Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies
Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies layered with peppermint bark pieces for a festive, minty crunch. This desserts ready in about 43 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, (175g) semisweet chocolate chips, (200g) granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup, chopped peppermint bark pieces
- 1/2 cup (90g) white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt, then fold into the wet ingredients gently until just combined.
- Step 4: Fold in 1 cup chopped peppermint bark pieces and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips evenly through the batter.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-28 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Step 6: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 squares to serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies take to make?
Total time is about 43 minutes (15 min prep + 28 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownies?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
