I try to stay away from forbidden foods, believe me, I try. But, I have weaknesses. I love rich Christmas desserts. I’m already dreaming on a traditional Romania cinnamon swirl bread, it calls for 6 egg yolks. 6 egg yolks! My cholesterol level is gonna rich the sky. Oh, but it’s so worth it.
I’ll definitely have to buy some eggs and make at least one bread. I don’t remember a Christmas without the cinnamon swirl bread and I plan on keeping in that way.
There are also other desserts that make my heart beat like crazy. Gingercakes, anyone? Peppermint bark, yes please!! Candy canes, bring them on!
When baking I have to keep in mind my cholesterol level so I do my best to keep it low.
These cakes are vegan, if you decide to top them with some peppermint bark, well, not anymore.
Although the recipe I got inspired from called them brownies, I find the texture resembling more towards a cake. They are light, sweet and spicy and the peppermint bark on top makes a perfect pair.
They are easy to make, all you have to do is mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another and then mix together.
To bake them I used a square brownie pan, like this one. I pour some of the mixture into all the 12 square cups. Now, that I know how they turn out, I think making just 10 would be my preference. Don’t get me wrong. I loved these cakes, but maybe a little thicker, just a little bit. They don’t rise much while baking, so filling the cups is not going to overflow the mixture while in the oven.
If you don’t have a square brownie pan, you can use a 9 X 9 inch pan and cut squares when slightly cooled. You could also use a cupcake pan.
Top with some peppermint bark when almost cooled (don’t put the bark on when they are still hot, or you’ll end up with some melted chocolate)
Peppermint Bark Cakes
adapted from Healthful Pursuit
Ingredients
1 cup gluten free all purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup flaxseed flour
1 tsp gluten free baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
pinch of salt
1/3 cup pomegranate molasses
1/4 cup sugar in the raw
1/4 cup almond milk
1/4 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 cup applesauce
peppermint bark squares
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Oil the baking pan or line with parchment paper or paper liners.
In a bowl mix together the all purpose flour, cocoa, flaxseed flour, baking powder, ground ginger and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl mix the pomegranate molasses, sugar in the raw, almond milk, grapeseed oil, applesauce.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until just combined.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, depending on what type of pan you’re using, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the cakes are slightly risen.
Let the cool before topping with peppermint bark, if using.
Enjoy!
Sending love your way,
Roxana
{ 52 comments… read them below or add one }
We are on the same flavor thoughts today! I like that these brownies are more cake like than fudgy. It is the perfect texture to pair with the peppermint bark on top-yum! I will need to look for those peppermint bark squares. Great post.
I must admit: I've never heard of a 'brownie pan'. Who knew?! That is wild. I love these little cakes! Completely darling and perfect looking (once again, love the brownie pan for that). I did not realize you are a gluten free baker (I am GF) until reading the recipe. So good to know. I've not used flaxseed flour so will have to give that a go!
These look and sound very tasty. I might just have to give this one a try.
Oh my !!! They look heavenly , I want some now , it looks irresistible . Also the brownie pan , wowowow , never saw that before .
Yep, I am pretty sure you have twisted my arm into making these not next week or the next but like in the next hour or so! They looks so good and beautiful and fun! I love the combination of peppermint and chocolate! YUM!
Oooh, the Romanian swirl bread sounds like it's worth the cholesterol! These little cakes look delicious too, what a great way to use the peppermint bark.
I have a square cupccake/muffin pan, but have yet to use it – I love it, though. I wonder if I can make your brownies in that? The peppermint bark topper just takes these over the edge. Love them! My new mantra – Cholesterol, calories etc.. do not count during the holidays ;D
Wow, what an interesting recipe! I've never seen bark incorporated into cakes, but this sounds absolutely delicious. And such a perfectly pretty little dessert, too
I love those peppermint bark squares and putting them on a brownie–oh my. These look beautiful, Roxana.
My daughter talked me into buying a bag of those yesterday. Like the idea of popping them on top of a brownie. I have a give-away if you want to enter. Hope you are having a great week.
-Gina-
I love how you topped the brownie with the peppermint. The best of both worlds and so perfect for the holidays!
ahhh i love vegan brownies. topping them with peppermint sounds delightful. i like making peppermint cookies
That pan is such a great idea because cutting the bars can be messy. Love how you topped it with a festive holiday chocolate!
These are absolutely GORG!!!! I need that brownie pan!!
Mmmmmmm….these are fantastic! I need to dig out my square brownie pan
never seen peppermint bark in the UK – but I DID already buy a pack of candy canes to make my own.
Coupled with chocolate brownies must be decadent !
lovely looking flavours looks wonderful
These are lovely! Great idea to put the peppermint bark on top!
These look amazing, can't wait to try this recipe!
Interesting use of pomegranate molasses. I've never seen it in a cake recipe before. These cakes look nice and light.
AMAZING!!! I am not huge on peppermint but I can eat it..on the other hand those cakes are pretty irresistible:))
I like your new good looking site..
Oh my gosh….these brownies look incredible! I love the peppermint bark on top!
yum! Roxana, these sound so incredibly good! I so need to get one of these brownie pans!
What an ingenious little dessert! Brownies are good enough as is, but then to top with peppermint bark – awesome!
Wonderful recipe Roxana..these brownie bars look really cute and tempting…amazing pics as always.
oh yum! These look great. I love brownies and topped with peppermint, oh yea pass me a plate full
This cakes looks so moist and soft R! Love it!
Ohh… don't say brownies or I'll get crazy! LOL
tq fr sharing this recipe, loves how u use the flaxseed flour and grapeseed oil fr the cake!
Healthy and Yummy fr x'mas!
YUM! I really love peppermint around the holidays and especially if it's with chocolate. I would eat a dozen of these cakes!
That's such a clever idea.
They look great, too.
too good! I just put on Pinterest Love these!
Roxana, I am so craving peppermint and these look wonderful. I just pinned a bunch of peppermint goodies, this is next
These are perfect! I love the pan you have. Perfect for Christmas. It is so hard to stay on track this time of year, I hear ya!
What a great idea and perfect for holiday get together! And I've never seen square pan like this! You have two things I want – scone skillet and this one!
I'm drooling- not just at the gorgeous treats but the brownie pan- I'm having serious baking supply envy.
I know what i want for Christmas! A square brownie pan like yours!! These cakes will make great giveaways or snacks. Thank you for sharing the recipe with us.
Love your post, Roxana. Love peppermint and chocolate together and that baking pan. And as for that decadent egg yolk recipe, I'm dying for this one!
I love the pan!!! these are wonderful!! peppermint is my fav to go flavor for dec!! yummy!!
Love that pan. The peppermint bark topping is the perfect size for those squares!
These are beautiful (probably because your pics are)and they sound so delicious. I love the holiday feel that they have.
Roxana lok perxfect and beautiful:)
What a great idea Roxana! I say bring on the treats during the holidays, I just try to find a bit more time at the gym. Not that it really happens. Happy Holidays!
looks great,and i love peppermint!:)
I may have to try this soon. Gluten-free and egg-free definitely works for me. It will keep everyone happy
Enjoy your weekend!
Those mini square cakes look so adorable with peppermint bark topping!
astea trebuie sa fie o bunatate !imi imaginez aroma lor !
This looks delicious. Would love for you to share this with us over at foodepix.com.
These are just so pretty Roxana! Perfect for the Season
Wow this is really amazing. I am in awe!
This is a such a cute idea.
these look delish!
PS: enjoy your cinnamon swirl bread; studies show egg yolks actually lower cholesterol – it's the white flour that is more of a problem.
I LOVE all things pomegranate! Beautiful looking cakes/brownies!
I’m really glad that you shared this healthy recipe.
I’m kinda person who care about health. Besides looks yummy, it’s pretty as well
Thanks~
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