegan options for those who like plant-based foods.
Using Olive Oil instead of Butter
Olive oil is a great swap for butter in baking. It keeps the brownies moist and adds a deep flavor. This healthy fat makes the brownies better for you and tastes great.
Dairy-Free Options for the Holidays
Offering dairy-free peppermint bark brownies at festive gatherings is thoughtful. Using dairy-free chocolate and non-dairy milk makes them accessible to all. These changes keep the brownies tasty and fit for different diets.
With these swaps, you can have treats that are good for you and taste amazing. Whether you use olive oil or dairy-free ingredients, you’ll have a wonderful holiday treat.
Creative Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve made your Peppermint Bark Brownies, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Pairing them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is a great idea. The warm brownies and cold toppings make for a delightful treat, perfect for holiday parties.
Pairing with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
Adding ice cream or whipped cream to your brownies is a sweet treat. It also makes your dessert look fancy for the holidays. Try adding chocolate drizzle or peppermint sprinkles for extra flavor. This combo will wow your guests and make your dessert the star of the show.
Decorative Ideas for Holiday Gatherings
To make your brownie serving even more special, get creative with your presentation. Use a holiday platter and add decorations or sprinkles. You might also add miniature candy canes to each individual brownie square, either pressed into the top layer, or sticking up vertically. This idea makes a stunning presentation when arrange on a party platter!
