Chocolate Peppermint Bread

This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is a rich, festive loaf I love baking during the holidays. With deep cocoa flavor, a hint of cool peppermint, and a soft, moist crumb, it’s the perfect winter treat. Topped with a sweet glaze and crushed candy canes, it looks beautiful on a holiday table and tastes even better with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines two classic holiday flavors — chocolate and peppermint — in a cozy, sliceable loaf. It’s easy to make in one bowl, bakes beautifully, and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. Whether I’m gifting it, sharing it at a brunch, or sneaking a slice for dessert, it always feels festive and indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bread

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Milk
• Peppermint extract
• Vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

For the glaze & topping

• Powdered sugar
• Milk or cream
• Peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Directions

1. Preheat the oven
   I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add wet ingredients
   I add the eggs, oil, sour cream, milk, vanilla, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients. I mix just until everything is combined — careful not to overmix.
4. Fold in chocolate chips
   I stir in the chocolate chips if using, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake the bread
   I bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). I let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
6. Add the glaze
   Once the bread is fully cooled, I mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and a drop of peppermint extract to make a smooth glaze. I drizzle it over the loaf and top with crushed candy canes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Bake time: ~50–60 minutes
Cooling & decorating time: ~30 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a minty-mocha vibe
• I swirl in cream cheese filling for a richer loaf
• I skip the glaze and dust with powdered sugar for a simpler version
• I add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor
• I make mini loaves for gifting during the holidays

storage/reheating

Room temperature: I store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: I refrigerate for up to 5 days if I want it to last longer.

Freezer: I wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I thaw at room temperature before glazing.

Reheating: I warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?

Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger. I use only a few drops and taste the batter before baking.

What keeps the bread moist?

The sour cream (or yogurt) and oil help the bread stay soft and moist for days. I avoid overbaking to keep it tender.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I make two loaves at once and freeze one or give it away as a gift. Just make sure to adjust baking time if needed.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes — the bread is flavorful enough on its own. But the glaze and candy canes add sweetness, crunch, and that festive look.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

I use unsweetened natural cocoa powder. Dutch-process works too, but it may slightly change the flavor and rise.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peppermint Bread is everything I want in a holiday bake — rich, minty, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. Whether I’m baking for a party, gifting to friends, or enjoying a quiet moment with a warm slice and a cup of coffee, it brings just the right mix of comfort and holiday cheer.

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