Name: Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped; 1 cup salted butter, cubed; 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon table salt; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cup white chocolate chips; 2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening; ⅔ cup chopped candy cane pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 46 reviews

If you’re ready to dive into a truly festive and indulgent treat, you’ll love this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe. These brownies bring together the rich, fudgy delight of classic chocolate brownies topped with a luscious layer of creamy white chocolate and festive peppermint crunch. They are not only perfectly balanced in flavor and texture but also bring a joyful splash of holiday spirit to any gathering, making them a standout Christmas dessert or holiday potluck favorite. Get ready for a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Top-down view of baking ingredients laid out on a white marbled surface. Centered near the top is a clear glass bowl filled with light beige flour with a powdery texture. To its right is a small white bowl containing a dark amber liquid, smooth in texture. Below this bowl is a small tan bowl holding a small pile of white granular salt. Near the bottom center is a clear glass bowl filled with uneven dark brown chocolate chunks, rough and solid. To the left of the chocolate is a white ceramic egg holder holding six white eggs with smooth shells. Partly visible at the bottom right is a clear bowl filled with fine white sugar. The top corners show parts of a butter stick and a small white bowl with white powder, both slightly out of frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe lies in simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, whether it’s giving rich chocolate depth, creating a perfectly fudgy bite, or adding that peppermint sparkle on top.

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate: Provides the deep, intense chocolate flavor essential for fudgy brownies.
1 cup salted butter, cubed: Adds richness and moisture while the salt enhances the chocolate notes.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly, balancing the intense chocolate and peppermint flavors.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a subtle lift to keep the brownies from being too dense.
¼ teaspoon table salt: Elevates the overall taste by balancing sweetness and intensifying chocolate.
4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients while contributing tenderness and richness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to every bite.
1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips: Creates the creamy, sweet topping that perfectly contrasts the dark chocolate base.
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening: Ensures the white chocolate topping melts smoothly and sets with a shiny finish.
⅔ cup chopped candy cane pieces: Adds festive color and a refreshing peppermint crunch on top.

How to Make Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter gently in the microwave at half power, stirring in between until smooth and combined. Let it cool slightly while you whisk together the sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until fully blended. Then fold in the flour until no streaks remain before stirring in the chocolate mixture for a perfectly fudgy batter.

Step 2: Bake the Brownies

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, using a rubber scraper to smooth the surface. Bake in the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for that ideal fudgy texture. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool on a wire rack before moving on to the joyful next step—topping!

Step 3: Create the Peppermint Bark Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Heat on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, being very careful to avoid overheating or burning the delicate white chocolate. Once completely smooth, pour this creamy layer over the cooled brownies and spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 4: Add the Candy Cane Crunch

Immediately sprinkle the chopped candy cane pieces all over the white chocolate topping. The peppermint pieces contrast beautifully with the creamy white chocolate and decadent brownie base. Let the entire pan cool on a wire rack until the topping is firm and set—about 2 to 3 hours—before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

The image shows a clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with twelve square pieces of a layered dessert. The bottom layer is dark brown and looks like a cake or brownie. The top layer is thick and creamy white, covered evenly with crushed red and white peppermint pieces. One square piece is missing from near the center, revealing the dark brown bottom layer clearly. Around the dish on the white marbled background are small pieces of peppermint candy, a few small Santa-shaped chocolates, and some red and white striped candy canes. A woman's hand is reaching from the bottom left corner holding a glass of milk next to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, consider dusting the brownies lightly with powdered sugar or adding a few whole candy canes nearby. A sprig of fresh mint can also enhance the peppermint aroma, creating a visually stunning plate that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

These Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee, peppermint tea, or even a glass of creamy eggnog rounds out the experience perfectly for any holiday occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cut the brownies into festive shapes using cookie cutters or layer them in a trifle bowl with chocolate mousse and crushed candy canes for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece. Wrapping individual brownies in cellophane with a colorful ribbon also makes a delightful homemade gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and fudgy for up to 4 days, making them perfect to prepare ahead of parties or for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe later, freeze whole brownies or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, gently microwave brownies for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat slices in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. This will revive that freshly baked taste and soften the white chocolate topping without melting the peppermint crunch.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?

While you can substitute milk chocolate, it will change the flavor and sweetness of the brownies. Unsweetened chocolate gives the brownies a rich, intense base that balances the sweet topping perfectly.

What if I don’t have candy canes? Can I use other peppermint candies?

Absolutely! You can use peppermint sticks or crushed peppermint hard candies. Just be mindful of the size and texture for best results—smaller pieces blend better on the topping.

Can I make the brownies gluten-free?

Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup usually works well. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for texture.

How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning?

Heat the white chocolate and shortening at short intervals while stirring frequently. White chocolate melts easily and can burn quickly, so patience and careful monitoring are key here.

Can I double this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe?

You can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan or two pans. Just keep an eye on baking times, as they may vary depending on the pan size and oven performance.

Final Thoughts

Making this Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy holiday hug. It’s rich, festive, and surprisingly simple—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. I can’t wait for you to bake, share, and savor every bite of this fantastic treat!

Peppermint Bark Brownies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need