Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache

There’s something truly magical about combining classic chocolate brownie bites with the refreshing zing of peppermint bark and the silky richness of ganache. These Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache are the perfect festive treat to share with family and friends or to enjoy as a decadent personal indulgence. Imagine fudgy, moist brownie bites bursting with dark chocolate chips, topped with a luscious ganache, and finished with crunchy peppermint candies for that iconic holiday crunch. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or just craving a sweet little pick-me-up, this recipe has got you covered.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache are a delightful twist on traditional brownies that takes your dessert game to a whole new level. The brownies are incredibly rich and fudgy thanks to a generous amount of butter and cocoa powder, while the dark chocolate chips add melty pockets of chocolate throughout. The ganache topping is silky smooth and adds an extra layer of luxury, perfectly complementing the peppermint crunch on top. This recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, these bites are individually portioned, making them great for gifting or parties. They’re just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard.

What to Buy

• Unsalted butter – 1 cup (for rich, creamy brownies)
• Granulated sugar – 2 cups (for sweetness and structure)
• Large eggs – 4 (to bind and add moisture)
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (for depth of flavor)
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup (for structure)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – 1 cup (for intense chocolate flavor)
• Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (to balance sweetness)
• Dark chocolate chips – 1 cup (for melty chocolate goodness)
• Crushed peppermint candies – 1/2 cup (for festive crunch)
• Heavy cream – 1 cup (to make the ganache rich and smooth)
• Semi-sweet chocolate – 8 ounces, chopped (for the ganache)

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect size for brownie bites.
• Mixing bowls: One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
• Whisk and spatula: For mixing and folding ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To get your ingredient ratios perfect.
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler: To melt butter and chocolate.
• Knife or food processor: To chop semi-sweet chocolate and crush peppermint candies.
• Cooling rack: To cool brownies before adding ganache.

Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache, Made Easy

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the brownies don’t stick.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with 2 cups granulated sugar. Stir well until combined. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This ensures no lumps and an even distribution.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; just fold until everything is combined. Gently fold in 1 cup dark chocolate chips to add melty chocolate pockets throughout your brownies.

Step 6: Bake the Brownie Base

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Peppermint Ganache

While the brownies cool, heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the 8 ounces of chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Assemble the Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache

Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled brownies, spreading it gently with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies over the ganache layer to create that classic peppermint bark crunch. Let the ganache set at room temperature or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 9: Cut and Serve

Once the ganache has set, lift the brownie slab out using the parchment paper. Cut into bite-sized squares and arrange on a serving platter. Enjoy!

Seasonal Flavor Boosts

• Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the ganache for an extra minty punch.
• Mix in chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter for added texture.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the ganache before it sets to enhance flavor contrast.
• Drizzle white chocolate over the peppermint candies for a festive look.

Chef’s Notes

• Use good quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the richest flavor.
• Make sure the brownies are completely cool before adding ganache to prevent it from melting.
• Crush peppermint candies finely but leave some larger chunks for that satisfying crunch.
• If you prefer a less sweet topping, swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate in the ganache.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

These Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache freeze beautifully. To freeze, cut the brownie bites, place them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy holidays.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my brownies cakey instead of fudgy?

This typically happens if you overmix the batter or use too much flour. Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients, and measure your flour carefully. Using the right amount of butter and cocoa powder helps achieve that fudgy texture.

What can I do if my ganache is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, warm it gently over a double boiler and stir in a little more cream. If it’s too thin, let it cool and thicken at room temperature or add more chopped chocolate and melt again.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense. Dark chocolate chips provide balance to the sweetness of the peppermint candies and ganache.

How do I crush peppermint candies without making a mess?

Place the peppermint candies in a sealed plastic bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or a heavy pan. This keeps the pieces contained and prevents powdery mess.

Desserts to Finish

• Chocolate Ganache Tart With Berries – A luscious tart to balance fruity and chocolatey flavors.
• Caramel Brownie Cheesecake – For those who love a creamy, decadent finish.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies – Bite-sized cookies with a nutty chocolate twist.

Let’s Eat

Now that your Peppermint Bark Brownie Bites with Ganache are ready, it’s time to savor every bite. These treats are perfect alongside a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite holiday tea. Their fudgy chocolate base combined with the creamy ganache and crunchy peppermint topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re gifting them wrapped up in festive boxes or enjoying them fresh out of the pan, these bites are sure to become a beloved dessert tradition. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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