Candy Cane Brownies
Every time the winter holidays roll around, I find myself craving something sweet that captures the festive spirit. That’s where my love for Candy Cane Brownies comes into play. These delightful treats bring together the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with a refreshing twist of crushed candy canes. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie, only to be greeted by a burst of minty flavor that instantly transports you to a cozy holiday gathering. It’s a blend of nostalgia and indulgence that warms my heart.
As the scent of these brownies fills my kitchen, I can almost hear the laughter of family and friends sharing stories over steaming mugs of cocoa. It’s during this time of year that I love to get creative in the kitchen. Each bite of these Candy Cane Brownies reminds me of the sweet moments shared around the holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to spread joy and delight.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Medium
200 kcal
2 g
Low FODMAP
10 g
Blender, Food Processor, Frying Pan, Oven, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
Why You Need This Candy Cane Brownies
1. Festive Flavor Fusion
The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic holiday pairing. When you bite into a Candy Cane Brownies, the rich cocoa flavor mingles perfectly with the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes. It’s like a festive explosion of flavor in every bite, perfect for celebrating the season.
2. Simple and Fun to Make
One of the things I love most about these brownies is how easy they are to whip up. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can create this sweet treat with minimal fuss. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into a pan, and you’re on your way to brownie bliss!
3. Perfect for Sharing
These brownies are great for gatherings, from holiday parties to cozy get-togethers. You can easily cut them into small squares, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Everyone will appreciate the festive touch that the candy canes add, making them a hit among both kids and adults.
4. Versatile Treat
You can get creative with the toppings, too! While I love using crushed candy canes, feel free to sprinkle on some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture. You can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the possibilities are endless!
5. A Holiday Tradition
Making Candy Cane Brownies has become a cherished tradition in my home. It’s a way to bond with family as we bake together, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a piece of our holiday celebrations.
What to Buy for Candy Cane Brownies
The ingredients for Candy Cane Brownies work beautifully together to create a rich and festive dessert. Each element plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture, ensuring a delicious treat every time. From the sweet crunch of the candy canes to the fudgy base, they come together in perfect harmony.
- Candy Cane Dust: ½ cup, made from crushed candy canes, adds a refreshing mint flavor and a festive crunch.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: ½ cup, melted and cooled, provides moisture and richness to the brownies.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed, brings sweetness and helps create a chewy texture.
- Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature, bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Light Spelt Flour: 1 cup, or all-purpose flour, forms the structure of the brownies.
- Cocoa Powder: ¾ cup, unsweetened, gives the brownies their rich chocolate flavor.
Instructions for Candy Cane Brownies
Let’s dive into making these delicious Candy Cane Brownies. The steps are straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch ready to enjoy. Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a delightful dessert that fills your home with the scent of the season.
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and prepare an 8-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
Next, take your candy canes and place them in a bullet blender or food processor. Pulse them a few times until they’re finely crushed, creating a mix of powder and small pieces. Set this aside for later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter or coconut oil with the brown sugar. Use a whisk to mix them until they’re well combined and smooth, giving you a rich base.
Add the room temperature eggs to your mixture, whisking vigorously until everything is fully integrated. This will help give your brownies that delightful chewy texture.
Now, sift in the light spelt flour and cocoa powder. Gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Finally, fold in the crushed candy canes. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful visual of minty red and white specks throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for slightly firm edges and a soft middle; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. You can sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top if desired!
Finally, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Brownies with family and friends, and share the joy of the season!
Things Worth Knowing
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour and cocoa powder, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different; start checking around 15 minutes.
- Use Quality Cocoa: For the best flavor, choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. It makes a difference!
- Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts.
Ways to Customize
If you’re looking to put your own spin on these Candy Cane Brownies, you’re in luck! There are countless ways to personalize this recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey flavor.
- Frosting: Top the cooled brownies with a simple cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache for a rich finish.
- Minty Flavor: If you want an extra boost of mint, consider adding a few drops of peppermint oil to the batter (just a few drops for balance).
- Different Candy: Experiment with crushed peppermint bark or even toffee bits for an alternative texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings for Candy Cane Brownies
If you’re wondering how to serve Candy Cane Brownies, I’ve got you covered! These brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing quite like a warm brownie paired with a cold glass of milk. It’s a classic that never fails to satisfy!
- Hot Cocoa: Serve these brownies alongside steaming mugs of hot chocolate for a sweet treat that complements the cozy winter vibes.
- Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, top your brownie squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Holiday Platters: These brownies make a beautiful addition to any dessert platter, especially during holiday gatherings.
- Gift Giving: Packaged nicely, Candy Cane Brownies make for wonderful homemade gifts during the holiday season!
FAQ
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit. Their delicious blend of chocolate and peppermint makes them a favorite in my home, and I encourage you to give them a try. Whip up a batch and share them with family and friends, or enjoy them as a special treat for yourself. Whatever you choose, these brownies are sure to add joy and sweetness to your festive season!
Candy Cane Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃) and prepare an 8-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Next, take your candy canes and place them in a bullet blender or food processor. Pulse them a few times until they’re finely crushed, creating a mix of powder and small pieces. Set this aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter or coconut oil with the brown sugar. Use a whisk to mix them until they’re well combined and smooth, giving you a rich base.
- Add the room temperature eggs to your mixture, whisking vigorously until everything is fully integrated. This will help give your brownies that delightful chewy texture.
- Now, sift in the light spelt flour and cocoa powder. Gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the dry ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- Finally, fold in the crushed candy canes. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful visual of minty red and white specks throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for slightly firm edges and a soft middle; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes. You can sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top if desired!
- Finally, carefully lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Brownies with family and friends, and share the joy of the season!
Notes
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
