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Mint Chocolate Buttercream Bars

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Delicious and easy-to-make bars featuring a rich chocolate base topped with a smooth, minty buttercream frosting, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • 2 ounces (56g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
  • Optional garnishes: chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, fresh mint leaves, green sanding sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat melted butter with granulated sugar until smooth and glossy (about 2 minutes).
  4. Add egg and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix until combined and slightly fluffy.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring gently just until no flour pockets remain; avoid overmixing.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-22 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft (toothpick should come out with moist crumbs).
  7. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack (about 45 minutes).
  8. To make buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low then medium speed.
  9. Add peppermint extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy and smooth. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar if needed.
  10. Gently fold in melted chocolate for a marbled effect or spread plain.
  11. Spread buttercream evenly over cooled bars. Add optional garnishes if desired.
  12. Chill bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the buttercream before slicing into squares using a sharp knife warmed under hot water.

Notes

Ensure the chocolate base is completely cooled before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting and sliding off. Use softened butter (not melted) for smooth buttercream. Chill bars before slicing for clean cuts. Peppermint extract quality affects flavor; use a trusted brand. Can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: mint chocolate, buttercream bars, St. Patrick's Day dessert, easy chocolate bars, homemade treats, festive desserts

Find it online: https://avabake.com/mint-chocolate-buttercream-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-st-patricks-day-treats/