Quick Peppermint Bark Brownies with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a smooth dark chocolate ganache and crushed peppermint candy for a festive treat. This desserts ready in about 37 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, 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 210 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
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Step 5: While brownies bake, heat 1/3 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour over 4 oz dark chocolate chips in a bowl; let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth for ganache.
- Step 6: When brownies are out of the oven, immediately spread the ganache evenly over the top. Sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies while the ganache is still warm.
- Step 7: Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Peppermint Bark Brownies with Dark Chocolate Ganache take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 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 Quick Peppermint Bark Brownies with Dark Chocolate Ganache?
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 Quick Peppermint Bark Brownies with Dark Chocolate Ganache?
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 Quick Peppermint Bark Brownies with Dark Chocolate Ganache 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 Quick Peppermint Bark Brownies with Dark Chocolate Ganache?
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.
