I have such a sweet spot in my heart—and my kitchen—for chocolate peppermint bread! It’s that delightful treat that feels like a warm hug during the holiday season, yet can be savored all year round. I remember baking my first loaf in a flurry of excitement, with my kitchen smelling of rich chocolate intertwined with crisp peppermint. The earthy scent of cocoa mingling with sweet mint was sheer magic. Whenever I slice into this bread, it brings back memories of bustling holiday gatherings and cozy family moments.
What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors. You get that rich, chocolatey goodness with a refreshing peppermint twist. It’s great on its own, but it’s even better toasted with a slather of butter. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find it hard to not keep a loaf on hand at all times!
What’s in Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
Let’s dive into the delicious ingredients that come together to create this luxurious bread.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our bread, making it fluffy and soft. I like using unbleached flour for a more natural flavor.
Sugar: A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar offers the perfect sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel touch.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives our bread a rich chocolate flavor. I adore using Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper taste.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise and keep it light and airy.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: They provide moisture, add richness, and help bind everything together. I recommend using large eggs for the best results.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds moisture and a slight tang, making the bread tender. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor. Make sure it’s unsalted for better control over the saltiness.
Vanilla Extract and Peppermint Extract: These extracts elevate the flavors; the vanilla complements the chocolate, while the peppermint gives that refreshing zing.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to. They create delightful pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bread.
Is Chocolate Peppermint Bread Good for You?
Let’s be real, this isn’t a health food, but here’s why it can fit into a balanced diet!
All-Purpose Flour: As a source of carbohydrates, it provides energy. If you’re looking for a whole grain option, you could substitute part of it with whole wheat flour, but it may alter the texture.
Sugar: Moderation is key here. A little sweetness can boost your mood, and brown sugar adds minerals.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa is rich in antioxidants and can improve heart health, making it a fabulous addition to any sweet treat. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation!
Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips can be a guilt-free indulgence as they contain antioxidants. Plus, they taste heavenly!
Of course, this is a treat, so it should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Pair it with a healthy breakfast or serve it as a dessert to keep things balanced.
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
*This recipe yields about 1 loaf, serving 10 slices, depending on how generous you are with your cuts!*
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread?
Getting this delicious loaf in the oven is as easy as pie—err, bread! Here’s how:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips & Tweaks
Here are some fun ideas to really make this bread your own!
– **Add Extras**: You can toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some texture.
– **Frost It**: If you want to go all out, a cream cheese frosting topped with crushed peppermint candies can make this treat even more festive!
– **Make it Minty**: Want more peppermint? Add some crushed peppermint candies on top before baking for an extra burst of minty flavor.
– **Freeze for Later**: You can make two loaves and freeze one for later! Just wrap it tightly in foil or freezer paper.
I genuinely hope you try making this Chocolate Peppermint Bread! Each slice tells a delicious story, and I can promise you that the aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it, so please share your experiences and any little touches you added in the comments! Happy baking!
