Description
This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a delightful holiday treat combining rich chocolatey cocoa powder, refreshing peppermint extract, and festive crushed candy canes. Perfect for Christmas, this moist loaf is topped with a creamy peppermint frosting for an irresistible seasonal flavor.
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
For the Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the bread.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, add softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in baking soda, baking powder, espresso powder, salt, and cocoa powder until everything is well blended.
- Incorporate Eggs and Peppermint: Beat in the eggs followed by the peppermint extract, ensuring full incorporation.
- Alternate Flour and Milk: Gradually add flour and milk alternately in increments (about 3-4 times), beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold dark chocolate chips into the batter using a rubber spatula for even distribution.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Line an 8x4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease heavily, then pour the batter evenly into the pan.
- Bake: Bake the loaf for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which ensures it is fully cooked despite the dark color.
- Make Frosting: While the bread bakes, beat powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and Greek yogurt together in a medium bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Cool and Frost: Let the bread cool completely before frosting. Spread the frosting evenly over the top and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
- Serve: Slice the bread and enjoy, ideally with a cold glass of milk for a perfect holiday snack.
Notes
- Do not exceed the recommended amount of peppermint extract to avoid overpowering the bread.
- Store covered at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
