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Lighter Christmas Peppermint Brownies with Crushed Candy Cane

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Fudgy, minty brownies made lighter with Greek yogurt and applesauce, topped with crunchy candy cane pieces. A guilt-free holiday treat that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup (60g) dark chocolate chips (60% cacao)
  • 1/4 cup (40g) crushed candy canes (about 4–5 regular-sized)
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips, melted, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until no lumps remain.
  4. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined (do not overmix). Batter will be thick and fudgy.
  5. Fold in dark chocolate chips.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle about three-quarters of the crushed candy canes over the top, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  8. Use parchment overhang to lift brownies out of pan. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool completely.
  9. Sprinkle remaining crushed candy canes on top. If using, drizzle melted white chocolate over brownies. Let set for 10 minutes before slicing into 16 squares.

Notes

Don’t overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy. Use room temperature eggs for best texture. Crush candy canes into a mix of small pieces and powder for optimal crunch. Check doneness at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking. Brownies continue to cook as they cool.

Nutrition

Keywords: peppermint brownies, lighter brownies, Christmas brownies, candy cane brownies, healthy brownies, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/lighter-christmas-peppermint-brownies-with-crushed-candy-cane/