Fresh Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Treat

Winters call for warm, comforting treats that wrap you in pure deliciousness.

This decadent chocolate peppermint bread brings together two beloved flavors in one irresistible loaf.

Rich chocolate mingles with cool peppermint, creating a magical blend that dances on your taste buds.

Every slice promises a delightful balance of sweet and refreshing notes.

The aroma alone will draw people from across the kitchen, eager to sample this delectable creation.

Soft, moist, and bursting with festive charm, this bread transforms an ordinary afternoon into a special moment.

Bake this bread and watch as smiles spread faster than softened butter.

Chocolate Peppermint Bread Ingredient List

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and deepens flavor complexity.
• White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates sweetness with layered caramel undertones.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structural support to bread.
• Milk: Ensures tender, soft crumb and enhances overall moisture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structural component for bread's foundation.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate depth and dark color.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Generates lift and creates light, airy texture.
• Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor with subtle roasted notes.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Adds pockets of rich, melting chocolate throughout bread.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor profile.

• Peppermint Extract: Provides cool, refreshing minty essence.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, velvety frosting base.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tangy richness and creamy consistency to frosting.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Delivers festive crunch and additional peppermint flavor.

Baking Tools for Peppermint Bread Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and creating smooth batter.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for creaming butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Loaf pan: Rectangular baking pan needed to shape and bake the bread.
• Spatula: Helps fold chocolate chips and scrape batter into pan.
• Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly after baking.
• Small bowl: Used for preparing peppermint frosting.
• Knife or offset spatula: Helps spread frosting smoothly over cooled bread.

How to Make Chocolate Bread with a Minty Twist

• Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with setting the right temperature. Get your oven ready at a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for baking magic.
• Flavor Foundation Blend soft butter with sweet sugars, then introduce rich cocoa, bold espresso powder, and refreshing peppermint extract. This mixture creates a deep, complex base that promises delicious results.
• Batter Transformation Gently incorporate flour and milk into your mixture, alternating to ensure a silky smooth texture. Sprinkle in chocolate chips, folding them throughout the batter for surprise bursts of sweetness.
• Baking Journey Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan, letting it transform in the warm oven for about an hour. Wait patiently as delightful aromas fill your kitchen.
• Creamy Topping Craft a dreamy frosting by whisking together powdered sugar, tangy yogurt, and a hint of peppermint. Once the bread cools completely, spread this luscious layer across the top.
• Festive Finish Crush candy canes into delicate pieces and shower them over the frosted bread, adding a playful crunch and holiday sparkle to your creation.

Tips That Balance Cocoa and Peppermint Just Right

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
• Toss chocolate chips in a little flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks for easy dessert prep.
• Swap peppermint extract with orange extract for a different seasonal variation, or add crushed walnuts for extra crunch.
• Warm slightly before serving and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful treat.

Serving Peppermint Bread That Looks Festive

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Transform this chocolate peppermint bread into a stunning dessert display by garnishing with fresh mint leaves and arranging slices on a rustic wooden board for elegant holiday gatherings.
• Breakfast Companion: Slice the bread and serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, creating a delightful morning treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite morning beverage.
• Gift-Worthy Wrap: Package individual slices in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making charming homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday party hosts who appreciate sweet, handcrafted treats.
• Dessert Upgrade: Enhance each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and extra crushed candy cane pieces, turning this bread into a decadent dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

How to Store Peppermint Bread Without Drying Out

• Quick Cool Down: Let the bread rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain moisture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store frosted bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the peppermint flavor stays fresh and vibrant.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a delightful treat anytime.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bread batter a day ahead and refrigerate overnight. This technique allows flavors to develop and streamlines your baking process, making morning preparation a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 272 kcal

Servings: 13

Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate peppermint bread delivers a festive winter dessert with rich cocoa and cool mint notes. Chocolate lovers find comfort in each spiced slice while creating delightful memories during holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ sticks (170 grams) butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 ⅓ cups (160 grams) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (55 grams) cocoa powder
• ¾ cup (180 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup (85 grams) dark chocolate chips
• ⅔ cup (135 grams) brown sugar
• ⅓ cup (65 grams) white sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 4 tbsps (60 milliliters) milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsps crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a standard loaf pan with nonstick spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Mixing Base: Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a light, fluffy texture that forms a smooth foundation for the bread.
3. Flavor Infusion: Blend unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and peppermint extract into the butter mixture, creating a rich, aromatic batter with deep chocolate undertones.
4. Batter Development: Alternately incorporate all-purpose flour and whole milk, stirring gently to maintain a silky, homogeneous consistency without overmixing.
5. Chocolate Integration: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution for consistent chocolate flavor in every slice.
6. Baking Process: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula, then bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center reveals minimal crumbs.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before applying the peppermint frosting.
8. Frosting Creation: Whisk powdered sugar, additional peppermint extract, and plain yogurt until achieving a smooth, spreadable consistency that complements the chocolate base.
9. Final Garnish: Spread the peppermint frosting evenly across the cooled bread and sprinkle crushed candy cane pieces on top for a festive, crunchy decoration that adds visual and textural appeal.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate’s richness without creating a coffee taste.
• Perfect Moisture Control: Let the bread cool completely in the pan to prevent crumbling and maintain a tender crumb texture.
• Prevent Chocolate Sinking: Lightly coat chocolate chips in flour before folding into batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom during baking.
• Frost Like a Pro: Ensure the bread is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and maintain a clean, crisp frosting layer.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 272
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 52 mg