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Easy peppermint dessert with ganache-topped brownies and crushed candy canes

Easy Peppermint Dessert: Chocolate Brownies

Cocoa brownies with chocolate ganache and crushed candy canes. Allow full cooling before topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling and setting 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brownies
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 113 g, melted and cooled until warm
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract baking extract, not essential oil
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder 28 g
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour 60 g
  • ¼ teaspoon fine salt
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 85 g
Topping
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate 113 g, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup heavy cream 60 ml
  • 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes add close to serving time

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease exposed corners.
  2. Whisk warm melted butter with sugar. Whisk in eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Stir in cocoa and salt. Fold in flour just until combined, then chocolate chips.
  3. Spread batter in pan. Bake 25–30 minutes, checking at 25 minutes. Edges should be set and a toothpick in the center should show moist crumbs without liquid batter.
  4. Cool completely in the pan on a rack, about 90 minutes or longer as needed.
  5. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat cream until steaming and pour over chocolate. Let stand 3 minutes, then stir smooth. Spread over fully cooled brownies.
  6. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, until topping holds its shape. Add crushed candy canes near serving time. Lift out and cut into 16 squares.

Notes

Original recipe draft, not kitchen-tested. Timing is approximate; allow longer if the base remains warm. Refrigerate covered and plan to use within 3 days. Add candy near serving time to preserve crunch. Nutrition has not been calculated.