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A perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and festive peppermint, these Peppermint Gooey Bars are the ultimate holiday treat. With their gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful burst of minty flavor, these bars are the perfect dessert to add to your Christmas spread or enjoy with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. The combination of a chocolate cake mix crust, a creamy and indulgent center, and the crunch of crushed candy canes makes these bars both simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

These bars are an easy, one-pan dessert that requires minimal effort but packs maximum flavor. The rich chocolatey base pairs perfectly with the creamy filling, while the candy cane topping adds a crunchy texture and a pop of holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to treat yourself, these gooey bars will definitely be a hit. Plus, they make for a stunning dessert that will impress your guests with their festive appearance and irresistible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Holiday Flavor – The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a festive, delicious classic.
Super Easy – With a cake mix for the crust, this recipe is a breeze to prepare.
Gooey and Indulgent – The filling is creamy and rich, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Festive and Fun – The crushed candy canes on top add a delightful crunch and a burst of mint.
Great for Parties – These bars are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for serving at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Miss Jones chocolate cake mix
Egg
Melted butter

For the Filling:

Softened cream cheese
Eggs
Cocoa powder
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar
Melted butter
Crushed candy canes (mini candy canes)

Variations

White Chocolate Peppermint Bars: Swap the cocoa powder with white chocolate chips for a creamy, sweet twist.
Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the filling for added texture.
Chocolate Chip Peppermint: Fold in chocolate chips to the filling for extra chocolatey richness.
Vegan Version: Use a vegan chocolate cake mix, dairy-free cream cheese, and vegan butter to make this dessert suitable for plant-based diets.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2:

For the crust, mix the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form a crust layer.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.

Step 4:

Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 5:

Sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the top of the filling.

Step 6:

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Step 7:

Serve and enjoy! You can also dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Be sure to let the cream cheese soften completely before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
For a smoother texture, beat the filling ingredients for a few minutes to ensure they are well combined.
If the edges start to brown too much while baking, cover the pan with foil and continue baking until the center is set.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold together nicely.

How to Serve

Serve as-is for a simple, sweet treat.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate syrup for an extra touch.
Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for the ultimate holiday indulgence.
Great for serving at holiday parties or gift-giving—cut into bite-sized squares for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peppermint Gooey Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay fresh longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These bars freeze well! Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

These bars are best served at room temperature, but you can microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up if desired.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix for the crust?

Yes! You can use any chocolate cake mix you prefer, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.

2. Can I make these bars without the cream cheese filling?

The cream cheese filling adds richness and creaminess, but if you want a lighter alternative, you can use a simple chocolate ganache instead.

3. How do I crush the candy canes?

Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. Alternatively, you can use a food processor.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

5. Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

You can try using a sugar substitute for the powdered sugar, but the texture and taste may be slightly different. Be sure to follow the directions on the substitute’s packaging.

6. How do I know when these bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Can I use regular-sized candy canes instead of mini ones?

Yes, you can use regular-sized candy canes. Just crush them into small pieces and adjust the amount to your liking.

8. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Let them thaw before serving.

9. How long do these bars last?

These bars stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the fridge.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?

Yes, you can fold in chocolate chips to the filling for extra chocolatey goodness!

Conclusion

Peppermint Gooey Bars are a holiday treat that combines the best of chocolate, cream cheese, and minty goodness. These simple-to-make bars are packed with festive flavor and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these gooey bars are the perfect dessert. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they are bound to become a favorite during the holiday season.