Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Published: August 29, 2025

Sliced Chocolate Peppermint Bread on a wooden table, decorated with mint leaves.

Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate with the refreshing coolness of peppermint. This recipe captures the essence of holiday cheer while being easy enough for a weekday baking adventure.

Perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or holiday parties, this bread is bound to become a new favorite, offering a deliciously soft texture and an aromatic finish. Let’s embark on this step-by-step delicious journey to whip up this scrumptious dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a true crowd-pleaser, boasting a simple prep time with minimal ingredients, making it an easy choice for bakers of all skill levels. It comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with tantalizing scents of chocolate and peppermint. The combination of mint and chocolate not only evokes nostalgia but also gives you a warm, comforting treat that everyone will adore. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or just a sweet indulgence at home, this recipe ensures you have a show-stopping dessert that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Chocolate Peppermint Bread, you’re going to need a few delightful ingredients:

1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, creating a light and airy texture.
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This rich, velvety powder infuses deep chocolate flavor that fills each slice.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that enhances the flavor combinations while keeping the moisture intact.
1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that helps your bread rise and remain fluffy.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give the perfect rise.
1/4 tsp salt: Just a hint to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture for a wonderfully tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Binding ingredients that help in creating that perfect lift and texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic touch that complements the chocolate beautifully.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds a lovely tang and moisture, creating a softer crumb.
1/4 tsp peppermint extract: Infuses a refreshing and invigorating flavor that is synonymous with the holiday season.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Sweet morsels that melt beautifully into every slice.
1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies for topping: A crunchy, colorful garnish that adds both texture and a festive touch.
1 cup powdered sugar for icing: To create a sweet, glossy drizzle that brings everything together.
2 to 3 tbsp milk for icing: Regulates the consistency of the icing to achieve that perfect drizzle.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your bread bakes evenly and rises perfectly from the moment it goes in.
Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking, ensuring your beautiful bread easily releases once baked.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure they are well blended for an even flavor throughout your bread.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and peppermint extract until smooth. This mixture not only brings moisture to your bread but also adds delightful flavors.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding little pockets of chocolatey goodness.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out to create an even surface.
Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.
Cool the Bread: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Icing: While the bread cools, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough milk in a bowl until you reach a nice drizzle consistency.
Drizzle and Decorate: Once the bread is entirely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top and immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies to add that festive touch.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: The secret to a light and airy bread is in how you mix. Stir just until combined, and your bread will be tender.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, let your eggs and buttermilk come to room temperature to create a more cohesive batter.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add nuts or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate versions for a variation in flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Chocolate Peppermint Bread is best served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. Consider slicing it and serving with a dollop of whipped cream or topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert! It’s also a fantastic treat for holiday brunches or as a homemade gift for your loved ones.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bread contains approximately 250 calories, making it a delightful but indulgent treat. It provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats, so while it’s a sweet indulgence, enjoy it in moderation for a balanced lifestyle. Do consider pairing this treat with some healthy options like fresh fruits or nuts on the side.

Storing Tips & Variations

Storage: Keep your Chocolate Peppermint Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven for a few minutes.
Variations: You can experiment with adding different flavor extracts, such as orange or almond for a twist, or consider making a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free blend.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. We encourage you to try making this easy, yet outstanding treat for yourself and your loved ones. Bake, enjoy, and share your experience with us!

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread stores well and can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it’s kept in an airtight container.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can swap in white, dark, or even peanut butter chocolate chips for varied flavors.

4. How can I enhance the peppermint flavor?
To intensify the peppermint flavor, you could increase the peppermint extract slightly or fold in some finely chopped mint leaves for an added fresh kick.

5. Is it okay to add nuts to the recipe?
Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor contrast to the soft bread. Just be sure to consider any allergies of those you are serving!