If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that is incredibly yummy, chocolate, gluten-free and dairy-free, stop looking, we’ve found the answer, our Chocolate Peppermint Squares!

These decadent brownie like squares are ideal for the season with the perfect combination of chocolate and peppermint.  They also make a wonderful edible gift for anyone, gluten-intolerant or not.

Chocolate Peppermint Squares

Makes 24 bars

Ingredients

• 1 ounce gf bittersweet chocolate, melted
  
• 1/4 cup Earthbalance butter substitute, softened
  
• 1/2 cup sugar
  
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
  
• 1/2 cup gf flour
  
• 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
  
• 2 Tablespoons Earthbalance butter substitute, softened
  
• 1 cup powdered sugar
  
• 1 Tablespoon water
  
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
  
• 1 ounce gf bittersweet chocolate
  
• 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour an 8x8 inch pan with gf flour. Cream Earthbalance, sugar and egg. Add 1 ounce of melted chocolate, 1/2 cup gf flour and nuts. Place mixture into prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool.

Meanwhile combine 2 Tablespoons Earthbalance, powdered sugar, water and peppermint extract. When cake layer is cool, spread Earthbalance mixture on top.

Melt remaining 1 ounce chocolate and 1 tablespoon Earthbalance; pour over filling. Chill in the refrigerator. Cut into 24 small bars. 

Happy Holidays from Glutenfreeda!

- Chef Yvonne