Chocolate Peppermint Cake Recipe

May 27, 2023 Post a Comment

Double Chocolate Peppermint Cake The Recipe Critic from therecipecritic.com

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert, this chocolate peppermint cake is the way to go. This cake is a delicious combination of rich chocolate and cool peppermint that will have your guests asking for seconds. It’s a great way to end a holiday dinner, or to just enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or two 8-inch round cake pans).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy.

Pour into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes (for the 9-inch pan) or 25-30 minutes (for the two 8-inch pans). Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting

For the frosting, cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened, and 4 cups powdered sugar. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon peppermint extract, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 3 tablespoons milk (or more, if needed). Beat until light and fluffy. Spread over cooled cake.

Nutrition

Each slice of this Chocolate Peppermint Cake contains approximately 430 calories, 20 grams of fat, 63 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of dietary fiber, and 4 grams of protein.

It also contains some calcium, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Tips for the Batter

Be sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this will help the cake rise properly. Also, make sure the buttermilk is at room temperature before adding it to the batter, as cold buttermilk can cause the batter to seize up.

For a richer flavor, try substituting a dark cocoa powder for the regular cocoa powder. You can also add a few tablespoons of espresso powder for an even more intense chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Peppermint Cake is great served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. You can also top it with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s a great way to finish off a holiday dinner.

And, if you’re looking for something a little different, try adding a layer of peppermint frosting between the cake layers. It’s a great way to add a little extra flavor and make the cake extra special.

Storage

This Chocolate Peppermint Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave the cake at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Peppermint Cake is a delicious way to celebrate the holidays. With its rich chocolate flavor and cool peppermint, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. It’s a great way to end a holiday dinner, or to just enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.