Mouthwatering Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe

Scrumptious Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe to Dazzle Guests

Chocolate lovers know the magic of a decadent homemade chocolate peppermint bread that melts hearts instantly.

This festive treat combines rich cocoa with a refreshing peppermint twist that dances on your taste buds.

The delicate balance of sweet chocolate and cool mint creates a symphony of flavors that feels like a culinary celebration.

Each slice promises a delightful experience that transforms an ordinary afternoon into something extraordinary.

Warm from the oven, this bread brings comfort and joy with every single bite.

The recipe is straightforward, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Bake Chocolate Peppermint Bread Step by Step

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a loaf pan. Grease it up and line with parchment paper for easy bread removal.

  • Whisk Dry Teammates

Grab a big bowl and combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix them until they’re friendly with each other.

  • Create Wet Magic

In another bowl, blend sugars, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract until silky smooth. Splash in buttermilk and stir.

  • Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Sprinkle in chocolate chips and give a soft stir.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan. Slide into the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

  • Decorate with Flair

Once cooled, melt white chocolate with a touch of coconut oil. Drizzle dramatically over bread and shower with crushed candy canes.

  • Slice and Savor

Let chocolate set, then cut into gorgeous slices. Pair with a steaming mug of hot cocoa for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread More Festive

  • Baking Brilliance: Swap regular milk with a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk's tangy magic when you're out of the original ingredient.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for 2 months.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this treat safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk with a touch of vinegar instead of buttermilk for a completely dairy-free version.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Package the bread in festive wrapping with a candy cane on top for a homemade gift that spreads winter cheer to friends and family.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bread in Style

  • Festive Holiday Dessert Plate: Slice the chocolate peppermint bread and arrange on a decorative platter with small peppermint candy canes scattered around for a cheerful winter presentation.
  • Warm Cocoa Companion: Pair each slice with a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, creating a comforting and indulgent winter treat that warms the soul.
  • Elegant Breakfast Option: Toast a slice lightly and serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for a sophisticated morning breakfast or brunch offering that feels special and decadent.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a festive ribbon, and include a small candy cane for a homemade holiday gift that shows personal care and culinary creativity.

Keep Chocolate Peppermint Bread Fresh and Moist

  • Quick Refrigeration: Store slices in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining moisture and freshness. Keep bread wrapped tightly to prevent drying.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or entire loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
  • Counter Storage Strategy: When enjoying within 2 days, keep bread covered at room temperature in a sealed container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain optimal taste.
  • Flavor Enhancement Tip: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. This technique revives the chocolate's richness and reactivates peppermint's subtle aromatics, creating an almost-fresh-baked experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Chocolate Peppermint Bread: Ingredient Essentials

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and backbone to the bread, ensuring a tender crumb and perfect texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor while adding a beautiful dark color to the bread.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a soft, airy consistency.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the chocolate peppermint bread.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a moist, tender crumb with subtle caramel undertones.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness, moisture, and contributes to the bread's tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure and moisture to the bread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
  • Peppermint Extract: Introduces a cool, refreshing minty note that complements the chocolate perfectly.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, helps tenderize the bread, and creates a light, fluffy texture.
For Toppings and Mix-Ins:
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Scattered throughout the bread, they create delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Used for drizzling, adding a creamy, sweet finish to the bread.
  • Coconut Oil: Helps melt and smooth the white chocolate for a beautiful drizzle.
  • Candy Canes: Crushed on top for a festive crunch and additional peppermint flavor.

Must-Have Tools for Chocolate Peppermint Bread Success

  • Large Mixing Bowls: Two bowls for separating dry and wet ingredients, ensuring smooth mixing.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients quickly and eliminating lumps.
  • 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: Essential for baking the bread with the right shape and size.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps with easy bread removal and prevents sticking.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Used for melting white chocolate chips.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Toothpick: Helps check bread doneness by testing the center.
Print
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Mouthwatering Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe

Mouthwatering Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rich chocolate peppermint bread blends festive winter flavors with classic quick bread techniques. Cocoa and crushed candy canes create a delightful dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet moments.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk (or whole milk)
  • ½ cup (85 g) mini chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (85 g) white chocolate chips (or semisweet chocolate)
  • ¼ cup (40 g) crushed candy canes
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp coconut oil or butter (for melting)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C), center rack. Butter and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, extending edges for easy removal.
  2. Dry Ingredient Blend: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring smooth, lump-free consistency.
  3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Combine sugars and melted butter in a large bowl. Whisk eggs individually until smooth, then incorporate vanilla and peppermint extracts to create a fragrant base.
  4. Batter Assembly: Pour buttermilk into wet ingredients, stirring until fully integrated. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing minimally to preserve a tender texture. Fold in mini chocolate chips evenly.
  5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 50-60 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Rest bread in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack using parchment paper edges. Once cooled, melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in short microwave bursts.
  7. Decorative Finale: Drizzle melted white chocolate artistically across the bread’s surface. Immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over the chocolate. Allow chocolate to set completely before slicing into generous pieces.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter just until ingredients combine to maintain a light, tender texture and avoid dense, tough bread.
  • Control Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate in short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve smooth consistency.
  • Monitor Baking Time: Check bread around 50-minute mark to prevent over-browning; oven temperatures can vary, so use toothpick test for precise doneness.
  • Customize Peppermint Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract quantity based on personal preference – start with less and add gradually to control flavor strength.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 305
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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