Decadent Mint Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

Craving a delightful twist on a classic chocolate cake? Look no further than the irresistible allure of mint chocolate chip cake recipes. Imagine a moist, tender chocolate base infused with the perfect hint of mint, all crowned with a luscious mint chocolate chip buttercream frosting. This crowd-pleasing dessert is a celebration of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Indulge in the richness of this cake that mirrors the beloved ice cream flavor flawlessly. The marriage of deep chocolate tones and refreshing mint notes in every bite is a true delight. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this cake is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Get ready to surprise your friends and family with a treat that’s both decadent and delicious, leaving everyone craving more.

Total Time: 2 hours + 1 hour chilling
Yield: 10-12 slices

Ingredients

Creating a mint chocolate chip cake starts with gathering the essential ingredients that will make this delightful dessert a reality. Below are the items you will need for the chocolate cake layers and the mint chocolate chip frosting.

For the Mint Chocolate Cake

• 1 3/4 cup (230g) all purpose flour (see notes for GF option in Variations section)
• 3/4 cup (65g) dutch process cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cup (360g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temp
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
• 3/4 cup (190ml) buttermilk, room temp (store-bought or DIY: 3/4 cup milk + 3/4 tsp white vinegar/lemon juice, let sit 5 min*)
• 3/4 cup (175ml) hot water

For the Mint Chocolate Chip Buttercream

• 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 3–4 drops green gel food coloring (blue and brown gel coloring optional)
• 4 oz dark or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

Equipment Needed

When preparing this delicious mint chocolate chip cake recipe, having the right equipment is essential to ensure a smooth baking process and a delectable final result. Here are the tools and equipment you will need:

For Baking the Cake Layers:

• Three 6-inch or two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper circles to line the bottom of the cake pans
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing the cake pans
• Cake sleeves (optional)

For Making the Cake Batter:

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk for mixing ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Electric mixer (hand or stand, optional but helpful)

For Making the Mint Chocolate Chip Buttercream:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Offset spatula for spreading frosting
• Piping bag and decorating tips (optional, for frosting decorations)

Having these essential tools and equipment ready will make your baking experience more enjoyable and ensure that your mint chocolate chip cake turns out perfectly every time.

Instructions

Mint Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare either (3) 6″ round cake pans or (2) 8″ round cake pans. Coat in nonstick cooking spray and place a parchment paper round at the bottom of each pan. If you have cake sleeves, use those as well.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil, followed by the eggs, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Now alternating with the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mix in the dry ingredients, buttermilk, dry ingredients, buttermilk, dry ingredients. Mix until just smooth after the last addition.
5. Carefully stir in the hot water. The batter should be very thin now.
6. Evenly distribute the batter among your prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. If you need to store them overnight, let them cool completely at room temperature and then wrap in plastic wrap before chilling.

Mint Chocolate Chip Buttercream & Assembly

1. Once the cakes have chilled, make the buttercream.
2. In a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, mix the butter until smooth.
3. Mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk (start with 1 tbsp milk, add more if needed). Add the peppermint extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
4. Now mix in your green food coloring, just until you get a light green pastel color. You can stop there or follow it up with 1 drop of blue gel food coloring and a half a drop of brown. This will give you a more natural mint color.
5. Now for the chocolate: make sure it’s chopped as finely as possible without it turning into complete dust. If chopped by hand, you likely have a good mix of small bits and chocolate powder. Try not to add too much of the powdered chocolate into the buttercream. Scoop up about 1/2 cup of the chocolate with your hands and gently shake off any powdered bits. Fold this gently into the buttercream. Leave any remaining chopped chocolate for decoration.
6. To assemble, level off the cake layers if needed using a serrated knife. Place one layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
7. Spread an even layer of buttercream over the first cake layer. Top with the second layer (and third, if using 6-inch pans), spreading buttercream between each.
8. Chill the stacked cake for about 30 minutes to set the buttercream slightly. This makes frosting the outside easier.
9. Slather a thick layer of buttercream all around the outside of the cake. Smooth out the sides and top using an offset spatula. As mentioned in the decorating tips below, using an offset spatula instead of a cake scraper helps prevent dragging the chocolate chunks.
10. Use the remaining chopped chocolate for decoration, if desired (e.g., pressing onto the sides or sprinkling on top).
11. Now slice and enjoy!

Decorating Tips

Decorating a mint chocolate chip cake is the fun part where you can unleash your creativity and make your cake visually stunning. Here are some decorating tips to help you achieve a beautifully decorated mint chocolate chip cake:

Applying Frosting

When frosting your mint chocolate chip cake, apply a thick layer of frosting around the outside of the cake. Instead of using a cake scraper which might drag the chocolate pieces, gently smooth out the sides using an offset spatula. Don’t worry about achieving a perfect application; the charm of this cake lies in its messy, homemade look resembling a bowl of mint chip ice cream.

Adding Final Touches

To add the final touches to your mint chocolate chip cake, after applying the frosting, consider pressing the reserved finely chopped chocolate (or additional mini chocolate chips) up the side of the cake for a simple yet delightful decoration. If you prefer decorative swirls on top of the cake, you might need to make extra frosting (increase the recipe by 50%) and use a piping tip like an Ateco 848 for elegant swirls. Experiment with different decorations to personalize your mint chocolate chip cake and make it visually appealing.

How to Store the Cake

After creating your delicious mint chocolate chip cake, proper storage will ensure it stays fresh and enjoyable for longer periods. Here are some simple steps to help you store your cake based on your needs:

Counter or Refrigerator:

• Use an airtight cake carrier or wrap the cake loosely in plastic wrap.
• If wrapping in plastic, use toothpicks inserted into the cake (away from decorations) to prop the plastic away from the frosting.
• Alternatively, arrange sliced cake pieces in a single layer in an airtight container.
• If airtight, you can leave the cake out at room temperature for up to 24 hours (best freshness) or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer:

• For longer storage, place the whole frosted cake (uncovered) in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm up the frosting before wrapping it well in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil.
• You can also store individual slices wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, or placed in a freezer-safe airtight container.
• The cake will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your mint chocolate chip cake for several days or even weeks, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as the first.

Variations and Substitutions

When it comes to making variations and substitutions for this mint chocolate chip cake recipe, you have a few options to cater to dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are some ideas to adapt the recipe:

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version of this cake, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum). Make sure the blend is suitable for cakes to maintain the texture and structure. Double-check that all other ingredients like baking powder and extracts are certified gluten-free. Follow the recipe steps as usual, replacing the flour accordingly, and enjoy a gluten-free mint chocolate chip cake.

Vegan Option

To make this cake vegan-friendly, you will need to make a few adjustments. Replace the butter with a quality plant-based butter substitute (sticks work well for frosting). Use a dairy-free alternative for the buttermilk (like almond, soy, or oat milk mixed with vinegar as described in the ingredient notes). Check that the chocolate you use is vegan-friendly. Substitute the eggs with a suitable egg replacer like flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit 5 min) or a commercial egg replacer. Use plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or coconut cream) instead of dairy milk in the frosting. By making these swaps, you can create a delicious vegan mint chocolate chip cake.

Conclusion

Creating a mint chocolate chip cake is a delightful experience that combines rich chocolate flavors with refreshing mint. From mixing the batter to frosting the layers, each step contributes to a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. Decorating tips add a personal touch, while storage suggestions ensure lasting freshness. Whether following the recipe as is or exploring gluten-free or vegan adaptations, the versatility of this cake allows for creativity in the kitchen. With its visually stunning appearance and delicious taste, a mint chocolate chip cake is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring this indulgent dessert with loved ones.

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