Do you know what day is today?
I know it’s Thursday, but it’s the first Thursday from the 12 weeks of Christmas Treats Blog Hop, started by Brenda of Meal Planning Magic . If you’d like to join us, a handful of bloggers, please visit Brenda’s blog for details.
I remember seeing the blog hope last year and wanted to join but by the time I get myself together Christmas was few days away and the blog hop was over.
This year I jumped with joy when I heard Brenda is going to host it again.
Starting today, for the next 12 weeks I’ll do my best to bring you a Christmas treat.
Like these Fudgy Brownies with Candy Cane Frosting I made few days ago for a play-date.
I think coming up with a candy cane treat in September was as challenging as taking pictures of it. Somehow I could not get rid of the blueish/grayish hues in the photos.
But don’t let that stop you, these Fudgy Brownies with Candy Cane Frosting are so amazing they were almost all gone before I had a change to do a photo-session.
I adapted the recipe from Better Homes and Gardens The ultimate Cookie Book.
For the fudgy brownie I used the 4 egg whites I had leftover from the ricotta tart I shared the other day instead of 2 eggs, but you can use whole eggs if you prefer.
I used semi-sweet chocolate and reduced the sugar quantity by 1/4 cup. If you are using bittersweet chocolate you can go ahead and add the extra 1/4 cup of sugar.
For a richer chocolate taste I substituted some flour with cocoa powder.
For the frosting I used half and half all the way, added few drops of peppermint extract, mixed some red coloring in and sprinkled some crushed candy cane on top.
Rich chocolate-y brownie topped with peppermint flavored candy cane frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 grams) butter
- 4 oz (113 grams) semisweet chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 1 3/4 cup (350 grams) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3/4 cup (90 grams) all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (20 grams) cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) room temperature butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) half-and-half
- 4 cups (480 grams) powder sugar
- few drops peppermint extract
- crusted candy-cane
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Line a 13X9 baking pan with parchment paper (do not skip this step of you can't remove the brownies from the pan).
- In a medium saucepan melt the butter and chocolate. When melted pour it into the mixing bowl and with the paddle attachment on, stir on high speed for 3 minutes.
- Add the sugar and mix for 3 more minutes at high speed. By now the mixture should not be hot anymore. if it is still hot stir some more until warn to the touch.
- Add the eggs and egg whites and mix until combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and slowly add the flour and cocoa powder.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Leave to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl add the butter and half and half. With the whisk attachment on whip for 3 minutes.
- Slowly add the powder sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl after each addition.
- In the end add the peppermint extract.
- Spoon 3/4 of the frosting on top of the brownie.
- Add 1-2 drops (depending on how red/pink you like) of red food coloring to the remaining frosting, mix well and with a wooden skewer swirl it in the white frosting.
- Sprinkle some crushed candy cane on top.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Sending love your way,
Roxana
Linking this recipe to my friend Joan’s Thursday’s treasures party.
{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I have some peppermint essential oil and when looked at your blog I sniffed the oil. It was like scratch and sniff.
Brilliant brownies!
Gorgeous pictures! These look amazing! Happy to be baking along with you this year!
Oooh, so excited that the 12 weeks of Christmas treats is here! I love this time of year.
Your brownies look fantastic — love the chocolate + mint pairing!
So pretty and festive! I love candy canes, I’ll have to try these! Thanks for sharing!
Love your photos! Me and a pan of brownies can be a little dangerous
Oh my … the holidays are almost upon us
Even though I’m part of this hop, I didn’t even think to look for candy canes this early. I guess the stores are selling them to be ready for people like us.
This is a great treat and a beautiful picture.
Perfect for a Christmas dessert table – love the combination of chocolate and mint!
Chocolate and mint are one of my very favorite flavor combinations…and I love brownies!! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!!
Love anything with peppermint! Can’t wait to break it out myself!
These brownies are simply divine! I love chocolate with peppermint!
SO CHRISTMAS-Y!!! This makes me happy
Oh I love these! I am not quite ready for Christmas, but these might get me in the mood!
AHHHH!!! Those look soooo good! I have to so I was a little surprised to see Christmas-y stuff, but I do love me some holiday treats. YUM!
Oh, my, your brownies look outrageously delicious!!! My kids would love these, Roxana!
I´m amazed you found candy cane so early. I love chocolate and mint. These are wonderful treats, and the idea of half and half for the frosting is great!
They look so fun and festive! Perfect addition to 12 weeks.
I love peppermint for the holidays. This sounds like a great recipe–thanks for sharing! Looking forward to sharing more recipes with you over the next 11 weeks!
I made a similar brownie w cream cheese frosting w oil of peppermint for a party. They were scarffed up. Definitely a great Christmas treat.
Peppermint and chocolate is one of those great combos right up there with chocolate and peanut butter—both some of my favorites! These look delicious. I buy candy canes at the end of the holiday season on clearance so I can crush them and have them for recipes like this. Glad you’re part of the hop this year!
These look fantastic! I can smell the peppermint scent just looking at these pictures. Now these make me ready for Christmas!
Candy canes are one of my very favorite parts of the holiday season! Wonderful looking brownies you have made
Roxana, those brownies are gorgeous!
I am in loooove with the frosting!!
Oh my! The candy cane frosting sounds to die for, Roxana!
The candy cane frosting sounds to die for, Roxana!
Oh my…….chocolate and peppermint……one of my FAVORITE combinations!! This is a recipe to try for sure!!
I love your recipes … I use the translator and not get in ingredients section of meaning (120 ml) half-and-half …. is cream cheese, white chocolate???
I could help I would appreciate.
thank you very much
Miguel
lareposteriademiguel.com
Hi Miguel,
Half-and-half is a mixture of heavy cream and milk. You can use 60 ml whole milk and 60 ml heavy cream if you don’t have half-and-half.
Roxana
Roxana Thank you so much for the quick response …. you are very kind.
I love recipes and secure susu soon put some into practice.
thanks
Miguel
lareposteriademiguel.com
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