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Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

These Dark Chocolate Peppermint Brownies combine rich, intense chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint cream for a festive and indulgent treat. Made with almond flour and natural sweeteners, these brownies are moist, decadent, and perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a chocolatey peppermint delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 6 Tablespoons butter or coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 large egg plus 1 large yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup no-sugar-added applesauce
  • 3/4 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder (Special Dark recommended, natural is fine too)
  • 3 Tablespoons granulated monk fruit sweetener or granulated stevia
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Peppermint Cream Layer

  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated monk fruit sweetener or granulated stevia
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Toppings

  • Festive sprinkles, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Fat: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with the butter or coconut oil by microwaving for about 60 seconds on high. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients to Chocolate Mixture: Stir in the whole egg and yolk, vanilla extract, and no-sugar-added applesauce into the melted chocolate mixture until well combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, granulated monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and salt. Once combined, stir these dry ingredients into the wet chocolate mixture until a smooth batter forms.
  5. Spread Brownie Batter: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Set aside while preparing the peppermint layer.
  6. Prepare Peppermint Cream Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the coconut cream and egg until combined. Stir in the sweetener and peppermint extract until well mixed.
  7. Add Peppermint Layer: Pour the peppermint cream mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
  8. Decorate: Sprinkle festive sprinkles over the peppermint layer if desired to add color and holiday cheer.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  10. Chill and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Then chill in the refrigerator thoroughly; this step is important to set the peppermint layer and enhance the flavor contrast. Once chilled, slice and serve.

Notes

  • Using Special Dark cocoa powder will give a deeper chocolate flavor, but natural cocoa powder works well too.
  • Microwaving chocolate and fat ensures a smooth base; stir well to avoid lumps.
  • Chilling the brownies before slicing is crucial to allow the peppermint layer to firm up and improve the overall texture.
  • These brownies are gluten-free due to almond flour, and suitable for those avoiding refined sugars when using monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: dark chocolate peppermint brownies, gluten free brownies, peppermint dessert, holiday brownies, almond flour brownies, sugar-free brownies, coconut cream peppermint layer

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/dark-chocolate-peppermint-brownies-recipe/