Chocolate Peppermint Bread: A Sweet Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint. Whether it’s the crackle of crushed candies or the velvety softness of a chocolate loaf, chocolate peppermint bread embodies everything comforting about the holiday season. This recipe brings together the festive flavors you love in an easy-to-make, moist loaf that’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Peppermint Bread

You know those recipes that just feel like home? This is one of them. Chocolate peppermint bread is:

1. Perfect for the Holidays: Its rich chocolate base and peppermint topping make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
2. Easy to Make: No special equipment needed—just two bowls, a whisk, and an oven.
3. Versatile: Enjoy it for dessert, a mid-afternoon snack, or even breakfast (we won’t tell).
4. Festive and Beautiful: The crushed peppermint candy and icing drizzle create a show-stopping look.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this festive treat:

Dry Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1½ cups
Unsweetened cocoa powder	½ cup
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Baking powder	1 tsp
Baking soda	½ tsp
Salt	¼ tsp

Wet Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Vegetable oil	½ cup
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Buttermilk	½ cup
Peppermint extract	¼ tsp

Add-Ins and Toppings

Ingredient	Quantity
Mini chocolate chips	½ cup
Crushed peppermint candies	¼ cup
Powdered sugar	1 cup
Milk (for icing)	2–3 tbsp

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Peppermint Bread

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring the bread doesn’t stick.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Ensure the ingredients are well blended for an even texture.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
• This mixture should be creamy and fragrant with hints of vanilla and peppermint.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
• Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.

5. Add Chocolate Chips

• Fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

6. Prepare the Batter for Baking

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.

7. Bake the Bread

• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

8. Prepare the Icing

• In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of milk until smooth and pourable.
• Adjust the milk amount to achieve your desired consistency.

9. Decorate the Bread

• Drizzle the cooled bread with icing.
• Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top while the icing is still wet to ensure they stick.

10. Slice and Serve

• Slice the bread and serve it as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Bread

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature eggs and buttermilk mix more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.

2. Don’t Overmix

Mixing too much can create a dense, tough bread. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.

3. Test for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

4. Adjust Peppermint Flavor

Start with ¼ tsp of peppermint extract and adjust to taste. A little goes a long way!

5. Store Properly

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Health Benefits of Chocolate Peppermint Bread

While this recipe is indulgent, it also offers a few surprising benefits:

• Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants that promote heart health.
• Peppermint: Can aid digestion and provide a refreshing flavor boost.
• Homemade Goodness: By making it yourself, you control the ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one slice (based on 10 slices):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	250
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	36g
Fat	10g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	22g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient brands.

Creative Variations

1. Double Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Add ¼ cup of cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chunks for extra decadence.

2. Gluten-Free Version

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Vegan Peppermint Bread

Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use almond milk instead of buttermilk.

4. White Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Swap mini chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a festive twist.

5. Peppermint Mocha Bread

Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a coffee-infused treat.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate peppermint bread is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:

• Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a latte.
• Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
• Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a spread of cream cheese or butter.

FAQs About Chocolate Peppermint Bread

1. Can I Use Regular Milk Instead of Buttermilk?

Yes, but you’ll need to add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk.

2. How Long Does the Bread Stay Fresh?

It stays fresh for up to three days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container.

3. Can I Freeze Chocolate Peppermint Bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I Make Mini Loaves?

Yes, divide the batter into mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to 30–40 minutes.

5. What If I Don’t Have Peppermint Candies?

You can substitute with crushed candy canes or leave them out entirely for a simple chocolate loaf.

6. Can I Use Dark Chocolate Chips?

Yes, dark chocolate chips add a richer flavor and work wonderfully in this recipe.

Your Turn to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to get baking! Chocolate peppermint bread is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer or satisfy a chocolate craving any time of year. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate and peppermint in every bite.

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