Candy Cane Brownie Recipe

You are going to love this Candy Cane Brownie Recipe! It’s moist, delicious, and perfect for holiday baking! These brownies are packed with a festive peppermint twist that will elevate your holiday treat game to the next level.

This easy-to-make recipe results in the most indulgent, fudgy brownies that are perfect for sharing at your next Christmas party or holiday gathering. The rich chocolate flavor is balanced beautifully with the refreshing taste of crushed candy canes, adding a delightful crunch and minty goodness to each bite. Better than any boxed brownie mix, these homemade brownies are just as simple to make and will definitely be the star of your holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re a fan of peppermint or just looking for a fun and festive way to spread holiday cheer, these Candy Cane Brownies are sure to impress. Plus, the vibrant red and white peppermint topping makes them a perfect treat for Christmas or any winter celebration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for the Holidays

These brownies capture the essence of the holiday season with a sweet combination of rich chocolate and festive peppermint. They make the perfect treat for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or just as a special holiday snack.

2. Easy to Make

Despite looking impressive, these brownies are incredibly easy to make! No fancy techniques or ingredients required—just mix, bake, and top with crushed candy canes.

3. Fudgy Texture

The brownies have a wonderfully dense and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, making them a perfect base for the peppermint topping.

4. Customizable Toppings

Feel free to customize the candy cane topping to your liking. Add more or less, or even drizzle some white chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch!

5. Better Than Boxed Brownies

With this homemade recipe, you get the rich flavor of real chocolate, paired with a smooth, velvety texture—something you just can’t get from a boxed mix.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes (for topping)

Variations

• Mint Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or white chocolate over the brownies before topping with candy canes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add Nuts: Add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Use mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an added burst of mint flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish (8×8 inches works best) with parchment paper or grease it with butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract until smooth. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir to combine.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (you want them fudgy, not fully dry).

Step 4: Cool and Top with Candy Canes

Allow the brownies to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and top with the crushed candy canes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

These brownies are best served after they have fully cooled. The candy canes will set on top of the brownies, giving them a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the fudgy chocolate base. Enjoy with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to ensure the brownies stay soft and fudgy.
• Let the Brownies Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool slightly before cutting them to ensure they set and hold their shape.
• Crush the Candy Canes: Make sure to crush the candy canes into small pieces. You can place them in a ziplock bag and gently crush with a rolling pin.

How to Serve

These Candy Cane Brownies are perfect on their own, but they’re also great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle with chocolate or serve with a hot cup of cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the brownies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer them chilled.

Freezing

These brownies freeze wonderfully! Simply wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer warm brownies, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate, but it will make the brownies a bit sweeter.

2. Can I add more candy canes?

Feel free to add more candy canes if you like a stronger peppermint flavor! You can also mix some into the batter for extra crunch.

3. Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes?

Peppermint extract can be added to the batter for an extra burst of mint flavor. However, crushed candy canes on top are essential for that festive, crunchy texture.

4. Can I make this recipe in a larger pan?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 inch pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

5. Can I substitute the eggs with something else?

You can use egg replacements like flax eggs or chia seeds, but the texture might differ slightly.

6. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

7. Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing to preserve their freshness.

8. What other toppings can I use instead of candy canes?

You can use crushed peppermint bark, crushed Oreos, or even sprinkle them with festive sprinkles for a fun twist.

9. Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?

While homemade is always best, you can use a boxed brownie mix and add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a quicker version of this treat.

10. How long do these brownies last?

These brownies will stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Conclusion

This Candy Cane Brownie Recipe is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your home. With its rich, fudgy texture and refreshing peppermint topping, these brownies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Easy to make, indulgent, and festive, they’re ideal for parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a little holiday magic. Enjoy these decadent brownies with loved ones and make this Christmas extra sweet!

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