Chocolate Marble Peppermint Loaf

A festive holiday loaf swirled with rich chocolate and delicate vanilla ribbons, all topped with a sparkling peppermint crunch. Moist, tender, and beautifully marbled, this loaf brings the magic of hot cocoa and candy canes together in one cozy Christmas bake.

Yield

Makes 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Batter

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

For the Chocolate Batter

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the Peppermint Topping

½ cup crushed candy canes
1 tbsp sugar (optional, for sparkle)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Dry Ingredients

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Base

Cream butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until smooth.
Add dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.

Step 3: Mix the Chocolate Swirl

Transfer 1 cup of the vanilla batter into a separate bowl.
Stir in the cocoa powder, milk, and sugar to form the chocolate swirl batter.

Step 4: Layer & Marble

Spread half the vanilla batter into the loaf pan.
Spoon half the chocolate batter over top.
Repeat with remaining vanilla, then chocolate.
Use a butter knife to swirl in long, gentle “S” motions — do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Peppermint Crunch

Sprinkle crushed candy canes across the top of the loaf.
Add sugar for a glitter-like finish if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Bake 48–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a rack to finish cooling.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once fully cooled, slice thick pieces to showcase the beautiful chocolate marbling.
Enjoy with holiday cocoa or a mug of peppermint tea.

Kitchen Tips

• Swirl lightly for bold, distinct marbling.
• Candy canes will melt slightly into the crust — this is delicious and intentional!
• Add chocolate chips to the chocolate batter for a richer loaf.
• Freeze slices for easy December grab-and-go treats.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice — 10 slices)

Calories 285, Protein 4g, Fat 12g, Carbohydrates 40g, Fiber 1g, Sugars 24g, Sodium 210mg