Peppermint Candy Cane Swirl Brownies

Holding a chocolate brownie with peppermint.

No ratings yet

Peppermint Candy Cane Swirl Brownies

Fudgy, festive, and full of peppermint cheer! These Peppermint Candy Cane Swirl Brownies are rich, chocolatey, and perfect for holiday parties or gifting.

Prep Time15

Cook Time35

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: squares

Calories: 252kcal

Author: Linda Warren

Ingredients

1 box brownie mix Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme recommended
⅓ cup oil (or as stated on package)
¼ cup water (or as stated on package)
1 large egg (or as stated on package)
½ teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
3-4 peppermint candy canes crushed for topping

Peppermint Cheesecake Swirl

4 ounces cream cheese room temperature
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 drops red food coloring (you want the filling to be pink)
¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8" or 9" square pan with parchment paper all the way up sides to make handles for easier removal. Spray it with nonstick spray and set aside.
Place all ingredients for peppermint cheesecake filling, except sour cream, in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Fold in sour cream.
Prepare brownie mix according to recipe on box, adding the espresso powder, if desired. Set aside.
Pour ⅔ brownie batter into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Dollop peppermint cheesecake batter on top of brownie batter. Dollop remaining brownie mix on top of peppermint cheesecake dollops. Take a knife and lightly swirl the mixture. Try not to touch the bottom of the dish. Do not swirl too much as you want to see the marbled effect.
Bake 35-45 minutes. You can tell when the brownies are done when toothpick in the brownie area (not the cheesecake) comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove from oven and sprinkle immediately with crushed candy canes.
Let cool completely in pan. I like to chill mine in the refrigerator before cutting. Lift out by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares.

Notes

STORE/FREEZE

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. The candy topping may soften slightly over time, but they’ll still taste delicious.

Freeze cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition