Description
These festive Candy Cane Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy peppermint frosting and a crunchy candy cane topping, perfect for holiday celebrations. The brownies are moist and chocolatey, topped with a vibrant peppermint buttercream that’s both colorful and flavorful, creating a delightful seasonal treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup (or honey)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Peppermint Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 2.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1-2 tablespoons whipping cream
- Red food coloring (a few drops)
- 2-3 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Make the Brownies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it to ensure easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, vegetable oil, corn syrup (or honey), granulated sugar, and sifted cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Peppermint Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating on medium speed until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Flavor and Color the Frosting: Beat in the peppermint extract and add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a festive pink hue, mixing until evenly colored.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add whipping cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly over the completely cooled brownies using a spatula or knife.
- Add Candy Cane Topping: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes generously over the frosted brownies to add a festive crunch and minty flavor.
- Serve: Slice the brownies into 16 equal squares and serve as a perfect holiday dessert or sweet treat.
Notes
- Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, adjust peppermint extract to taste.
- The frosting color can be customized or omitted if preferred.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Use parchment paper lining to easily lift the brownies out for uniform slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
