Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a festive treat that will make your taste buds dance, then you’ve got to try my candy cane brownies recipe! These deliciously fudgy brownies are swirled with crushed candy canes, bringing a delightful crunch and minty flavor that’s simply irresistible. I whip these up every holiday season, and the smell of chocolate combined with peppermint fills my kitchen with such warmth and cheer. They’re perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or just to brighten up your day. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on this festive twist!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful candy cane brownies, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted to keep your brownies rich and fudgy
- 2 cups granulated sugar for that perfect sweetness
- 4 large eggs, which add moisture and bind everything together
- 1 cup all-purpose flour to give structure
- 1 cup cocoa powder for that deep, chocolatey flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance all the sweet notes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
- 1 cup crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and minty kick
Make sure to have everything measured out before you start; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious candy cane brownies! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your brownies to bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey.
While your oven is heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use butter or cooking spray—just make sure those edges are covered so nothing sticks!
Next, melt your butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat and stir in the sugar until it’s well combined. Now, here’s where the magic begins: add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create that rich, fudgy texture we all crave!
Then, mix in the vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Don’t rush this part—fold until everything is just combined. Now, fold in half of your crushed candy canes; this is what gives your brownies that festive flair!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan, then sprinkle the remaining candy canes on top before slicing into squares. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your friends and family flocking to the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for each scrumptious brownie from my candy cane brownies recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
These brownies are definitely a treat, so enjoy them in moderation, especially during the festive season when they’re just too hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Absolutely festive—these candy cane brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in!
- Super easy to make, even for beginner bakers; just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, with a delightful crunch from the candy canes.
- Customizable! Add more candy canes or even some chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- They look gorgeous on a dessert table, making you the star of any holiday party.
Tips for Success
To ensure your candy cane brownies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour, cocoa, and salt—this helps keep your brownies nice and fudgy! Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before popping the brownies in; a hot oven is key to that gooey center. If you like a more intense mint flavor, feel free to add a drop of peppermint extract along with the vanilla. And remember, let those brownies cool completely before cutting to avoid a messy situation. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Serving Suggestions
These candy cane brownies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a few delightful accompaniments can take your dessert experience to the next level! I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top; the creaminess perfectly balances the rich chocolate and mint flavors. For a little extra flair, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the brownies before serving. You could also offer a side of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy touch. Trust me, these pairings will make your holiday gatherings even more special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover candy cane brownies is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 5 days—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that just-baked taste. Yum!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my candy cane brownies recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries:
Can I use different types of candy instead of candy canes? Absolutely! You can swap in crushed peppermint candies or even chocolate mint candies for a fun twist.
What should I do if my brownies are too gooey? If they’re too gooey in the center, try baking them a bit longer—check for those moist crumbs!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes, they’re perfect for making in advance! Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to cut brownies? For neat cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This helps keep those edges crisp!
Can I add nuts to the recipe? Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch to your brownies.
Print
Candy Cane Brownies Recipe: 5 Irresistible Festive Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive treat combining brownies and candy canes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool and sprinkle remaining candy canes on top.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- For a mintier flavor, add peppermint extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: candy cane brownies recipe
