If you’re searching for a festive treat that combines rich chocolatey goodness with the refreshing zing of peppermint, this Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars are a delightful fusion of simple ingredients that come together in layers of fudgy, cakey, and minty bliss. Whether you’re whipping them up for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, they are guaranteed to become a fast favorite on your dessert table. The ease of using a cake mix combined with luscious chocolate and crushed candy canes makes this recipe as approachable as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars Recipe plays a vital role. The chocolate cake mix forms a moist and tender base, while the blend of eggs and vegetable oil keeps everything perfectly rich and soft. Chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk combine into a luscious fudge layer that brings decadence to the bars. Finally, crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and refreshing peppermint flavor that makes these bars truly special.
- Chocolate cake mix: The foundation of this recipe, providing delicious chocolate flavor and easy preparation.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist without overpowering the chocolate taste.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the texture.
- Chocolate chips: Melt down into a creamy fudge layer that intensifies the chocolate experience.
- Butter: Adds smooth richness to the fudge and helps it set perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates a luscious, gooey fudge consistency when combined with chocolate.
- Crushed candy canes: Give the bars a festive crunch and a refreshing peppermint kick.
How to Make Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple prep ensures that your bars won’t stick and your clean-up will be a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Base
Combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until they form a thick dough. Then, press about two-thirds of this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This layer will bake into a moist, chocolatey crust that holds all those fudgy layers on top.
Step 3: Make the Fudge Layer
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in one-minute increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and shiny. Pour this decadent fudge evenly over the pressed cake mixture. This step adds the rich, gooey heart to your bars that contrasts beautifully with the cakey layers.
Step 4: Add the Top Layer
Take the remaining one-third of your cake mix dough and drop it in spoonfuls over the fudge layer. Don’t worry if it looks a little uneven; it will bake into a perfectly rustic top crust that balances the creamy fudge beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the top layer to firm up without overbaking, so keep an eye on the color—it should turn a inviting deep chocolate brown.
Step 6: Finish with Festive Peppermint
Immediately after removing the bars from the oven, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top. As the bars cool, these candy pieces will gently set into the surface, creating that signature peppermint crunch that brings holiday magic to every bite.
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own, but you can take them to the next level by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream also make delightful accents that add freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. The cold creaminess paired with the warm, fudgy bars creates a comforting combination that’s hard to beat.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and place them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go enjoyment. You can also layer broken pieces in a clear glass jar to create a festive dessert parfait, alternating with whipped cream or crushed peppermint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them soft and fudgy while preserving the peppermint crunch on top.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings out the melty fudge texture and the vibrant chocolate flavor, making each bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chocolate is classic here, mixing it up with a devil’s food or even a gingerbread mix can create interesting flavor combos that still pair wonderfully with the peppermint.
How do I crush candy canes easily?
Place candy canes inside a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This way, you get small pieces perfect for sprinkling without turning the candy into dust.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like vegan butter and a vegan sweetened condensed milk substitute, though the texture might vary slightly. Keep the chocolate chips dairy-free as well to maintain the right flavor and consistency.
Can I use fresh peppermint instead of candy canes?
Fresh peppermint leaves won’t provide the same sweet crunch and intense flavor as crushed candy canes. For that classic peppermint-chocolate mashup, crushed candy canes are the best choice.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh and delicious for about four days. Beyond that, consider refrigerating or freezing to keep them tasting their best.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars Recipe enough when you want a show-stopping dessert that’s simple, flavorful, and filled with festive charm. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to year after year, whether for holiday celebrations or whenever the craving for chocolate and peppermint hits. Give it a try—you’ll love sharing this delightful treat with your favorite people!
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Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 3.3 dozen bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Peppermint Chocolate Cake Mix Bars, combining rich chocolate cake mix with a luscious chocolate fudge layer and festive crushed candy canes. Perfectly moist and chewy, these bars offer an effortless yet indulgent treat ideal for the holiday season or any chocolate and peppermint lover’s craving.
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 4 candy canes, crushed
Fudge Layer
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the bars won’t stick.
- Make Cake Mix Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs until fully integrated. Press about two-thirds of this cake mix dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- Prepare Fudge Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave the mixture in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Pour this rich fudge evenly over the cake mix base layer.
- Add Remaining Cake Mix: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining one-third of cake mix dough over the fudge layer. Spread gently to cover as much of the fudge as possible but it will not be perfectly smooth and that’s expected.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is set and slightly firm to the touch but still moist inside.
- Finish and Cool: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly over the top for a festive crunch. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the fudge layer is smooth before pouring over the cake dough to ensure even coverage.
- Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting helps them hold together better.
- You can substitute peppermint extract for candy canes if preferred for a mintier flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
