Description
Decadent fudgy brownies swirled with creamy peppermint cheesecake and topped with crushed candy canes for a festive holiday treat that balances rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (200 grams, room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 grams, melted (1½ sticks)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (180 grams)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (28 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (2 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup peppermint crunch baking chips (85 grams or crushed candy canes)
- 16 ounces low-fat cream cheese (454 grams, room temperature (2 bricks).
- ¼ cup sour cream (57 grams, room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice (7 grams, from ¼ lemon)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (4 grams)
- 2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature)
- 1½ cups peppermint crunch baking chips (255 grams, divided)
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.,Brownie Batter: Whisk melted butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt. Add vanilla and eggs one at a time. Fold in flour until just combined.,Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using).,Layer: Spread ¾ brownie batter into pan. Dollop cheesecake mixture over top. Swirl with knife. Sprinkle with ¼ cup candy canes.,Bake: 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.,Cool: Let cool completely in pan. Chill 2 hours before slicing.,Finish: Sprinkle remaining candy canes over top before serving.
Notes
Peppermint Control: Reduce extract to ¼ tsp for milder mint flavor,Make Ahead: Stores refrigerated 5 days (candy cane topping added fresh),Freezing: Freeze without topping for up to 3 months,Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar for snow effect,Shortcut: Use boxed brownie mix (prepare as directed)
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
