Candy Cane Swirl Brownies
The holiday season is synonymous with warmth, love, and of course, delicious treats! When it comes to festive desserts, few things can beat the classic combination of chocolate and candy canes.
That’s why we’re excited to share our mouthwatering Candy Cane Swirl Brownies recipe.
These delightful brownies are not only visually stunning with their swirls of red and white but also incredibly decadent in flavour.
So, grab your apron and let’s set out on a journey to create this holiday delight.
Preparation and Baking – A Joyful Adventure
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the joy of holiday baking. The scent of chocolate wafting through your kitchen, the anticipation of sharing your creations with loved ones, and the simple pleasure of mixing, melting, and pouring ingredients—all of these contribute to the enchantment of the season.
Creating the Brownie Base
The heart of any good brownie is the chocolatey, gooey base. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, start by melting two sticks of unsalted butter. The aroma alone will have your kitchen feeling cozy and inviting. Stir in granulated sugar to create a sweet, buttery mixture.
Then, one by one, add those eggs and watch as the batter transforms into a luscious, silky concoction. Don’t forget to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavour.
The Perfect Blend of Flours and Cocoa
In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. This dry mixture is the yin to the wet ingredients’ yang. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet one, stirring diligently until everything is thoroughly combined. You’re now well on your way to creating the brownie base that dreams are made of.
Enter the Candy Cane Swirl
What sets these brownies apart from the rest is the delightful candy cane swirl. To make it, you’ll need to crush about 8-10 candy canes into small, delectable pieces. Mix them with sweetened condensed milk in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in short bursts, stirring each time until the candy canes melt into a smooth, vibrant mixture. This crimson swirl will not only add a burst of flavour but also give your brownies a festive and visually appealing touch.
The Art of Swirling
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Pour most of your brownie batter into a greased and lined baking pan, creating a smooth, chocolatey canvas. Next, drizzle your candy cane swirl mixture over the brownie base, making sure to distribute it evenly. Finally, add dollops of the remaining brownie batter on top of the candy cane layer. Use a knife or a toothpick to create mesmerizing swirls by gently dragging it through the layers, creating a marbled masterpiece.
The Sweet Aroma of Baking
As your Candy Cane Swirl Brownies bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C), your kitchen will be filled with the intoxicating scent of chocolate and peppermint. It’s a scent that epitomizes the holidays and brings smiles to faces both young and old. Be sure not to overbake your brownies; you want them to be fudgy and moist.
The Final Touch
Once your brownies have cooled to perfection, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Now, it’s time to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Each bite reveals a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and the refreshing zing of candy cane. The swirls of red and white are not just visually stunning but also a delightful promise of the holiday season.
Share the Joy
Whether you’re enjoying these Candy Cane Swirl Brownies by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or gifting them to friends and family, they are sure to spread joy and holiday spirit. The balance of chocolatey richness and peppermint freshness is simply unbeatable.
Conclusion
As the holiday season approaches, let these Candy Cane Swirl Brownies become a cherished tradition in your home. Their ease of preparation and stunning appearance make them a must-have for holiday gatherings and gift exchanges.
So, gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and let the aroma of chocolate and peppermint fill your home.
These brownies are a sweet reminder of the magic of the season, and every bite is a delicious taste of holiday happiness.
Candy Cane Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Candy Cane Swirl:
- 1 cup crushed candy canes about 8-10 candy canes
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter:
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until completely melted.
- Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Candy Cane Swirl:
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the crushed candy canes and sweetened condensed milk.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until the candy canes are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Drizzle the candy cane swirl mixture over the brownie batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the candy cane swirl.
- Use a knife or a toothpick to create swirls by gently dragging it through the brownie batter and candy cane mixture, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake; you want them to be fudgy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan.
- Cut into squares or rectangles, and serve.
