There’s just something about brownies that feels comforting and nostalgic — the kind of dessert everyone is immediately excited about when they see it on the table.
And during the holidays, I love finding little ways to make simple things feel extra special without creating more work for myself. Enter the brownie wreath — a gooey, fudgy classic that instantly feels festive on the table.
This brownie wreath recipe is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is actually incredibly easy to throw together. It starts with my favorite gluten-free and dairy-free brownie recipe (the one that fools even my toughest anti-gluten-free critics — aka my brothers!), then comes together with a few simple toppings to create a holiday-worthy centerpiece.
The brownies are rich and fudgy, the cream cheese frosting adds just enough contrast, and the peppermint bark gives it that classic holiday flavor without overpowering everything else.
And the best part? You can prep almost everything ahead of time and assemble it right before serving.
How to Make a Brownie Wreath
If you’ve ever been intimidated by a complicated dessert, this is for you. A brownie wreath may sound fancy, but it’s super easy to put together. All you need is a batch of brownies, some frosting, a few festive toppings, and a pretty serving tray to bring it all together — it instantly makes the dessert feel intentional and table-ready.
Ingredients for the Brownie Wreath
Brownies
- 1 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 cups cane sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup gluten-free 1:1 baking flour (or regular flour works too)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- Splash of vanilla
Toppings
- Peppermint bark, broken into pieces
- Fresh raspberries
- Fresh mint leaves
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How to Make the Best Brownie Wreath
1: Bake the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish with coconut oil.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted coconut oil with sugar, vanilla, and eggs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and bake for 27–29 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into small squares.
2: Make the Frosting
- For the frosting, blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until well combined.
3: Assemble the Brownie Wreath
- Arrange the cooled brownie squares in a circle on a serving platter to form the wreath.
- Add small dollops of cream cheese frosting between each brownie square.
- Tuck peppermint bark pieces, raspberries, and mint leaves throughout the wreath.
- Finish it off with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.
Why This Brownie Wreath Is Perfect for the Holidays
Not only is this brownie wreath easy to make, but it’s also a total crowd-pleaser. The brownies are rich, gooey, and fudgy (just the way I like them). The frosting adds a creamy, tangy contrast, and the peppermint bark gives the whole thing a fun, festive touch. Plus, the fresh raspberries and mint leaves bring in a pop of color and freshness — just what you need for a holiday dessert!
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious dessert for your next gathering, this is it. It’s also super versatile, so feel free to swap out toppings if you’re feeling creative. Crushed candy canes? Sure. Sugared cranberries? Definitely. Chocolate shavings? Why not!
Make This Brownie Wreath for Your Next Holiday Party
Whether you’re hosting or simply bringing a dessert to share, this easy brownie wreath is the perfect choice. It’s quick to make, beautifully festive, and guaranteed to be a hit.
If you make this holiday brownie wreath, let me know! I’d love to hear how it turns out in the comments below. Or tag me on social media — I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!