Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe: Festive Chocolate-Mint Bars

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Peppermint Bark Brownies are a festive favorite—decadent, fudgy chocolate brownies finished with a creamy peppermint white chocolate ganache and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes. Each square captures the classic peppermint bark flavor: deep dark chocolate, sweet white chocolate, and a bright peppermint note. These brownies are rich but balanced, simple to make, and perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or serving at seasonal gatherings.

This recipe builds on a classic Peppermint Bark concept and turns it into an even more indulgent treat. While simple bark is wonderful, combining that peppermint-white-chocolate topping with a dense, bittersweet brownie base creates something truly special.

Over years of testing, the brownie base here has been refined to deliver an intensely chocolatey, fudgy interior with a tight, tender crumb. Using high-quality bittersweet chocolate is key for depth of flavor and a satisfyingly rich texture. These brownies tend to be the first thing to disappear at holiday parties for a reason.

All The Flavor Details

These brownies stay gooey and fudgy inside while the white chocolate peppermint ganache provides a smooth, creamy contrast. Crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and a bright peppermint note in every bite.

Why Make These Brownies This Holiday Season?

• The base uses bittersweet chocolate for a truly chocolate-forward, fudgy brownie.
• The method is straightforward—only a few bowls and a whisk are required; no electric mixer necessary.
• They bake up soft and rich with a tender, chewy texture.
• The topping is a simple three-ingredient white chocolate peppermint ganache that’s easy to prepare.
• They deliver the flavor of peppermint bark in classic brownie form—perfect for gifting or holiday dessert tables.

Ingredients To Make The Best Peppermint Bark Brownies

Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.

For The Brownies:

• Bittersweet Chocolate – Provides rich, concentrated chocolate flavor without excessive sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; unsalted allows you to control the salt level.
• Large Eggs – Bind the batter and contribute to structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens while helping create a soft, slightly chewy bite.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances and rounds the chocolate flavor.
• Salt – A small amount brightens the overall taste.
• All Purpose Flour – Gives the brownies the right structure while keeping them tender.

For The Topping:

• White Chocolate – Smooth, creamy, and sweet; the perfect contrast to the dark brownie base.
• Heavy Cream – Keeps the ganache silky and spreadable as it cools.
• Peppermint Extract – Use extract (not oil) for a clean peppermint flavor.
• Crushed Candy Canes – For the classic peppermint bark crunch and festive look.

What’s The Best Chocolate To Use?

Choose a good-quality bittersweet or dark chocolate in the 60–70% cacao range for the brownie base. The higher cocoa content gives the brownies depth, balance, and that classic fudgy intensity.

Let’s Bake Some Brownies!

Step 1: Prepare batter

Combine the bittersweet chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt, then whisk this into the melted chocolate until combined. Fold in the flour gently until just incorporated.

Step 2: Bake

Pour the batter into a prepared 8×12-inch pan and bake until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. This usually yields a fudgy, not overbaked texture. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before adding the topping.

Step 3: Make ganache

Warm the white chocolate, heavy cream, and peppermint extract together in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is fully melted and glossy. This makes a smooth peppermint white chocolate ganache.

Step 4: Top brownies

Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies, then immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let the ganache set, then slice into squares for serving.

Once set, cut into squares and enjoy.

How To Tell When Brownies Are Perfectly Baked

Check doneness with a cake tester or toothpick: it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. That indicates a fudgy, moist center and that the brownies are just done.

Looking for more Christmas recipes? Here are a few you may like:

When you make these Peppermint Bark Brownies, please leave a comment—we love hearing from readers and answering questions. If you share photos on social media, tag us and use #BakersTable.

– Still Hungry? –

Here are a few recipes you may also enjoy!

• Valentine’s Day Peanut Butter Heart Cookies

• Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

• BOO! Brownies

Did you try this recipe?

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