Chocolate Peppermint Bread

This delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a festive treat that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. With its rich chocolate flavor and refreshing peppermint twist, it’s an ideal dessert for Christmas gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy family nights. The addition of crushed candy canes on top adds a delightful crunch, making this loaf not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates a unique taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even as a special breakfast treat alongside your morning coffee.
• Impressive Presentation: The frosted bread topped with crushed candy canes looks gorgeous on any holiday table.
• Makes Great Gifts: This loaf is a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides enough space for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Electric hand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars quick and easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding in chocolate chips gently without over-mixing the batter.
• Loaf pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that classic loaf shape.

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 cup 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 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

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add room temperature butter with both sugars.
2. Beat using an electric hand mixer until creamy.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add these dry ingredients to the creamed mixture:
Baking soda
Baking powder
Espresso powder
Salt
Cocoa powder
Mix until well blended.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Peppermint Extract

Beat in:
1. Eggs one at a time.
2. Add peppermint extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Flour and Milk

Alternate adding flour and milk:
1. Start with flour; add about ½ cup at a time.
2. Mix well after each addition until everything is combined smoothly.

Step 6: Fold in Dark Chocolate Chips

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in dark chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Pour your batter into either:
A parchment-lined loaf pan
A heavily greased loaf pan

Step 8: Bake Your Bread

Bake for 50–60 minutes. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean from the center.

Step 9: Make the Frosting

While baking, prepare your frosting:
1. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and Greek yogurt.
2. Beat until smooth.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Once cooled:
1. Frost your bread with icing.
2. Sprinkle with crushed candy cane pieces on top.

Step 11: Slice and Enjoy!

Slice your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bread and serve it fresh! It pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk for an extra treat during the holidays.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Serving Chocolate Peppermint Bread is all about enhancing its rich flavors and festive spirit. This delightful loaf can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pairing with milk is classic. The creaminess complements the chocolate and peppermint flavors beautifully.

Warmed with Butter

• Lightly toast slices and spread a layer of butter. This adds richness and elevates the flavor profile.

As a Dessert

• Serve as a dessert after dinner. It’s festive enough to impress your guests while being easy to prepare.

With Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream on top makes for an indulgent treat that balances the bread’s richness.

Sprinkled with Extra Candy Canes

• For an extra crunch, garnish each slice with crushed candy canes. This enhances both flavor and presentation.

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How to Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bread

To achieve the best results with your Chocolate Peppermint Bread, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to dense bread rather than a light texture.

• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick to test for doneness in the center, as the dark color can be misleading.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allowing the bread to cool ensures that your frosting doesn’t melt away into the bread.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Chocolate Peppermint Bread pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its festive appeal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A warm drink that brings out the peppermint flavor, perfect for chilly evenings.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich bread.

3. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone for a savory option that balances sweetness.

4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, making them an appealing side dish.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with berries for a healthy and tangy complement to your sweet bread.

6. Whipped Cream Topping: Serve slices with whipped cream on top for an elegant touch that enhances each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chocolate Peppermint Bread, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Not using room temperature ingredients – Cold butter and eggs can lead to a dense bread. Always let these sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Skipping the espresso powder – This ingredient enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it; just a teaspoon makes a big difference!
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough bread. Mix until just combined for a light texture.
• Not checking doneness properly – The dark color of this loaf can be misleading. Always use a toothpick to check for doneness in the center.
• Ignoring cooling time – Frosting a warm loaf can melt your icing. Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it away from moisture to maintain freshness.

Freezing Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best results.

Reheating Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat and cover with a lid; warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Chocolate Peppermint Bread that may help you perfect this delightful recipe.

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?

You can substitute white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it will alter the taste slightly.

What is the best way to add crushed candy canes?

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the frosting right after spreading it while it’s still wet. This helps them stick better!

How does Chocolate Peppermint Bread compare to other breads?

This bread is moist and rich with chocolate flavor complemented by refreshing peppermint, making it unique among holiday breads.

Can I customize the frosting?

Yes! You can add food coloring or different extracts like vanilla or almond for variety when making your frosting.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Peppermint Bread is not just another holiday treat; it embodies warmth and joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips. Your creativity can make this recipe even more special!