This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a festive treat that blends rich chocolate with a refreshing peppermint twist. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special breakfast!
I love how the warm chocolate melts in your mouth, with minty bites that remind me of winter holidays. Slice it up and share—everyone will be asking for seconds! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead—it works well here!
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa adds rich chocolate flavor. If you want a lighter taste, you could use Dutch-processed cocoa, which has a smoother, milder flavor.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both add moisture. If you’re avoiding dairy, try unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based yogurt for a similar texture.
Mini chocolate chips: I love using these for extra chocolatey goodness. If you can’t find them, regular chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars work great, too.
Peppermint candy canes: Crush them for a festive touch! If you have peppermint extract instead, use 1/2 teaspoon in place of crushed candy canes for a stronger mint flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Bread Turns Out Moist and Delicious?
To achieve a moist and flavorful Chocolate Peppermint Bread, focus on a few key techniques:
- **Proper measurement:** Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy. Too much flour can lead to a dry bread.
- **Room temperature ingredients:** Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend well and creates a better texture.
- **Don’t overmix:** When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- **Cool it right:** Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes to set before transferring to a wire rack. It helps maintain moisture.
Following these tips will ensure your bread has that perfect moist crumb, making every slice a delight! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes, plus extra for topping
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chocolate Peppermint Bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes for baking. After your bread cools for another 15 minutes, it’s ready to drizzle with glaze and enjoy. Overall, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours to make this festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help ensure everything is evenly mixed and avoids clumps. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each is well mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Next, mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until everything is smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently. Stop mixing as soon as there are no dry flour spots—overmixing can make the bread dense.
7. Add Chocolate Chips and Peppermint:
Fold in the mini chocolate chips and the crushed peppermint candy canes, giving it a nice festive crunch!
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, melt the white chocolate chips together with the cream (or milk) in a microwave or double boiler, stirring until smooth.
11. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the smooth white chocolate glaze over the top. It’ll look lovely!
12. Add Extra Peppermint:
Sprinkle some extra crushed peppermint candy canes on top of the glaze for a beautiful finishing touch!
13. Slice and Enjoy:
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Now, slice your delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bread, serve it, and enjoy the festive flavors!
This bread is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year. Enjoy every bite! 🎄
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your cocoa powder and baking powder are also gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftover Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well at room temperature for about 2-3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage—just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! This bread is great for making ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped at room temperature. Just glaze it right before serving for the best results!
What Can I Substitute for Peppermint Candy Canes?
If you don’t have peppermint candy canes, you can use peppermint extract instead. Add about 1/2 teaspoon to the batter for a minty flavor. Another option is to use crushed chocolate mints for a similar effect! Just be mindful of the sweetness they might add.
