Decadent brownies topped with creamy peppermint cheesecake layer, glossy chocolate ganache, and crushed candy pieces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars elevate classic chocolate brownies with a cool peppermint cheesecake layer and rich chocolate glaze. The combination of textures and festive flavours makes them an irresistible dessert, especially during the holiday season.
ingredients
brownie base (cocoa, flour, sugar, eggs, butter)
cream cheese
granulated sugar
peppermint extract
peppermint candies, crushed
chocolate ganache (chocolate and cream)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
directions
- Preheat oven and prepare a square baking pan.
- Prepare brownie batter and pour into the pan; bake until nearly set.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese with sugar and peppermint extract.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the warm brownie layer.
- Chill until firm.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the top and smooth.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and chill again until set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Servings and timing
Serves: 16 bars
Preparation: 25 minutes
Baking: 30 minutes
Chilling: 1–2 hours
Total: 2–3 hours
Variations
• Use white chocolate ganache for sweeter topping.
• Add a layer of caramel between brownie and cheesecake.
• Substitute mint chips for candy pieces.
storage/reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, boxed mix works well and simplifies preparation.
Why chill the bars?
Chilling helps layers set cleanly for neat slicing.
Are these bars gluten‑free?
Use gluten‑free flour or a gluten‑free brownie mix to adapt.
Can I freeze them?
Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator.
What peppermint candy should I use?
Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark work well.
Can I omit the ganache?
Yes, but the chocolate layer enhances richness.
Are these suitable for parties?
Yes, they are festive and easy to portion.
Do kids typically enjoy these?
Yes, the sweet chocolate and mint appeal to many.
How can I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate ganache or reduce sugar slightly in the cheesecake layer.
Can I add nuts?
Toasted nuts like almonds or pecans can be sprinkled on top.
Conclusion
Chocolate peppermint brownie bars are an indulgent, festive treat that blends rich chocolate with refreshing mint — perfect for holidays and special occasions.
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Bars are rich, fudgy brownies topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache and crushed candy canes — a festive treat perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- For the brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- For the peppermint frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- For the chocolate ganache:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Topping: 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Mix until light and fluffy. Spread over cooled brownies.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly, then spread over frosting.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
- Let each layer cool/set before adding the next to avoid melting or mixing.
- Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For extra mint flavor, add chopped peppermint bark to the brownie batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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