Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars

There’s something magical about the holidays, and for me, it all comes down to the joy of baking. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up is Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars. As the chill of winter sets in, the aroma of chocolate and peppermint fills the kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. These bars are not just a recipe; they hold memories of gathering with family, sharing laughs, and savoring every delicious bite. Imagine cutting into a warm, fudgy bar, and discovering the sweet crunch of crushed candy canes on top. It’s a festive treat that brings smiles and warmth to any gathering.

Ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars

The ingredients for Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing this dessert to life, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The star of the show, the chocolate cake mix, provides a rich foundation, while the butter and sweetened condensed milk contribute to a gooey, fudgy filling. And let’s not forget the peppermint candy canes, which add a festive crunch and a burst of flavor!

• 1 box chocolate cake mix – This is the base of our bars, providing a rich chocolate flavor.
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil – Helps keep the bars moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together, adding richness.
• 2 cups chocolate chips – Adds gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the bars.
• ¼ cup butter – Essential for that fudgy texture and deep flavor.
• 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk – Creates a smooth and creamy fudge layer.
• 4 candy canes, crushed – Provides delightful crunch and festive flair.

Step by Step Guide for Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars

Baking Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars is not just about following steps; it’s about enjoying the process and the delicious results! Let’s walk through it together.

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This step is essential for ensuring your bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, it gives you time to gather and prepare your ingredients.

2. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the bars once they’re baked.

3. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.

4. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a nice base. You want it to be even and cover the entire bottom.

5. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted, creating a rich fudge layer.

6. Pour the fudge mixture over the base layer of cake mix dough. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite has that rich chocolate flavor.

7. Now, drop the remaining one-third of the cake mix dough over the fudge layer. You can use your hands to flatten bits of the dough before placing them down, creating a rustic look.

8. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set and slightly puffed up. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

9. Once done, remove the bars from the oven and sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top while they’re still warm. This gives a delightful crunch and festive look.

10. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial, as it allows the fudge layer to set properly.

Making Adjustments

When it comes to making adjustments to your Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars, there’s plenty of room for creativity! Here are some tips to consider:

• Storage: Keep your bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can last up to a week at room temperature.
• Freezing: If you want to save some for later, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer. They can last up to three months!
• Pairing: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Flavor Variations: Switch out the chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
• Melted Chocolate Drizzle: For an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before adding the crushed candy canes.

Serving This Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars

When it comes to serving Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars, the options are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Holiday Gatherings: These bars are perfect for holiday parties, providing a festive touch to your dessert table.
• Gift for Neighbors: Package them in a cute box or tin to share with neighbors or friends as a thoughtful gift.
• Enjoy with Coffee: Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy treat.
• Post-Dinner Delight: They can be a quick dessert option for family dinners—everyone loves a sweet ending!
• Seasonal Treat: Their minty freshness makes them perfect for winter celebrations, but they can be enjoyed any time of year!

FAQ

Conclusion

Ultimately, Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars are a delightful blend of flavors that bring joy to any gathering. Their rich, fudgy texture combined with the refreshing crunch of peppermint makes them a holiday favorite. I encourage you to try making these bars for your next festive occasion—your family and friends will be sure to love them!

Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars

The ultimate comfort food for the festive season, these Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars are rich, fudgy, and topped with a delightful crunch of candy canes. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights in, they're sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 36 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups chocolate chips
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 candy canes crushed

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Cake Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This step is essential for ensuring your bars bake evenly. While the oven heats up, it gives you time to gather and prepare your ingredients.
2. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make it easy to remove the bars once they’re baked.
3. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
4. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a nice base. You want it to be even and cover the entire bottom.
5. In a microwave-safe dish, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted, creating a rich fudge layer.
6. Pour the fudge mixture over the base layer of cake mix dough. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite has that rich chocolate flavor.
7. Now, drop the remaining one-third of the cake mix dough over the fudge layer. You can use your hands to flatten bits of the dough before placing them down, creating a rustic look.
8. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set and slightly puffed up. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Once done, remove the bars from the oven and sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top while they’re still warm. This gives a delightful crunch and festive look.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This step is crucial, as it allows the fudge layer to set properly.

Notes

• Tip 1: You are going to only use the dry cake mix. DO NOT make the cake!
• Tip 2: I like to flatten the dough before dropping it on top of the fudge layer. This isn’t necessary, but I like the way it looks.
• Tip 3: Line the baking dish with non-stick aluminum foil to easily remove the baked bars.
• Tip 4: The bars are better if you refrigerate them for several hours before cutting. This allows the fudge layer to set.
• Tip 5: Can use any flavor of chocolate chips- semi-sweet, bitter-sweet, milk chocolate. I used Baileys Irish Cream chips. Andes mint chocolate chips would also be good.
• Tip 6: Cut the bars are large or as small as you prefer.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!