Celebrate the holiday season with a decadent Chocolate Peppermint Cake, perfect for Christmas gatherings and festive dessert tables. This cake combines rich chocolate flavors with refreshing peppermint, creating a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holidays. Follow this recipe to create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180ml) boiling water
For the Peppermint Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add Boiling Water: Stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
Step 3: Make the Peppermint Frosting
- Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Peppermint Extract: Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract. Beat on medium speed until frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of peppermint frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top of the cake for a festive finish.
About the Main Ingredients
Cocoa Powder
Rich cocoa powder adds deep chocolate flavor to the cake layers, making them rich and indulgent.
Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract infuses the frosting with a refreshing minty flavor, complementing the chocolate for a classic holiday combination.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the cake layers, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before baking for best results.
- Boiling Water: The boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder and creates a smooth batter.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Garnish the cake with crushed candy canes just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Celebrate Christmas with this Chocolate Peppermint Cake, a delightful blend of chocolate and peppermint flavors that will impress your guests and add a festive touch to your holiday dessert table!
