Candy Cane Brownies
These rich, fudgy brownies are topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for the perfect Christmas dessert. A hit at cookie swaps, potlucks, and winter gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the brownies:
½ cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon corn syrup or honey
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder, sifted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup all-purpose flour
For the peppermint frosting:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 to 2½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1–2 tablespoons whipping cream
Red food coloring (optional)
For topping:
2–3 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil; lightly grease.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, vegetable oil, corn syrup (or honey), sugar, and sifted cocoa powder. Stir until smooth.
Whisk in eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
Fold in flour and salt just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan before frosting.
To make the frosting:
8. Beat softened butter until creamy.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
10. Add peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring.
11. Mix in whipping cream, 1 tbsp at a time, until frosting is fluffy.
12. Spread frosting over cooled brownies.
13. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
14. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
Ensure brownies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
For a festive look, swirl in red food coloring instead of blending fully.
Add candy canes just before serving for extra crunch.
Store at room temp (3 days) or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months; add candy cane topping after thawing.
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/candy-cane-brownies/
