If you’re hungry for fudgy brownies with peppermint magic layered on top, you NEED to know about these Peppermint Bark Brownies. Picture this: the very first time I tasted this peppermint-chocolate combo, it was a total flavor bomb that shook up everything I thought about dessert. I was smack in the middle of a winter market, biting into a brownie that had this perfect balance of rich chocolate and cool peppermint bark topping. The crunch, the melt-in-your-mouth bite, that fresh peppermint kick—it was unforgettable.
This Peppermint Bark Brownies recipe lives and breathes the Cuba Queen philosophy of bold, unapologetic flavors hitting you hard and making every bite a wild celebration. At first, I thought, “How hard can adding peppermint to brownies be?” Turns out, dialing in the right peppermint bark topping made all the difference. After testing every combo from crushed candy canes to white chocolate peppermint swirls, the perfect fudgy brownies with peppermint were born. I’m pumped to share this knockout chocolate peppermint dessert that’s a must-have for any season but especially shines as a holiday peppermint bark favorite.
Every bite of these Peppermint Bark Brownies takes your tastebuds on a ride — rich fudgy brownie base meeting the sweet, refreshing holiday peppermint bark crunch on top. It’s like your classic chocolate treats just grew up and got a bold new personality. Trust me, once you try this chocolate peppermint dessert, it’s going to stake a permanent spot on your “go-to” list.
If you want the perfect blend of decadence with festive flair, dive in. For more handshake-worthy brownies, check out my Triple Chocolate Brownies, or get cozy with homemade brownies for a base that sings. And if peppermint rolls are your jam, you’ve got to see my Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls for another flavor explosion.
Ingredients You Need for This:

This Peppermint Bark Brownies ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s everything you need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (go for real butter, skip margarine; it’s the game-changer)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (don’t settle for imitation)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened and rich)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Peppermint Bark Topping:
- 8 oz white chocolate chips or wafers (splurge on high-quality chocolate here; you’ll taste the difference)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (mix for that perfect layered look)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (adds that authentic holiday peppermint bark vibe)
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (budget-friendly tip: pre-crushed peppermint candies at season’s peak work wonders and save you time)
Game-changing detail: Use fresh peppermint extract—not peppermint oil—to avoid overpowering bitter notes. And make sure your butter is room temp for a smooth brownie batter.
Pro power play: Keep your crushed peppermint candies in an airtight container for up to six months, so you’re ready to bust out Peppermint Bark Brownies anytime.
Want to source the best for this Peppermint Bark Brownies? Hit up specialty baking stores or high-end grocery aisles. If you’re looking for indulgent inspiration, this holiday peppermint bark combo resonates with major fans of Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls and Triple Chocolate Brownies alike—it’s all about layering bold flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Ready for your Peppermint Bark Brownies adventure? Don’t stress – your brownies are going to be incredible with these easy steps.
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for smooth removal.
- Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and 2 cups sugar until fluffy. Your batter will start looking like a dreamy fudge mix here.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 4 eggs one at a time, then stir in that pure vanilla extract. This step is critical – it gives your Peppermint Bark Brownies a rich, moist crumb.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold these into your wet mix. Your batter should be thick, glossy, and totally tempting.
- Bake That Fudge: Pour batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Pro tip for Peppermint Bark Brownies perfection: Do the toothpick test starting at 30 minutes – a few moist crumbs mean fudgy goodness is locked in.
- Cool Completely: Let your brownies cool fully in the pan. This cooling phase is where the magic happens. Hot brownies + chocolate peppermint dessert topping = a meltdown mess.
- Make the Peppermint Bark Topping: Melt white chocolate and semi-sweet chips in separate bowls or together for a marbled effect. Stir in peppermint extract to the white chocolate. Spread the white chocolate layer over the cooled brownies, then drizzle or layer with the semi-sweet chocolate.
- Add Peppermint Bark Topping: Immediately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. Press gently so the candies stick as the chocolate sets.
- Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to firm up your Peppermint Bark Brownies topping. This step guarantees a perfect crunch with every bite.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife, wipe between cuts, and get ready for the crowd to lose their minds.
Remember, this Peppermint Bark Brownies transformation is pure kitchen magic. While your brownies chill, snap a pic because this chocolate peppermint dessert is Instagram gold.
Presentation:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Peppermint Bark Brownies at holiday parties or cozy winter nights. The contrast of deep, fudgy brownie with the snowy peppermint bark topping pops off the plate—talk about visual and flavor fireworks.
Serve these brownies on a simple white platter to make the peppermint bark colors pop even more. Want an ultra-festive twist? Add a dusting of edible glitter or crushed candy cane bits around the edges for sparkle. Pair Peppermint Bark Brownies with a tall glass of cold milk or piping hot peppermint mocha for an epic flavor tag team.
For birthday bashes or office celebrations, cut brownies into bite-size squares, stick in a toothpick, and serve on a holiday-themed tray. Guests go wild when they realize they’re biting into a fudgy brownie with peppermint crunch—a chocolate peppermint dessert dream come true.
Leftover Peppermint Bark Brownies? No shame reheating a piece slightly in the microwave for a melty, warm peppermint bark topping experience. Or chop leftovers into chunks and fold into vanilla ice cream for a peppermint bark sundae twist.
This holiday peppermint bark favorite pairs beautifully with other festive desserts like Peppermint Bark Cinnamon Rolls or your classic brownie favorites like these homemade brownies.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I make this Peppermint Bark Brownies spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to your batter for a surprising kick that contrasts with the cool peppermint bark topping. I experimented with cinnamon once, and people went crazy over the new flavor combo.
Q2: What if I don’t have peppermint extract for my Peppermint Bark Brownies?
Swap with vanilla or almond extract for a different twist, but the hallmark peppermint flavor will miss out. Pro power tip: Peppermint extract locks in the Christmas-y freshness that makes these brownies stand out.
Q3: How do I know when my Peppermint Bark Brownies is perfectly done?
Use the toothpick method – test at 30 minutes. Look for moist crumbs, not a dry toothpick. Overbaked brownies lose that fudgy magic you crave.
Q4: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the peppermint bark topping?
Yes! Dark chocolate adds a bittersweet edge that balances the sweet peppermint. I’ve tried it, and the flavor profile is richer but no less festive.
Q5: How long do Peppermint Bark Brownies keep fresh?
Store airtight at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer keeps, freeze in slices wrapped tightly – thaw at room temp before serving.
Q6: Can I make Peppermint Bark Brownies gluten-free?
Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I tested with oat flour too, which added a slight chew and nutty flavor. Either one works great!
Q7: Any shortcuts for Peppermint Bark Brownies?
Use store-bought peppermint bark candy pieces for topping instead of melting white and semi-sweet chocolate. It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof.
Community around Peppermint Bark Brownies raves about these adaptations, and I’ve paired answers here with Peppermint Bark Brownies recipes from Love and Olive Oil and Wood & Spoon’s peppermint bark brownies for true flavor inspiration.
Bold reassurance: Every attempt gets better. Trust your taste buds—they never lie!
Conclusion:

This Peppermint Bark Brownies is everything Cuba Queen stands for—bold flavors, hands-down satisfaction, and a dessert turned into a celebration. It’s the perfect combo of fudgy brownies with peppermint crunch topping and a chocolate peppermint dessert that shines through all year long.
My Peppermint Bark Brownies Power Tips:
• Use room-temp butter and eggs for the confetti-like texture you want
• Spread your peppermint bark topping while brownies are fully cooled for that perfect snap
• Refrigerate long enough to lock in the topping crunch—don’t skip this!
Flavors galore: I’ve whipped versions dusted with crushed Andes mints, drizzled extra dark chocolate, and even swapped peppermint for spearmint for a fresh twist. But the classic Peppermint Bark Brownies with white and semi-sweet chocolate topping gets the biggest “WOW” every time.
I want you to make this Peppermint Bark Brownies your signature dessert and own that flavor adventure with pride. You’ll get nods, smiles, and serious “tell me your secret” moments. Ready to make magic? I’m confident you’ve got what it takes.
Drop your Peppermint Bark Brownies stories and pics below—let’s hype up your wins and bring more flavor boldness to every kitchen. Let’s make some unforgettable Peppermint Bark Brownies memories!
If you’re craving more brownie goodness, this triple chocolate brownies recipe will keep your flavor game strong. And don’t forget to peep how others are rocking their Peppermint Bark Brownies on Facebook Peppermint bark brownies have been one of my most requested ….
Now, go make some brownies that slay, bold flavor adventurer!
Peppermint Bark Brownies
Indulge in rich, fudgy brownies layered with festive peppermint bark for a perfect holiday treat that combines chocolate and refreshing mint.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, then stir in the sugar until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and spread evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Melt the white chocolate with peppermint extract and drizzle or spread over the semi-sweet chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the white chocolate layer and gently press them in.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the peppermint bark sets.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped nuts to the batter or substitute peppermint extract with a hint of almond extract for a different twist.

