Peppermint Frosted Brownies
Brownie Base, Topped with Vanilla Frosting & Candy Canes
The ultimate holiday dessert: fudgy, chocolatey, and topped with creamy peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes.
🍫 Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Frosted Brownies
If you love the flavor combo of chocolate and peppermint, you’re going to be obsessed with these Peppermint Frosted Brownies. They’re rich, fudgy, and taste like a holiday version of your favorite classic brownie.
Made with simple ingredients like almond flour, cacao powder, and applesauce, these brownies are dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan-friendly — but you’d never know it from how decadent they taste.
They’re perfect for:
Holiday parties or cookie swaps 🎁
Gifting in festive boxes
Dessert tables or cozy nights in with hot cocoa
Each bite is soft, chewy, and topped with a layer of smooth peppermint frosting and crushed candy canes for that signature crunch.
Vegan butter: any vegan butter will work. Be sure it is melted. If you don’t want to use butter, you can also use liquid oil. If you aren’t vegan, you can use traditional butter.
Sugar: I used coconut sugar in this recipe. However, any granulated sugar will work, for example, monk fruit or white sugar.
Applesauce: : I always use unsweetened applesauce. Ideally, you want the only ingredients to be water and apples. You can use sweetened applesauce; however, I find it to be sweet enough from the frosting and candy canes.
Almond butter: I prefer almond butter in this recipe; however, any nut or seed butter will work. Be sure it is on the runnier side rather than the chunky side. Ideally, you want the only ingredient to be almonds or whatever nut/seed you’re using.
Nondairy milk: I always use unsweetened almond milk. Any nondairy milk will work. If you aren’t vegan, traditional milk also works.
Cacao powder: I like using cacao powder for the extra nutrients. If you don’t have this, unsweetened cocoa powder also works.
Almond flour: I haven’t tested any other flours in this recipe. The combination of almond flour and all-purpose flour create a good texture for the brownies.
All-purpose flour: I haven’t tested any other flours in this recipe.
Frosting: I used store-bought frosting. Most are vegan, just be sure to check the label. Any frosting recipe will work.
Crushed candy canes: any candy canes will work. You could omit if you would like.
Optional: chocolate chips: any chocolate will work.
🧁 The Perfect Holiday Brownie
If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that looks festive but takes less than 40 minutes to make, these Peppermint Frosted Brownies are your new go-to.
They don’t require any fancy ingredients, and they bake up in one bowl — meaning minimal cleanup. The texture is fudgy, not cakey, and the peppermint frosting adds the perfect sweet and refreshing finish.
The crushed candy cane topping adds sparkle and crunch, making these brownies look straight out of a holiday bakery case.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what makes these brownies both indulgent and better-for-you:
Vegan butter: Gives that rich, classic brownie flavor.
Sugar + applesauce: Keeps them soft, moist, and sweet without eggs.
Almond butter: Adds protein and gives the brownies a fudgy, dense texture.
Nondairy milk: Use almond, oat, or soy milk — any works!
Baking powder: Helps them rise just slightly while staying chewy.
Cacao powder: Deep chocolate flavor and antioxidants.
Almond flour + all-purpose flour: The combo gives structure with a soft bite.
Crushed candy canes: Adds peppermint crunch and a holiday look.
Chocolate chips (optional): Because extra chocolate is always a good idea.
Recipe Tips for the Best Peppermint Brownies
Use black cocoa for an even deeper chocolate flavor and darker color.
Don’t overbake! These brownies are meant to stay soft and fudgy — a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Let them cool completely before frosting so the frosting doesn’t melt.
Chill the frosted brownies before cutting for clean edges and perfect squares.
🍫 Peppermint Frosted Brownies Recipe
Servings: 9 brownies
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🧈 Brownie Ingredients
¼ cup vegan butter, melted
½ cup sugar
½ cup applesauce
⅓ cup almond butter
¼ cup nondairy milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅓ cup cacao powder
½ cup almond flour
¼ cup all-purpose flour
⅓–½ cup crushed candy cane pieces
(Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips)
🧁 Peppermint Frosting
3 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
2 tablespoons vegan cream cheese
1½ cups powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons nondairy milk
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes, for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together melted vegan butter, sugar, applesauce, almond butter, and nondairy milk until smooth.
Add baking powder, cacao powder, almond flour, and all-purpose flour. Stir until a thick, glossy batter forms.
Fold in crushed candy canes and chocolate chips (if using).
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks slightly underbaked.
Let cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the Peppermint Frosting
In a bowl, beat vegan butter and vegan cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
Stir in nondairy milk and peppermint extract until fluffy and spreadable.
Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.
Sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that festive peppermint crunch.
How to Store Peppermint Frosted Brownies
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or
In the fridge for up to 5 days (the frosting holds up better chilled).
Freeze unfrosted brownies for up to 2 months — just thaw, frost, and top with candy canes before serving.
🍫 Peppermint Brownie Variations
Want to switch it up? Try these easy variations:
Double Chocolate Peppermint: Stir in extra chocolate chunks before baking.
Mocha Peppermint Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter.
White Chocolate Peppermint: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting before adding candy canes.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour instead of all-purpose.
❓ FAQ: Peppermint Brownies
Can I make these brownies without peppermint?
Yes! Just skip the extract and candy canes for a classic chocolate brownie.
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes — it works well, but your brownies may have a slightly different texture.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and crush gently with a rolling pin — don’t overdo it, or you’ll get powder.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely. Bake the brownies, cool, and store unfrosted for up to 2 days before frosting.
Final Thoughts
These Peppermint Frosted Brownies are the perfect holiday dessert — simple to make, ultra fudgy, and irresistibly festive. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings all the holiday cheer in one pan.
Pair with a mug of peppermint mocha or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
If you try them, tag me on Instagram — I love seeing your holiday baking creations! 🎄
