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Candy Cane Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies (about 2-inch squares) 1x

Description

Delight in these festive Candy Cane Brownies featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate base topped with a creamy peppermint filling and silky chocolate ganache, finished with a crunchy crushed candy cane topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a seasonal treat to celebrate the flavors of peppermint and chocolate combined in one irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownies

  • 1/2 cup butter (112 grams), melted
  • 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (10 ml)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder (50 grams), sifted
  • 1/2 cup flour (63 grams)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Peppermint Filling

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (75 grams), softened but not melted
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar (165 – 220 grams)
  • 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Red food coloring (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons whipping cream

Chocolate Ganache Topping

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (56 grams) or 50-70% dark chocolate, chopped finely
  • 6 tablespoons whipping cream (90 ml)
  • 2–3 candy canes, crushed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, extending it over the sides for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until combined. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until no visible egg pieces remain. Gently fold in the sifted cocoa powder, flour, and salt, mixing by hand to remove any lumps. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few damp crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
  2. Make the Peppermint Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until soft and creamy. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and optional red food coloring, mixing starting at low speed to combine. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until reaching desired sweetness and thickness. Beat in the whipping cream one tablespoon at a time, adjusting as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency. Once the brownies are fully cooled, spread the peppermint filling evenly over the top using a flat knife. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the ganache topping.
  3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Topping: Chop the chocolate into very fine pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat the whipping cream until just about boiling, either in 30-second intervals in the microwave or using a double boiler. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-4 minutes. Whisk the mixture until smooth; if any chocolate remains unmelted, gently reheat in short intervals, whisking between each until the ganache is fully smooth. Pour the ganache evenly over the peppermint filling and smooth out. Refrigerate again until the ganache has hardened.
  4. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the hard ganache. When ready to serve, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, place on a cutting board, peel back the lining, and slice into bars with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean after each cut for neat slices. Enjoy your festive Candy Cane Brownies!

Notes

  • Make sure the brownies are completely cooled before applying the peppermint filling to prevent melting.
  • Adjust peppermint extract amount in the filling according to how strong a minty flavor you prefer.
  • The red food coloring in the filling is optional and adds a festive touch but no flavor.
  • Use good quality chocolate with 50-70% cocoa content for the ganache for the best flavor and smooth texture.
  • Store the brownies in the refrigerator to keep the ganache firm and prevent the peppermint filling from softening.
  • Allow brownies to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Candy Cane Brownies, peppermint brownies, chocolate peppermint dessert, holiday brownies, festive brownies, peppermint ganache brownies

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/candy-cane-brownies-recipe/