Candy cane brownies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion, but especially during the holidays. They’re made with a fudgy brownie base and topped with a chocolate frosting and crushed candy canes. They’re also easy to make, even for beginners. The secret to these brownies is using a boxed brownie mix. It’s a quick and easy way to get a delicious brownie base and it saves you the time and effort of making your own brownies from scratch. They’re also perfect as a last minute treat to whip up before a holiday party. This is a great hack for using up all of your leftover candy canes too! So, next time you’re looking for a festive and delicious treat, try making candy cane brownies! You won’t be disappointed.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
They’re made with a fudgy brownie base, topped with chocolate frosting and crushed candy canes.
They are super easy to make, even for beginners!
These brownies are impressive and festive.
They are made from a box mix, which makes the process much quicker!
These brownies can easily be made gluten free, vegan or allergy-friendly.
They are very kid-friendly!
These are perfect for any party.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make these candy cane brownies is a bowl and a baking dish.
Ingredients Needed
Brownie Mix: Feel free to use your favorite boxed brownie mix here. This saves so much time and this these candy cane brownies are such a fun way to dress up a mix! I used Otto’s Brownie Mix because it is gluten free and dairy free, but you can use any brand you would like. LESSWITHLAUR gets you a discount if you order from Otto’s!
Chocolate Chips: I love adding chocolate chips in my brownies. In my opinion, they are not complete without chocolate chunks throughout. I used dairy free chocolate here because I am dairy free, but you can use any chocolate chips or chunks you love!
Cacao Powder: Cacao powder is used to make the homemade frosting. Feel free to also use store bought chocolate frosting to make this even quicker.
Powdered Sugar: In frosting, powdered sugar serves a few important purposes. First, it provides the frosting with its sweetness. Second, it helps to give the frosting a smooth, creamy texture. Third, it helps to thicken the frosting and make it easier to spread.
Oil/Butter: I used melted coconut oil for my frosting, but feel free to use melted butter as well. This makes the frosting smooth and creamy!
Milk: Feel free to use any kind of milk for the frosting! I used dairy free milk because I am dairy free.
Candy Canes: Candy canes add some cheer to these festive candy cane brownies! I like to use the Yum Earth brand because they do not use artificial dyes.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients to make the brownies. Follow the instructions on your box. Mine called for oil, eggs and vanilla. I always add chocolate chips!
Step 2: Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool completely. While they’re cooling you can make the frosting. Gather the ingredients for your chocolate frosting.
Step 3: Combine cacao powder, powdered sugar, milk and coconut oil or butter in a bowl.
Step 4: Frost the brownies with the chocolate frosting.
Step 5: Crush the candy canes. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them.
Step 6: Sprinkle the candy canes on top of the brownies.
Step 7: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Storage
Let them cool completely. This will help to prevent the brownies from becoming soggy. Store them in an airtight container. This will help to keep the brownies fresh and moist. Refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If you need to store the brownies for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Recipe FAQ
Are candy canes healthy?
Candy canes are not particularly healthy. They are made primarily of sugar and corn syrup, and they contain very little nutritional value. I like to use Yum Earth candy canes because they do not contain any artificial dyes.
Do candy canes have a lot of sugar?
Candy canes are primarily made of sugar, but they are a fun and festive part of this recipe!
Can these brownies be made gluten free?
Yes! These brownies can be made gluten free by using a gluten free box mix.
Can these brownies be made vegan?
Yes! These candy cane brownies can be made vegan by using a vegan box mix and making sure to use a vegan frosting or dairy free milk and oil instead of butter in the frosting.
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If you make these candy cane brownies and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Candy Cane Brownies
Equipment
- 1 baking dish
- 2 bowls
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 1 package brownie mix
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted you can also use melted butter
- 1/2 cup cacao powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 candy canes
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients to make the brownies. Follow the instructions on your box. Mine called for oil, eggs and vanilla. I always add chocolate chips!
- Once the brownies are done baking, let them cool completely. While they're cooling you can make the frosting. Gather the ingredients for your chocolate frosting.
- Combine cacao powder, powdered sugar, milk and coconut oil or butter in a bowl.
- Frost the brownies with the chocolate frosting.
- Crush the candy canes. You can do this by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them.
- Sprinkle the candy canes on top of the brownies.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
