Chocolate Peppermint Cake: A Festive Delight

Chocolate Peppermint Cake: A Festive Delight

Introduction

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the classic combination of chocolate and peppermint to bring the festive spirit to your table. A Chocolate Peppermint Cake is the perfect treat for winter gatherings, offering a rich and decadent flavor with a refreshing peppermint twist. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a seasonal dessert, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

.2 cups all-purpose flour

.1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

.¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

.2 teaspoons baking powder

.1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

.1 teaspoon salt

.1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

.2 large eggs

.1 cup whole milk

.½ cup vegetable oil

.2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

.1 cup boiling water

For the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting:

.1 cup unsalted butter, softened

.4 cups powdered sugar

.¼ cup heavy cream

.2 teaspoons peppermint extractRed food coloring (optional, for a festive swirl effect)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

.8 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped

.1 cup heavy cream

.1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnish:

Crushed peppermint candies or candy canesChocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and instant coffee granules.Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth.Gradually add the boiling water, mixing slowly until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract, increasing the speed to medium-high, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring and gently swirl it through the frosting to create a festive candy cane effect.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.Stir in the butter until the ganache is glossy. Let it cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of peppermint buttercream frosting over the top.Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.Slowly pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.Garnish with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes and chocolate shavings for an extra festive touch.

5. Serving Suggestions:

This Chocolate Peppermint Cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a peppermint latte. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peppermint Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of the season. The rich, moist chocolate layers combined with the refreshing peppermint buttercream and luxurious chocolate ganache make this cake a holiday favorite. Perfect for any winter occasion, this cake will leave your guests coming back for more. Enjoy the warmth of the holidays with every bite!