The winter season calls for cozy comforts, and there’s nothing quite like the intoxicating scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. My favorite creation? Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread—a delightful blend of rich, dark chocolate and refreshing peppermint! This recipe is inspired by the very essence of the holidays, where each slice feels like a warm hug. Imagine the joy of indulging in this tender bread, studded with dark chocolate chips and topped with a creamy peppermint glaze, all while it cools on your countertop.
After a long week, I found myself craving something that could elevate my usual baking routine, and voilà! This bread not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a beautiful pop of color to your holiday gatherings. Perfect for breakfasts, desserts, or even as a treat for those unexpected guests, it never fails to impress! So, let’s dive into this easy, yet elegant recipe that will not only brighten your day but also fill your home with festive cheer.
Why will you adore Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
Irresistible Flavor Combination: Rich dark chocolate meets refreshing peppermint for a taste that’s festive and delightful.
Easy to Bake: Just mix, pour, and bake! This recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels to master.
Stunning Presentation: Topped with a creamy peppermint glaze and festive candy canes, it looks gorgeous on any holiday table.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, serve it with whipped cream, or alongside coffee for that cozy winter feel.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This bread is a guaranteed hit at gatherings, sure to bring smiles to friends and family alike!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Pre-bake and store it—great for busy holiday schedules. Follow my storage tips for optimum freshness!
Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- Peppermint Extract – Provides a refreshing mint flavor; use more vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
- Dark Chocolate Chips – Adds richness and depth; chop finely for even distribution.
- Milk – Adds moisture and balances flavors; substitute with non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
- Butter (softened) – Contributes to tenderness and taste; ensure it’s at room temperature for proper mixing.
- Brown Sugar (packed) – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; no direct substitution recommended for best results.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; crucial for achieving a good rise.
- Eggs (room temperature) – Provides structure and richness; must be at room temperature for proper emulsification.
- Baking Powder – Works alongside baking soda to add lightness; no substitutions are necessary.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure; use King Arthur all-purpose flour for the best texture.
- Espresso Powder – Enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste; don’t skip it or risk losing chocolate depth.
- Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) – Provides chocolate flavor and color; important to ensure it’s not sweetened.
- Salt (pinch) – Enhances overall flavor.
- White Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture balance; can replace with more brown sugar.
For the Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Creates a sweet glaze; the base ingredient for frosting.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and tang; can substitute with sour cream if needed.
- Milk – Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze; adjust for desired thickness.
- Peppermint Extract – Reinforces the refreshing minty flavor of the glaze, essential for that festive touch.
This Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread is ready to impress! Get your ingredients prepped, and let’s get baking!
How to Make Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your bread bakes evenly!
Soften the butter and let the eggs come to room temperature. This step is essential for a smooth batter that combines beautifully.
Chop the dark chocolate chips finely and set them aside. Finer pieces will melt better, distributing that rich chocolate flavor throughout your bread.
Sift together the cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour into a large bowl. This step helps to eliminate lumps, resulting in a light and airy texture.
Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a mixing bowl for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This creaming process creates a lovely base for your bread.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the peppermint extract for that refreshing flavor!
Alternate gradually adding the dry ingredients and milk into the mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix briefly after each addition; overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
Fold in the chopped chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want little pockets of chocolate in every bite!
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly and create a nice presentation.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect texture.
Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set nicely!
Prepare the frosting by beating together the powdered sugar, Greek yogurt, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
Top the cooled bread with the frosting, then immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch!
Set the frosting for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will help maintain the beautiful appearance of your glaze.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread loaves are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate. Alternatively, you can bake the bread up to 3 days ahead of time, letting it cool completely, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. When it’s time to serve, just slice and glaze the bread, adding the crushed candy canes right before guests arrive to prevent them from becoming soggy. This allows you to enjoy all the festive flavors with minimal stress!
What to Serve with Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
This delightful holiday bread pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks, creating a full cozy meal.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a luscious, creamy contrast to the rich chocolate and mint flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert experience, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—pure bliss!
Rich Hot Cocoa: Cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa, its sweetness complementing the chocolatey goodness of your bread, perfect for winter mornings.
Coffee: A robust cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the entire festive experience with the contrasting flavors.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with citrus notes balances the richness of the bread and adds a burst of freshness to the table.
Chocolate Mousse: For an indulgent treat, pair your bread with smooth chocolate mousse, making every bite a celebration of chocolate.
How to Store and Freeze Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread
Room Temperature: Store the bread for up to 4 days in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the bread, where it will stay fresh for up to a week—just be sure to wrap it well to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bread without the glaze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for several hours before adding the creamy peppermint glaze to keep it fresh and delightful.
Expert Tips for Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth batter and enhance flavor integration.
Don’t Overmix: After adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, which we want to avoid in this Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread.
Check Early for Doneness: Start checking your bread for doneness at the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking and maintain its moistness.
Finely Chop Chocolate: Finely chop dark chocolate chips for even distribution throughout the bread, maximizing the chocolate flavor in every bite.
Cool Before Glazing: Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the frosting. This will help the glaze maintain its shape and look beautiful!
Substitutions Matter: If you’re out of peppermint extract, you can replace it with vanilla extract, but remember that the minty zing will be diminished.
Variations & Substitutions for Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread
Feel free to add your personal touch to this delicious recipe with these delightful variations!
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to increase fiber and add a nutty flavor.
- White Chocolate Chips: Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate for a sweeter and creamier version of this festive bread.
- Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty twist that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Minty Chocolate Swirl: For added flair, swirl in some chocolate syrup or peppermint bark pieces into the batter before baking. It creates a stunning visual effect!
- Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a cozy, warm spice that enhances the festive feel.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free delight that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.
- Zesty Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a surprising and uplifting citrus note that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
- Extra Peppermint: Intensify the mint flavor by increasing the peppermint extract in the glaze; just be careful not to overdo it!
Enjoy experimenting, and remember that each tweak to this recipe brings its own exciting journey into the world of flavor!
Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely! Use pure peppermint extract for the most authentic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with vanilla extract for an entirely different taste, though it won’t have that refreshing minty essence!
How should I store leftover Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
Very! Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, which keeps it nice and moist. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate, where it will last for about a week. Just remember to remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I freeze this bread, and how?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze your Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread without the glaze for up to 3 months. To do so, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it at room temperature for several hours, then add your peppermint glaze before serving.
What should I do if the bread is too dense?
The more the merrier! Dense bread can often result from overmixing after adding the flour, so make sure to mix just until incorporated. If your bread turns out dense, consider adding a little more milk next time or a touch of extra baking powder for added lift. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! For those with allergies, make sure to check that your milk and butter substitutes are suitable for your needs. You can easily make this Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread dairy-free by using non-dairy milk and vegan butter. Always double-check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well if you’re catering to those needs.
Delightful Festive Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe to Savor
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- - Mixing bowl
- Sifter
- Spatula
- - Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract Provides a refreshing mint flavor; use more vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
- 1 cup Dark Chocolate Chips Adds richness and depth; chop finely for even distribution.
- 1 cup Milk Adds moisture and balances flavors; substitute with non-dairy milk for a lactose-free version.
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened) Contributes to tenderness and taste; ensure it’s at room temperature for proper mixing.
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed) Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; no direct substitution recommended for best results.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Acts as a leavening agent; crucial for achieving a good rise.
- 2 large Eggs Provides structure and richness; must be at room temperature for proper emulsification.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Works alongside baking soda to add lightness; no substitutions are necessary.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the structure; use King Arthur all-purpose flour for the best texture.
- 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder Enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste; don’t skip it or risk losing chocolate depth.
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) Provides chocolate flavor and color; important to ensure it’s not sweetened.
- 1 pinch Salt Enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup White Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture balance; can replace with more brown sugar.
For the Glaze
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar Creates a sweet glaze; the base ingredient for frosting.
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt Adds creaminess and tang; can substitute with sour cream if needed.
- 2 tablespoons Milk Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze; adjust for desired thickness.
- 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract Reinforces the refreshing minty flavor of the glaze, essential for that festive touch.
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Soften the butter and let the eggs come to room temperature.
- Chop the dark chocolate chips finely and set them aside.
- Sift together the cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour into a large bowl.
- Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar in a mixing bowl for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each until fully incorporated. Then, mix in the peppermint extract.
- Alternate gradually adding the dry ingredients and milk into the mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating together the powdered sugar, Greek yogurt, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Top the cooled bread with the frosting, then immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Set the frosting for 15-20 minutes before slicing.