Chocolate Peppermint Bread is one of those enchanting bakes that instantly transforms any ordinary afternoon into a holiday celebration. With its deep, fudgy cocoa base, a whiff of cool peppermint, and a glorious shower of candy cane crunch on top, every bite feels festive. What I love most about this loaf is how it brings together classic chocolate comfort and the cheerful zing of peppermint, all wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself to a cozy slice with a mug of cocoa, this is the treat you’ll want on repeat all winter long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Peppermint Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Peppermint Bread lies in just a handful of powerhouse ingredients—each one brings a special touch to the party, from melty chocolate chips to that unmistakable minty finish. Don’t skip or swap anything here, because they all work together to create a loaf that’s rich, moist, and absolutely irresistible.

Butter, softened: Gives the bread its delicate crumb and rich, comforting flavor—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture that’s just right.
Brown sugar: Infuses a hint of caramel and moisture, making every bite ultra soft.
Eggs: These bind everything together and give the loaf its structure—don’t rush the beating step!
Peppermint extract: The star of the show, offering that crisp, refreshing mint flavor without overpowering the chocolate.
All purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of the bread, ensuring a perfect crumb every time.
Cocoa powder: Packs the loaf with deep, chocolatey goodness—use a quality brand for best results.
Baking powder & baking soda: Help the loaf rise high and light without any sinkage.
Espresso powder: Just a little goes a long way in amplifying the chocolate flavor (don’t worry, you won’t taste coffee).
Milk (whole or 2%): Keeps the bread wonderfully moist—room temperature milk blends in more smoothly.
Dark chocolate chips: For those dreamy, melty pockets that make this bread extra decadent.
Pinch of salt: Highlights the sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
Powdered sugar: The base for our creamy frosting, making every slice feel extra special.
More milk (for frosting): Gives the frosting its luscious, spreadable texture.
More peppermint extract (for frosting): Ensures a cool, minty tingle in the icing itself.
Greek yogurt: Adds tang and silkiness to the frosting that regular milk alone can’t achieve.
Crushed candy canes: The finishing touch—sparkly, minty, and utterly festive.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a sturdy loaf pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a generous greasing—this ensures your Chocolate Peppermint Bread comes out in one lovely piece, every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat everything together with an electric hand mixer until the mix is light, fluffy, and inviting—a few minutes will do the trick. This step ensures your loaf is perfectly tender and helps the bread rise just the right amount.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Cocoa Goodness

Sprinkle the baking powder, baking soda, espresso powder, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt right over your creamed mixture. Beat or mix gently until everything is well blended and you’ve got a beautiful, chocolatey base ready to go.

Step 4: Beat in Eggs and Peppermint Extract

Now, add your eggs one at a time along with the peppermint extract. Beat well after each addition—this ensures the batter gets airy and smooth, with that magical mint freshness woven all the way through.

Step 5: Alternate Flour and Milk

With your mixer on low, add the flour and milk in increments—beginning and ending with flour. Alternate about three or four times, mixing just until everything comes together after each addition. This gentle process keeps the crumb soft and helps your Chocolate Peppermint Bread bake up nice and even.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

It’s time for the best part: fold in those dark chocolate chips with a spatula. You’ll get little puddles of chocolate in every slice, which takes this loaf to another level!

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Here’s the trick: because Chocolate Peppermint Bread is so dark, it can look done on the outside before the middle is ready. Test with a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

While your bread cools, whip up the frosting. Beat together powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Wait to add the crushed candy canes—you’ll sprinkle those on after frosting for that signature crunch.

Step 9: Frost and Finish

Once the bread is completely cool, spread on your frosting and shower with crushed candy canes. Slice, serve, and bask in that chocolate-peppermint aroma!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bread

Garnishes

I love to pile extra crushed candy canes on top for a snowy effect, but you can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scattering of mini chocolate chips for extra decadence. A dusting of powdered sugar never goes amiss if you want to go for a classic, elegant look.

Side Dishes

Pair each slice of Chocolate Peppermint Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a cozy mug of hot cocoa. Fresh berries or thin orange slices also bring a great pop of color and brightness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the loaf into thick slices and serving on a rustic wooden board surrounded by peppermint sticks and chocolate shavings. For a fun twist, use mini loaf pans to create gift-sized Chocolate Peppermint Breads for your friends—or slice and layer with whipped cream for a festive trifle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled and frosted, wrap your Chocolate Peppermint Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, keep it in the fridge to prevent the frosting from slipping.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! If you’d like to freeze, wrap the unfrosted (or even fully frosted, though the candy canes may get a bit sticky) loaf in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, extra-indulgent slice, briefly microwave individual slices for about 10–15 seconds. If reheating the whole loaf, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Note: add fresh frosting or extra crushed candy canes after heating for best appearance.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of peppermint extract?

Peppermint oil is much more potent than extract—if you need to substitute, use just a few drops and taste the batter before baking. Be careful, as a little goes a surprisingly long way!

Is there a gluten-free version of this Chocolate Peppermint Bread?

Absolutely—swap the all purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Keep an eye on the bake time, as gluten-free loaves can cook a bit quicker or slower, depending on the blend.

How do I keep the bread super moist?

Be sure not to overbake! Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick. Also, storing tightly wrapped and using brown sugar ensures your Chocolate Peppermint Bread stays tender for days.

Do I have to add espresso powder?

Nope, but I highly recommend it! Espresso powder doesn’t make the bread taste like coffee—it just intensifies the chocolate flavor, making each slice even more luscious.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can double and bake in two loaf pans or even make as muffins (just adjust the baking time). This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is always a hit at parties and makes gift-giving extra memorable!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade Chocolate Peppermint Bread with family and friends—or just savoring it all to yourself with a cozy drink. Whip this up the next time you’re craving a sweet, wintery treat and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen!