Imagine the cozy aroma of chocolate and peppermint wafting through your kitchen. That’s the magic of Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread, a decadent dessert that’s both festive and irresistible. This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the cool, refreshing kick of peppermint, all wrapped up in a moist, tender loaf.

The first time I made this bread, it instantly became a family favorite. My kids loved the drizzle of chocolate glaze and the sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top, while my husband declared it the best holiday treat he’d had in years. It’s now a tradition in our home to bake this bread while listening to Christmas carols and sipping on hot cocoa.

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Let’s dive in and create a holiday masterpiece!

This Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a delightful combination of moist chocolate bread, a hint of peppermint, and a luscious chocolate glaze. Topped with crushed candy canes, it’s the ultimate festive treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or just indulging at home.

The recipe comes together in about an hour and requires simple pantry ingredients, making it both accessible and impressive. Whether served as a dessert or paired with coffee for breakfast, this bread will bring a little holiday cheer to every bite.

The Story Behind This Recipe

One December evening, I wanted to surprise my family with a treat that screamed Christmas. I had some leftover candy canes and a craving for something chocolatey, so I decided to experiment. The result was this Chocolate Peppermint Bread, and it was an instant hit.

Now, it’s a staple at our holiday table. I’ve even started gifting loaves to friends and neighbors, wrapped in parchment and tied with festive ribbons. The best part? It’s so easy to make that I can whip up a batch in no time, even during the busiest season of the year.

Why This Chocolate Peppermint Bread Stands Out

• Festive flavors: The perfect balance of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal steps make it beginner-friendly.
• Versatile: Serve it as dessert, a sweet snack, or even breakfast.
• Beautiful presentation: The glossy glaze and candy cane topping make it a show-stopper.
• Perfect for gifting: Wrap it up and spread holiday cheer to loved ones.

What You Need for Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread

For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Ingredients for the Glaze and Topping:

• 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes for topping

How to Make Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
7. Decorate the bread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
8. Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve your festive bread with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee!

Tips for Perfect Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the bread tender.
• Cool completely: Ensure the bread is fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
• Use fresh candy canes: For the best flavor and crunch, crush candy canes just before topping the bread.

Substitutions and Variations

• No peppermint? Use vanilla extract for a classic chocolate loaf.
• Add-ins: Stir in crushed candy canes or white chocolate chips for extra texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower the sugar: Reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup or use a sugar substitute.
• Use whole wheat flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Skip the glaze: Serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a lighter version.

Closing for Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread

And there you have it—Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread, a festive, chocolatey treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring it yourself, this bread is guaranteed to bring a little extra holiday cheer. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, it stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

How do I store leftover bread?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
Yes, crushed peppermint candies work just as well.

Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the bread is delicious on its own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

What can I serve with this bread?
Pair it with hot cocoa, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-22 minutes.

Can I use dark cocoa powder?
Absolutely, it will make the bread even richer in flavor.

Is this bread kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the chocolatey flavor and candy cane topping!

Can I use almond extract instead of peppermint?
Yes, almond extract adds a nutty twist to the bread.

How do I crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

What’s the best way to gift this bread?
Wrap it in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Easy Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Cake, Chocolate, Christmas, Occasions, Snacks

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 tsp peppermint extract

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

• Ingredients for the Glaze and Topping:

• 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips

• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)

• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract

• Crushed candy canes for topping

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and peppermint extract until smooth.
• Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
• Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Prepare the glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Stir in the peppermint extract.
• Decorate the bread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
• Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve your festive bread with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee!