It’s 3pm, and the chocolate craving hits hard. I need something sweet, but I want to skip the sugar rush. Enter Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares. You won’t believe how easy these are to whip up — just one bowl and a few ingredients.
This is for those afternoons when you want a treat that won’t derail your day (trust me, we’ve all been there). These brownies use almond flour and applesauce instead of traditional flour and sugar, making them not just low-sugar but also gluten-free. It’s time for a guilt-free dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares
- Super Easy: Whipping this up takes no time — just mix, pour, and bake. Seriously, it’s that simple.
- Minty Fresh Flavor: The peppermint extract gives it a festive twist, making it perfect for any holiday craving (or anytime you want chocolate).
- Crisp-Tender Edges: You’ll get those chewy edges with a fudgy center that everyone loves in brownies.
- Versatile Treat: Change the toppings if you want! Use nuts or sugar-free sprinkles instead of crushed peppermint candies for a different vibe.
- Sugar-Free Bonus: It satisfies sweet cravings without the sugar crash afterward, but don’t expect it to taste exactly like traditional brownies (just being real here).
Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares Ingredients
For the Base:
almond flour (1 cup) — Use fine almond flour, or the texture’ll be gritty and weird.
cocoa powder (1/2 cup) — Go for Dutch-processed cocoa, or your brownies won’t be as rich.
sugar-free sweetener (1/2 cup) — Don’t skimp on sweetener; I like Monk Fruit, or they’ll taste flat.
unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) — Use unsweetened applesauce, or they’ll end up too dry and crumbly.
coconut oil (1/4 cup) — Melt refined coconut oil, or it’ll clump and ruin your batter.
eggs (3 large) — Use large eggs; don’t try mediums, or your brownies won’t set right.
vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) — Get pure vanilla extract, not imitation, or the flavor’ll be off.
peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon) — Stick with peppermint extract, or you’ll lose that holiday vibe entirely.
For the Topping:
sugar-free chocolate chips (1/2 cup) — Use Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips, or they won’t melt properly.
crushed peppermint candies (1/4 cup) — Crushed peppermint candies are a must; don’t even think about skipping ’em!
Full measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This keeps the brownies from sticking, so don’t skip it!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, and sugar-free sweetener. Mix well until there’re no lumps. You want a smooth base for those rich brownie vibes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add unsweetened applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the dry mix. Stir until fully combined; it should look thick and glossy.
4. Pour Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly across the bottom. It’ll be a bit thick, but that’s normal!
5. Bake Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (that’s when you know they’re ready). Don’t walk away here — if you do, they could go from gooey to overbaked in no time.
6. Cool and Top: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
7. Finish Up: Spread the melted chocolate evenly over your cooled brownies, then sprinkle on crushed peppermint candies, pressing them down gently to stick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let everything set before cutting into squares.
Exact quantities in the recipe card below.
How to Store Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares
- Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just know they might lose some of that fresh, fudgy texture after a day or two.
- Refrigerator: Store in a covered container for about a week. They’ll still taste good, but the topping can get a bit soft and chewy (not my fave).
- Freezer: Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They freeze surprisingly well, but the peppermint crunch might lose its zing.
- Reheating: Pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm and melty-gooey in the center. Just keep an eye on them so you don’t end up with a hot mess!
What to Serve with Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares?
Since it’s got that rich, fudgy texture, pairing it with something fresh or light helps balance it out. Here are some ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm brownies (plus, who doesn’t love ice cream?).
- Fresh Berries: Tartness from strawberries or raspberries cuts the sweetness nicely; just toss a handful on the plate.
- Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea complements the peppermint flavor without overwhelming your palate. Steep for 5 minutes and you’re good to go.
- Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, this adds a fluffy texture. Just whip one can of coconut milk until soft peaks form (it’s super easy!).
- Citrus Salad: Try a mix of oranges and grapefruit for zesty brightness; it’s a refreshing contrast against the chocolate.
- Espresso: A shot of strong coffee balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate flavors; plus, it gives you an afternoon boost!
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: If you’re feeling fancy, melt some extra sugar-free chocolate chips and drizzle over each square for extra richness (super simple and takes 2 minutes).
- Almond Milk Shake: Blend unsweetened almond milk with ice for a creamy drink that cools down those rich bites—perfect after dinner!
Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares Variations
Here’s how to play with this recipe and make it even more fun!
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the batter for a crunchy surprise. Toss them in before baking.
- Coffee Boost: Mix in 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients for a rich mocha flavor.
- Chocolate Mint Swirl: Before baking, swirl in 1/4 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips into the batter for extra melty goodness.
- Coconut Crunch: Top with 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut after spreading on the melted chocolate for an island vibe.
- Fudgy Upgrade: Use 3 tablespoons of coconut cream instead of applesauce for an ultra-fudgy texture. Add it with the wet ingredients.
- Zesty Twist: Include 1/2 teaspoon orange extract along with the peppermint extract for a refreshing citrus kick.
- Candy Crush Variation: Swap crushed peppermint candies with crushed sugar-free chocolate-covered almonds on top for a unique crunch.
Make Ahead Options for Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares
I usually prep the brownie base a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up well for about 3 days, which is great if you’re planning for a get-together. The topping’s best made fresh, though — I find that the melted chocolate can get a bit chalky if left overnight. So, I melt the sugar-free chocolate chips right before serving and sprinkle on the crushed peppermint candies. Just remember to let them chill for at least 30 minutes after topping to set properly. Keep it simple and make those brownies shine!
Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares Recipe FAQs
Can I make Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These brownies are great for making in advance. Just bake them, let ’em cool completely, and then cover them tightly. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop ’em in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving (trust me, they taste even better after chilling!).
What can I substitute for sugar-free sweetener in this recipe?
If you’re not keen on using a sugar-free sweetener, you can try using coconut sugar instead. However, it won’t be sugar-free anymore! Just keep in mind that coconut sugar has a different sweetness level, so you might need to adjust the amount a bit. Also, your brownies may come out slightly less fudgy (but still delicious!).
Why did my Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares turn out dry?
Oh no! If your brownies came out dry and crumbly, it’s likely you used too much almond flour or didn’t include enough applesauce. Stick with unsweetened applesauce; it keeps everything moist and gooey. When mixing, look for that thick and glossy batter — that’s your cue that you’re on the right track!
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
The toothpick test is your best friend here! Insert it into the center of the brownies around 20 minutes in; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, they’re ready to go. But don’t walk away while they’re baking—overbaking will ruin that melty-gooey texture we all love!
Final Thoughts on Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares
These Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares are all about that rich chocolatey flavor combined with a refreshing mint kick. Honestly, the way those crushed peppermint candies add a pop of color and a little crunch on top is just genius. If you’re looking for a treat that feels festive without the guilt, this one’s got your back. Make it once, and it’ll definitely earn a spot in your dessert lineup. Let me know how yours turned out in the comments!
Sugar-Free Peppermint Brownie Squares
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cocoa powder, and sugar-free sweetener. Mix well.
- Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until fully combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- While the brownies cool, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the melted chocolate layer, pressing down gently to adhere.
- Refrigerate the brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
- Once set, cut into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy your sugar-free peppermint brownie squares!
