👉 Candy Cane Brownies – Recipes on a Budget

Candy Cane Brownies

Description:
These Candy Cane Brownies are a festive treat that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, refreshing crunch of candy canes. Perfect for the holiday season or any occasion where you want a little extra cheer, these brownies are topped with crushed candy canes and studded with chocolate chips for the ultimate indulgence. The minty flavor of the candy canes paired with the deep chocolate flavor of the brownies creates a deliciously irresistible dessert that will leave your guests reaching for more!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 16 squares

Ingredients:

1 box of brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.
Prepare the brownie mix:
Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to prepare the batter (usually involving mixing the box ingredients with eggs, oil, and water).
Add candy canes and chocolate chips:
Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips into the brownie batter until evenly distributed.
Bake the brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs).
Cool and cut:
Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy!

Variations:

Candy Cane Swirl: For a decorative twist, gently swirl the candy cane bits into the top layer of the batter before baking.
Peppermint Frosting: Top the brownies with a peppermint-flavored buttercream frosting for an extra layer of sweetness.
Add nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture that complements the candy cane pieces.
Double the chocolate: Use a combination of white chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips for a more decadent version.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Tips:

Serve the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Pair with a hot cup of cocoa or peppermint tea for the perfect winter dessert.
Arrange them on a festive plate and dust with powdered sugar or extra crushed candy canes for a beautiful presentation.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Brownies freeze well. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Reheat brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Alternatively, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
Can I substitute the candy canes for something else?
If you prefer, you can swap out the candy canes for crushed peppermint bark or other mint-flavored candies.
What kind of brownie mix should I use?
Any standard brownie mix will work. You can use a fudgy or cake-like mix, depending on your preference.
Can I add more candy canes?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed candy canes to your liking for a stronger mint flavor.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can chop up any chocolate bar into small pieces and use that instead of chocolate chips.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies—if it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs), they’re done.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies up to 2 days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate will add a richer flavor to the brownies, which pairs nicely with the minty candy canes.
Can I use white chocolate chips?
Yes! White chocolate chips will add a creamy sweetness that complements the peppermint.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free brownie mix.
How do I make these brownies extra gooey?
To make them extra gooey, slightly underbake them and remove them from the oven when the toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs.
How can I make these brownies more festive?
You can decorate them with a drizzle of white chocolate or additional crushed candy canes on top for a more decorative look.
Can I use a different flavor of candy?
Absolutely! Try crushed butterscotch or toffee pieces if you want to experiment with different flavors.
Can I use peppermint extract in the batter instead of candy canes?
Yes! Add 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract to the brownie mix for a minty flavor.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and adjust the baking time for a larger pan.
Can I add marshmallows to the batter?
Yes, mini marshmallows would add a soft, chewy texture to the brownies.
What size pan should I use for this recipe?
A standard 9×9-inch baking pan works perfectly for this recipe.
How can I make these brownies dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and a dairy-free brownie mix for a dairy-free version.
How do I store leftover brownies?
Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, brownies freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

20 Best Tips to Make These Brownies Perfect:

Use room temperature eggs and oil for a smoother brownie batter.
Grease the pan well to prevent the brownies from sticking.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the brownies from becoming too dense.
Check the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Crush the candy canes into small pieces for better distribution throughout the batter.
Let the brownies sit for a few minutes in the pan after baking to set before cutting.
Consider chilling the brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes to make them even more fudgy.
Cut brownies with a sharp knife to ensure clean edges.
Sprinkle extra crushed candy canes on top right after baking for a festive touch.
Make sure your oven is fully preheated for consistent baking.
If you like your brownies more cake-like, bake them a bit longer.
Add a pinch of salt to the batter for a flavor contrast that balances the sweetness.
Use a toothpick to test doneness in the center and adjust time as needed.
For gooey brownies, underbake them slightly.
Chill leftover brownies to keep them fresh for longer.
Serve with ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Make a holiday-themed drizzle by melting white chocolate and swirling it on top.