Can I just start by saying that these peppermint bark brownies are absolutely amazing?! These brownies are soft and chewy in every bite with the most flavorful peppermint taste. You can compare these delicious morsels to the Ghirardelli peppermint bark you can purchase. These are simple to make and are gone within minutes of serving! There is something about the combination of chocolate and peppermint this time of year. It just tastes like Christmas. Using a high-quality chocolate will create an amazing white chocolate ganache that is topped with candy cane pieces. This is the perfect holiday treat to share at your next party!
Ingredients for Peppermint Bark
Make this peppermint bark as easy as you would like! Each ingredient is layered on top of each other creating a refreshing and chocolatey treat. Bake the brownie mix in the oven, make the white chocolate mixture, then top with crushed candy canes. Simple to make in three easy steps!
Brownie mixes – Make your brownie mix from scratch or use a quick and easy box mix. Either way will give you the same great results! Cream cheese – Soften your cream cheese to room temperature before creaming it together. This will help eliminate any lumps in the cream mixture when blending it together in a large bowl. Butter – Unsalted butter works great! This will hold the shape of the frosting. Make sure not to melt butter in the microwave, this will make the frosting runny. Almond and vanilla extract – Mix together with the cream mixture for added flavor. This combination is a sweet and savory flavoring. White chocolate chips or bark – Melted white chocolate can be prepared in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stove top. Powdered sugar – This helps with thickness and holds the shape of the frosting. Candy canes – Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies work great for a crunchy topping.
Tips for making Homemade Peppermint Brownies
These peppermint brownies can be the best of the best with just a few extra tips! Get out your Christmas decorations and start making these brownies. So simple to make and ready for your next holiday party!
Peppermint flavoring. For an extra added amount of peppermint flavor, add in a teaspoon peppermint extract to the brownie mix. Stir together. Using a rubber spatula when mixing together the white chocolate filling will help from sticking, rather than a wooden spoon.Prepared pan. This brownie mix will make a full sized sheet cake pan. Use a 11×17 inch sized prepared baking dish. Cutting the brownies: Use a sharp knife when cutting the brownie bark apart. After each cut, clean the knife with a paper towel to keep crisp lines and smooth cuts. Crush peppermint. Speed up the process of crushing peppermint candies by placing the unwrapped pieces in a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times until they are in smaller pieces. Party time. Serve these cut up brownie bites on squared parchment paper at your next holiday party. They are bite-sized and easy to walk around with while enjoying and mingling. Chocolate. If possible, purchase a high quality chocolate for the best flavor!
Peppermint Bark vs. Peppermint Bark Brownies
Peppermint bark on its own is one of my favorite holiday treats. Pair it with gooey, fudgy brownies, and you have the best of both worlds, crunchy peppermint layered on top of rich chocolate. Yum! I have had brownies that are similar to these peppermint bark ones that have a layer of actual hard white chocolate. These brownies are bit different, the “bark” is a soft white chocolate frosting sprinkled with crunchy peppermint pieces.
How to Make These Easy Brownies with a Box
The best part about these brownies is that they are super easy to make. Want to know a secret? You actually use a brownie mix to make these, but I have another secret to share with you that makes them taste like they are from scratch. No one will ever be able to tell that you took short cuts, and that’s fine! We’ll keep it our little secret. Ready to hear it? Purchase your favorite brownie batter mix. Make it as directed on the box when it comes to large eggs and oil. Instead of water, however, use a combination of half water and half sour cream. I know it sounds odd, but I promise, it makes all the difference! Need an example? If you need ½ cup water for the brownie mix, use ¼ cup water and ¼ cup sour cream. Whatever amount of water the brownie box calls for, use half that amount and then add the sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store Peppermint Bark Brownies
These peppermint bark brownies are perfect for making ahead and storing in an airtight container for four to five days long. It is best if you do not layer them if they are frosted and have the candy cane sprinkled on top. They will stick together even when using parchment paper in-between layers.
More of Our Favorite Christmas Treats
Since it’s likely that you’ll be making these peppermint bark brownies around the holiday season, I thought you might like some ideas for other sweet treats that are perfect for Christmas!
Mom’s Homemade Caramels
Andes Mint Cookies
Dipped Caramel Pretzel Bites
Christmas Crunch
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