Irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cake Recipe to Savor

Chocolate Peppermint Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive wonderland of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Picture this: rich, velvety chocolate cake layered with refreshing peppermint frosting, topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you dreaming of winter wonderlands and cozy holiday gatherings.

Now, let me take you back to the time I first made this Chocolate Peppermint Cake. It was a chilly December afternoon, and my family had just returned from an epic snowball fight. As we warmed up with hot cocoa, I decided to whip up this delightful creation. The laughter and joy in the air were only matched by the indulgent scent of chocolate baking in the oven. This cake has since become our go-to treat for holiday parties and cozy family dinners, promising to elevate any occasion with its mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift for a fluffier cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake; consider adding less if using sweet toppings.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Baking Soda: Adds lift; don’t skip as it balances acidity from cocoa.
• Salt: Enhances flavor; just a pinch goes a long way.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together; room temperature eggs work best.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and richness; substitute with yogurt if needed.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; can swap with melted butter.
• Vanilla Extract: For depth of flavor; use pure extract for best taste.
• Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way for that holiday zing.

For the Frosting:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for creamy frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting; sift to avoid lumps.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess; ensure it’s softened for easy blending.
• Peppermint Candy Canes: Crush them for topping; they add color and crunch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray. You want these cakes sliding out like they’re on ice skates.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This is where you’ll create the magic dust!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat them together like they owe you money until they’re nice and smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture gradually while stirring gently until combined. Don’t overmix—think gentle hugs instead of aggressive shakes!

Step 5: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell like happiness right about now.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting generously between layers and on top. Finish off by sprinkling crushed candy canes like festive confetti.

Transfer to plates and watch as everyone dives into this irresistible Chocolate Peppermint Cake! Enjoy every bite as it takes you on a delicious journey through winter flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preparing your cake batter first, allowing it to rest while you whip up the peppermint frosting. Bake the layers while the frosting chills in the fridge for a smooth finish. Assemble once everything is cool for ideal results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for orange zest for a citrus twist. You can also add crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch or use gluten-free flour to cater to dietary preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover Chocolate Peppermint Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enjoy it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to make it cozy!

Baking this cake brings back memories of holiday gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited their slice. The joy on my friends’ faces was priceless!

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for Chocolate Peppermint Cake?

To make a delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cake, you will need all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. For the frosting, gather powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, butter, milk or cream, and more peppermint extract. These ingredients create a rich chocolate base complemented by refreshing peppermint flavors. Make sure to use high-quality cocoa powder for the best taste and texture in your cake.

How long does it take to bake a Chocolate Peppermint Cake?

Baking a Chocolate Peppermint Cake typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). However, the exact time can vary based on your oven and the size of your cake pans. It’s essential to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Always allow your cake to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Can I make Chocolate Peppermint Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chocolate Peppermint Cake ahead of time! You can bake the cake layers one day in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider refrigerating or freezing them. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to let everything come back to room temperature before assembling your cake for optimal taste and texture.

What are some variations for Chocolate Peppermint Cake?

There are many delightful variations you can try with Chocolate Peppermint Cake! For example, you can add crushed peppermint candies or chocolate chips into the batter for extra crunch and flavor. Swapping out traditional frosting for whipped cream can create a lighter dessert option. You could even layer your cake with different fillings like ganache or cream cheese frosting infused with peppermint. These variations allow you to customize your cake while keeping that signature chocolate-peppermint combination.

Conclusion for Chocolate Peppermint Cake :

In summary, making a Chocolate Peppermint Cake is an enjoyable process that results in a festive dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint creates a flavor profile that delights all who taste it. Remember to use quality ingredients and follow proper baking times for optimal results. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply indulging yourself, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade masterpiece!

Print

Chocolate Peppermint Cake

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Indulge in a festive delight with this moist Chocolate Peppermint Cake featuring rich chocolate layers and refreshing peppermint frosting, perfect for holiday celebrations and special gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• Crushed peppermint candy canes (for topping)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with nonstick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.
7. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined and smooth.
9. Once cakes are completely cooled, spread frosting generously between layers and on top of the cake.
10. Finish by sprinkling crushed peppermint candy canes on top.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added flavor variation, consider swapping peppermint extract with orange zest for a citrus twist. - Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.