top of page

Irresistible Peppermint Bark Brownies



Equipment

  • 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) pan

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)

  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (170 grams), 50-70%, or semi-sweet works too

  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (83 grams)

  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (17 grams)

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

White Chocolate Peppermint Frosting

  • 3 ounces white chocolate (85 grams)

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams)

  • 1-2 cups powdered sugar (110-220 grams)

  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, NOT peppermint essence

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (15 ml), or milk, if needed

  • 2 candy canes, crushed


Instructions 

Brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 350F degrees (180C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper so that there's an overhang around the edges. Alternatively, lightly grease the pan.

  • Chop the butter into about 8 pieces and place in a large heatproof bowl. Finely chop the chocolate and place in the same heatproof bowl.

  • Melt together the butter and chocolate in the microwave using 45-second intervals on medium power (do not use high power, which is often the default). Stir in between each interval. Repeat the process until smooth. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler.

  • Let the mixture sit for a few minutes so that it isn't hot to the touch (warm is fine).

  • Whisk in the sugar, eggs and vanilla extract until combined.

  • Gently stir in the flour, cocoa and salt until you no longer see clumps of the dry ingredients. Note - if your cocoa is very lumpy, you may need to sift it first.

  • Spoon/pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the middle of the preheated oven for 26-32 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out with a few damp crumbs. Bake times will vary depending on your oven and how gooey you like your brownies.

  • Cool the brownies completely before frosting. This will take a few hours. Keep the brownies in the pan as they cool.

Frosting

  • Chop the white chocolate into very fine pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.

  • Microwave on medium power (NOT high power, which is often the default) for 45 seconds at a time, and stir between each interval until smooth. You can also melt the chocolate over a double boiler of gently simmering water. Set aside to cool

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.

  • Turn off the mixer and add in 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and salt. Start with the mixer on a low speed and gradually increase to a medium speed until everything is incorporated.

  • Ensure that the white chocolate is no longer hot. Then mix the melted white chocolate into the butter mixture.

  • Beat in the rest of the powdered sugar about 1/3 cup at a time, alternating with 1 tablespoon of cream/milk until the desired sweetness is reached. Optionally, beat in a little extra peppermint extract for a stronger peppermint flavor.

Decorating

  • Ensure the brownies are completely cooled (the pan should not feel warm to the touch on the bottom).

  • If you lined the pan with parchment, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board.

  • Frost the cooled brownies using a flat knife, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes. To crush the candy canes, I place them on a cutting board and lightly bash with a rolling pin.

  • Slice brownies using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe off the knife after each slice.



Enjoy!

תגובות


bottom of page