Rich, fudgy, and mouthwateringly minty, these brownies are baked in a skillet and topped with a decadent chocolate truffle frosting!
There are certain times of the year when I start craving specific flavors. In the fall, I’m all about apples, cinnamon, and maple. But as soon as sweater weather turns into winter coat season, I can’t get enough of chocolate and peppermint. This festive flavor pairing offers a delightful contrast between the mint’s cool, refreshing notes and the chocolate’s rich decadence, which is probably why it’s especially iconic during the holidays.
I love the flavor combo in any form—from peppermint mocha lattes to chocolate-peppermint bark to these insanely delicious vegan brownies. Making them in a cast-iron skillet ensures that each piece has wonderfully crispy edges and a soft, fudgy center. And the rich truffle frosting adds another delicious layer of chocolaty goodness, thanks to the unexpected addition of buttery avocado. Crushed candy canes on top add a festive touch and enhance the mint flavor.
You definitely don’t have to wait for the weather to turn cold to whip up a batch of these brownies. They are sure to disappear pronto whenever you make them. The best part? This recipe calls for a box of vegan brownie mix, which means you’ll spend less time measuring and more time devouring!
What is chocolate truffle frosting?
As the name implies, chocolate truffle frosting is a type of ganache-based frosting that tastes like the inside of a chocolate truffle. It’s rich, smooth, and glossy—different from a buttercream, which has more of a whipped consistency. While chocolate truffle frosting is typically made by combining melted chocolate with heavy cream, this vegan version uses mashed avocado to achieve a creamy, spreadable frosting consistency.
How do I store leftovers?
If the entire pan isn’t devoured immediately (which in my house is highly unlikely), you can tightly wrap the pan with plastic wrap or transfer the brownies to an airtight container. It’s best to leave any leftovers uncut to maximize their freshness. They can be stored on the counter at room temperature for 3-5 days or up to 1 week in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. It’s best to flash-freeze them in the pan to harden the frosting and then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container for storage.
Serving suggestions
Since these brownies are intensely chocolaty, I recommend serving them with a nice cold glass of Almond Milk to wash ’em down. However, they’d taste equally great with an Iced Latte. Want to double up on the chocolaty decadence? Enjoy your brownies with a mug of Vegan Hot Chocolate. If you’re the sort of person who prefers your brownies à la mode, try pairing them with a scoop of this Cookie Dough Ice Cream.
Ingredients
For The Brownie:
- 1 box vegan brownie mix
- 2 tablespoons oil or as directed on box, I used avocado oil
- 3/4 cup water or as directed on box
For The Chocolate Truffle Frosting:
- 6 tablespoons avocado mashed
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- Crushed candy canes for garnish, optional, but recommended
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch cast-iron skillet with oil.
- Prepare the vegan brownie mix according to the package's directions, using the oil and water.
- Once mixed, pour the brownie batter into the prepared skillet, and bake until a toothpick inserted halfway between the edges and center of the pan comes out clean, about 30-33 minutes. Let cool.
- While the brownies bake, place the mashed avocado, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a small food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Place the chocolate chips into a small, microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on half power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and melted.
- Add the melted chocolate chips into the food processor, and blend until smooth and combined.
- Once the brownies are cool, spread the truffle frosting on top, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Tips & Notes:
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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