Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe: Holiday Joy in a Loaf

Decadent swirls of chocolate mingle with refreshing peppermint in this irresistible chocolate peppermint bread that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet aromas will dance through your kitchen as you craft this delightful treat.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance between rich cocoa and cool mint notes.

The recipe blends simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

Chocolate lovers will adore the deep, luxurious flavor profile that emerges from this delectable bread.

Winter gatherings or cozy afternoon breaks become extra special with this stunning chocolate peppermint creation.

You won’t be able to resist cutting another slice of this mouthwatering bread that feels like a celebration on a plate.

Steps To Bake Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some baking magic.

• Prep the Baking Vessel

Grab your loaf pan and give it a quick butter massage, then tuck a parchment paper blanket inside to make sure your bread slides out like a dream.

• Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a big mixing bowl until they’re best friends and totally combined.

• Cream the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

• Create the Chocolate Wonder

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything looks friendly. Splash in some vanilla and peppermint extract for that festive zing.

• Pour and Swirl

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top like you’re creating a chocolate landscape.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. When a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread hang out in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper. Cool completely before slicing into this chocolatey peppermint paradise.

Tips And Tricks For Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Chocolate Swirl Technique: Create beautiful chocolate swirls by gently dragging a knife through the batter before baking, giving your bread a marbled appearance.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Freezing Fresh Bread: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious treat is always ready.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free milk alternatives to make this bread suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
• Peppermint Intensity Control: Adjust peppermint extract quantity to personal taste – use less for a subtle hint or more for a bold, minty flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Festive Holiday Platter: Slice the chocolate peppermint bread into elegant pieces and arrange on a decorative seasonal plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming mug of peppermint hot chocolate or classic vanilla bean coffee to enhance the minty chocolate flavors and create a comforting treat.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a festive ribbon for a homemade edible gift that spreads winter cheer to friends, neighbors, or holiday party hosts.
• Breakfast Morning Twist: Toast thin slices and spread with cream cheese or butter for a delightful morning breakfast option that feels like a special indulgence without being overly sweet.

Storage Help For Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled chocolate peppermint bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping its delicious moisture and flavor intact.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Slice the bread and place individual portions in freezer-safe bags, where they'll stay delicious for 2-3 months – perfect for quick treats or unexpected guests.
• Refrigeration Tip: If you've added cream cheese frosting or fresh toppings, store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Let the bread sit overnight in a sealed container to allow peppermint and chocolate flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delectable dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 238 kcal

Servings: 13

All You Need For Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and tender crumb for the bread's foundation.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist, soft texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy rise, giving the bread its perfect lift.

• Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich flavor and creates a tender, smooth bread texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the bread's soft, cohesive structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, consistent batter.

• Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate intensity and rich dark color.
• Peppermint Extract: Brings a cool, refreshing mint flavor that complements chocolate.
• Chocolate Chips: Creates delightful chocolatey pockets and adds extra indulgence.
• Candy Canes: Offers festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor for topping.

What Tools You’ll Need For Chocolate Peppermint Bread

• Loaf Pan (9×5-inch): Essential for baking the bread with perfect shape and size.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes removing the bread a breeze.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending ingredients without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helps scrape batter from sides of bowl and spread evenly in pan.
• Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.

Rich Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Scrumptious chocolate peppermint bread delivers winter holiday comfort with rich cocoa and cool mint notes. Festive slices promise delightful moments shared around warm kitchens where family and friends gather to enjoy sweet seasonal treats.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.75 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or whole milk)
• 0.5 cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
• 0.5 cup (85 g) white chocolate chips (or semisweet chocolate)
• 0.25 cup (30 g) crushed candy canes
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (for melting)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, lining with parchment paper to facilitate easy bread removal.
2. Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), positioning the rack centrally for consistent heat distribution.
3. Chocolate Melting: Combine cocoa powder and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, melting in short intervals and stirring until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
4. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a mixing bowl to create a uniform dry foundation.
5. Creaming Process: Blend sugar and butter in a large mixing container until light, fluffy, and free of sugar granules.
6. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure complete emulsification.
7. Chocolate Incorporation: Gently fold melted chocolate into the wet ingredients, maintaining the mixture’s delicate aerated structure.
8. Batter Composition: Introduce dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent excessive gluten development.
9. Final Touches: Fold in peppermint extract and chocolate chips, distributing evenly with minimal batter disruption.
10. Baking Process: Transfer batter to prepared pan, leveling the surface, and bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning.
11. Doneness Check: Test with a wooden skewer – it should emerge with minimal to no moist crumbs when inserted into the center.
12. Cooling Method: Rest bread in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack using parchment paper edges for complete cooling.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Texture: Avoid overmixing batter to maintain a tender, moist crumb; stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough bread.
• Chocolate Melting Technique: Use low, gentle microwave heat and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing during melting process.
• Extract Intensity Management: Add peppermint extract gradually and taste to control flavor strength; some extracts are more potent than others.
• Baking Precision: Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temperature, as variations can significantly impact bread’s texture and baking duration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 238
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg