Keto Peppermint Layer Brownies
Posted: 11/29/21
Updated: 12/22/22
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These keto peppermint layer brownies are positively addictive! A moist brownie layer, topped with a peppermint buttercream, all topped with an easy peppermint ganache, this low carb holiday treat is perfect for Christmas or anytime you’re craving an ultra-rich dessert that’s ultra low in carbs!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- These keto peppermint layer brownies are delectably rich, moist, and full of festive flavor. A hint of peppermint extract in the buttercream and ganache layers makes these brownies the perfect holiday treat.
- This is a great recipe for Christmas Eve or holiday parties. The brownies are delicious cold or at room temperature, which means you can make them a few days in advance and let them sit out prior to serving. Careful, though – if they’re too warm, the buttercream and ganache will melt! Refrigerate any leftover brownies in an airtight container and they’ll keep up to 5 days… assuming they last that long.
- Not only are these peppermint layer brownies keto – they’re also gluten free! If you’re looking for gluten-free brownies that aren’t peppermint (or keto, for that matter) then you’ll definitely want to try my Perfect Paleo Brownies.
Key Ingredients
Brownie Mix – These keto peppermint layer brownies are made using your favorite store-bought or homemade brownie mix! How good your brownie mix is will dramatically change how moist your brownie layer is. I LOVE Keto and Co.’s Fudge Brownie mix, and it gave me totally perfect, moist brownies here.
Peppermint Extract – The key to keto-friendly peppermint flavor is peppermint extract! Unlike peppermint candies or syrups that generally have a lot of sugar, peppermint extract is completely sugar free. A little extract goes a long way, so I don’t recommend eyeballing this ingredient.
Confectioners’ Swerve – If you don’t have confectioners’, you can make your own! Just run granular Swerve in a food processor or coffee grinder until it’s fine and powdery. Note that you can try alternate sweeteners here, but the sweetness levels vary. If you use something besides Swerve, you’ll likely need to adjust how much you use, so start small and only add more if needed.
Chef’s Tips
- For perfectly sliced keto peppermint layer brownies, warm a sharp knife under running hot water. The warmth will help the knife slice through the ganache layer easily and cleanly, ensuring perfect edges on every square. Wipe the knife blade off and warm it again between each cut.
- Be sure there is absolutely NO moisture at all on your microwave-safe bowl and silicone spatula for stirring. Even the tiniest bit of moisture can make the chocolate seize. If that happens, stirring in a little oil or melted butter can help it smooth back out.
- Make sure the brownies are completely cool before adding the peppermint buttercream. If they’re warm at all, the buttercream will melt and you won’t get that beautiful layer.
- If you can’t find sugar-free candy canes or peppermint candies, try topping the brownies with shavings of Lily’s Peppermint White Chocolate. You can also just skip the toppings and stick with a plain, smooth chocolate ganache layer.
Other Keto Desserts You’ll Love
- Keto Pecan Pie
- Keto White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake (Sugar-Free)
- Easy Keto Red Velvet Cake with Keto Cream Cheese Frosting
- Keto Shortbread Cookies
- Rich and Creamy Keto Chocolate Mousse
Keto Peppermint Layer Brownies
These keto peppermint layer brownies are positively addictive! A moist brownie layer, topped with a peppermint buttercream, all topped with an easy peppermint ganache, this low carb holiday treat is perfect for Christmas or anytime you're craving an ultra-rich dessert that's ultra low in carbs!
brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 10.2-ounce bag Keto and Co Fudge Brownie Mix or other preferred keto brownie mix, see Notes
- any ingredients needed to prepare brownies according to package instructions
For the Peppermint Buttercream
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 ⅓ cups Confectioners Swerve one 12-ounce bag
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 6 tablespoons butter at room temperature, cut into small squares for ease
- 9 ounces sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate chips like Lily's Semi-Sweet Style Baking Chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Optional Toppings
- sugar-free candy canes or peppermint candies crushed
Equipment
- 9×9 baking dish
- Parchment Paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Wax paper
- Microwave safe bowl
- Sharp knife
Instructions
For the Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. Prepare brownie mix as instructed on package. Transfer batter to baking dish and bake 30 minutes (see Notes).
- Once baked, let brownies cool in baking dish on wire rack. While brownies cool, prepare buttercream.
For the Peppermint Buttercream
- In large bowl, use mixer to combine melted butter, Confectioners Swerve, heavy cream, and peppermint extract. Beat all ingredients together on medium speed until mixture is smooth.
- When brownies are completely cooled, spread buttercream over top of brownies in one even layer. Press wax paper lightly on top of buttercream to smooth layer evenly if needed. Place brownies in refrigerator and chill 30 minutes.
For the Chocolate Ganache
- Place butter and chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between each burst, until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir peppermint extract into melted chocolate, then spoon ganache on top of chilled buttercream frosting.
- Use silicone spatula to smooth out ganache into one even layer. If desired, top with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, then return dish to refrigerator and chill until ganache is hardened.
- Once hardened, use sides of parchment paper to lift brownies out of baking dish. To serve the brownies, use a sharp knife that's been warmed under hot running water. It'll slice through the ganache more smoothly than a cold or room temperature knife. Slice into 16 brownies and serve.
Notes
- Brownies: How good your brownie mix is will dramatically change how moist your brownie layer is. I LOVE Keto and Co.’s Fudge Brownie mix, and it gave me totally perfect, moist brownies here. If you use another brand, like Miss Jones, I recommend baking them for 20 to 25 minutes, rather than 30 minutes as directed here. Leaving the brownies slightly underbaked will give you a fudgier, more moist brownie.
- Chocolate: Be sure there is absolutely NO moisture at all on your microwave-safe bowl and silicone spatula for stirring. Even the tiniest bit of moisture can make the chocolate seize. If that happens, stirring in a little oil or melted butter can help it smooth back out.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 259kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 86mg, Sodium: 111mg, Potassium: 168mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 304IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg, Erythritol: 36g, Net Carbs: 3g
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
When I made this I thought the butter cream was too sweet and the ganache was too bitter but trust the process these are fantastic, keto or not you’ll love them!
Thanks so much for the review, Jessica! So glad you ended up enjoying!
How are these keto with 53g of carbs
Hi, Gail! They’re made using only keto-friendly ingredients (no sugar, etc.) so they won’t spike your blood sugar, and on most forms of keto you can subtract out the fiber and erythritol, so there’s only 3g net carbs per brownie.