Peppermint Gooey Bars

Peppermint Gooey Bars are the ultimate holiday treat, combining the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate cake with the refreshing burst of peppermint. These bars are wonderfully gooey, with a soft, chewy base topped with a layer of creamy, sweetened condensed milk that holds everything together perfectly. The addition of Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips and coarsely crushed candy canes gives these bars an extra minty kick, making them a festive and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.

These bars are quick and easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a last-minute treat. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy family dessert night, or just because, these gooey peppermint bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of chocolate, peppermint, and candy cane crunch will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Festive Flavors: The perfect blend of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint, ideal for the holiday season.
2. Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients, these gooey bars come together in no time.
3. Gooey and Delicious: The sweetened condensed milk creates a luscious, gooey texture that’s simply irresistible.
4. Perfect for Sharing: These bars make an excellent gift or a crowd-pleasing dessert for any holiday party.
5. Customizable: You can add more or less peppermint and candy cane based on your preference for minty flavors.

this …

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (approximately 15 ounces)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup coarsely crushed candy canes (about 10 mini candy canes, optional)

Variations

• More Minty: Add an extra ¼ cup of Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips or some peppermint extract to intensify the mint flavor.
• White Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different twist.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan chocolate cake mix and substitute the butter and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives.
• Nutty Additions: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough. It will be sticky, but that’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Press the Dough into the Pan

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, covering the bottom completely. This will form the base layer of your gooey bars.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips over the dough. Then, drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set. The center should still be soft and gooey.

Step 6: Add the Candy Cane Crunch

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. While they’re still warm, sprinkle the coarsely crushed candy canes over the top for a crunchy, festive finish.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will ensure the bars hold together and don’t fall apart when you slice them.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. If you overbake them, they may lose their gooey texture. A slight jiggle in the center is a good sign that they’re done.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely to ensure they hold together when sliced.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to create the perfect dough texture.
• Extra Minty: For a stronger mint flavor, you can add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough.

How to Serve

• As a Holiday Treat: Serve these bars at your next holiday gathering or family dinner for a festive, easy-to-make dessert.
• With a Glass of Milk: These gooey bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk for an extra indulgent treat.
• Gift-Worthy: Package these bars in a festive box or tin and give them as homemade holiday gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover peppermint gooey bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will remain soft and gooey for several days.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use any chocolate cake mix, or even a red velvet cake mix for a different twist on the flavor.

2. Can I add more candy canes?

Absolutely! If you love the crunch and minty flavor of candy canes, feel free to add more.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.

4. Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

5. How do I make sure the bars are gooey?

Make sure not to overbake them! The bars should be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove them from the oven.

6. Can I use homemade cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the store-bought cake mix with a homemade chocolate cake mix if you prefer.

7. Can I use regular condensed milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is key to the gooey texture. Regular milk will not provide the same consistency or sweetness.

8. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

No, these bars can be stored at room temperature, making them great for on-the-go or sharing.

9. Can I omit the candy canes?

Yes, the candy canes are optional, but they add a nice crunch and extra holiday flair.

10. Can I use different flavored baking chips?

Yes, you can substitute the Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips with other flavors like white chocolate chips or toffee bits if you prefer.

Conclusion

Peppermint Gooey Bars are the perfect holiday dessert—deliciously gooey, wonderfully minty, and easy to make. With a chocolatey base, layers of creamy sweetened condensed milk, and the irresistible crunch of peppermint candy, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next holiday party or family gathering. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who enjoys the festive combination of chocolate and peppermint.

Print