Craving a show-stopping dessert for your holiday table? Look no further than the classic charm of peppermint cake recipes. With its striking red and white layers and refreshing minty flavor, this festive treat is a must-have for the season. Forget the store-bought mixes; this easy peppermint cake recipe uses pantry staples for a homemade delight.
If you’re a fan of the irresistible combination of chocolate and peppermint, you’ll love the Triple Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Ganache. This indulgent twist on the traditional peppermint cake features layers of bittersweet chocolate cake and a luscious peppermint ganache frosting. Top it off with homemade peppermint bark for a truly decadent finish.
For a refreshing and delightful holiday dessert, try your hand at creating a candy cane-inspired peppermint cake with fluffy white chocolate buttercream and crushed mints. Elevate your seasonal baking with these delicious peppermint cake recipes that are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Creating a delectable peppermint cake requires the perfect balance of ingredients to achieve that rich chocolatey and minty flavor. Here’s what you need to bake your own Chocolate Peppermint Cake:
For the Peppermint Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
For the Peppermint Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark (optional)
- Chopped candy canes or peppermint bark for decoration
Gather these ingredients, and let’s create a show-stopping Chocolate Peppermint Cake that will steal the spotlight at your holiday gatherings.
Required Tools and Equipment
In order to create a delicious and visually appealing Peppermint Cake for your holiday celebrations, it’s important to have the right tools and equipment on hand. Here are the essential items you will need to successfully bake and decorate this festive dessert:
Tools:
- Mixing Bowls: Prepare your cake batter and frosting in large mixing bowls for easy blending.
- Electric Mixer: Beat the ingredients for the cake and frosting until they are well combined and fluffy.
- Cake Pans: Use 6-inch cake pans for baking the layers of your Peppermint Cake.
- Offset Spatula: This tool will help you smooth the frosting on top of the cake for a professional finish.
- Bench Scraper: Ideal for smoothing the sides of your cake to achieve a clean and polished look.
- Piping Bag: Prepare a piping bag to create decorative elements on your cake, such as twotone dollops.
- Parchment Paper: Useful for piping and decorating intricate designs on your cake.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature for baking the Peppermint Cake layers.
- Refrigerator: Chill the cake layers and frosting as needed to facilitate assembly and decoration.
- Knife or Rolling Pin: Use a knife or rolling pin to crush candy canes for garnishing the cake.
- Cake Stand: Display your finished Peppermint Cake on a cake stand for a stunning presentation.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate measurements of ingredients for the cake and frosting.
- Serving Plate: Present your Peppermint Cake on a festive plate to enhance its visual appeal.
- Cooling Rack: Allow the cake layers to cool properly on a cooling rack before frosting and assembling.
Preparation Steps
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the peppermint cake.
- Grease the 6-inch cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
- Line the pans with parchment paper for easy removal after baking, ensuring the cakes retain their shape.
- Divide the cake batter evenly among the pans to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the cakes at 350°F (177°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the centers are fully baked. Allow them to cool before frosting.
Directions
Making the Cake Batter
To start making the peppermint cake batter, follow the instructions on the cake mix box or use your favorite white cake batter recipe. Add water, oil, and eggs as directed, and enhance the flavor by incorporating mint extract. Once the batter is well mixed, divide it into separate portions for layering.
Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (325°F for dark/nonstick pans) and prepare your greased and floured cake pans. Pour the batter into the pans and bake according to the package directions for 8-inch round cakes. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.
Cooling the Cake
Once the cakes are removed from the pans, let them cool completely before proceeding with layering. Cut each cake layer horizontally to create two even layers. Begin layering the cakes with colored frostings, alternating between red and green, and finishing with a white frosting on top and around the sides. Chill the assembled cake in the freezer for an hour to set before serving.
Frosting Preparation
Creating the Peppermint Frosting
To create the peppermint frosting, begin by beating the egg whites, cream of tartar, and 1/3 cup of the sugar on medium-high in a stand mixer. Simultaneously, in a saucepan, combine the remaining sugar and water, cooking on medium-high until the sugar reaches 240°F. Slowly drizzle the heated sugar into the running mixer as the egg whites reach the soft peak stage. Let the mixer run for approximately 10 minutes to allow the meringue to cool before adding butter gradually.
Frosting the Cooled Cake
Once the cake layers have cooled completely, it’s time to frost the cake with the peppermint frosting. Spread about 2 cups of frosting evenly between the cooled cake layers, ensuring a generous filling. Next, frost the remaining frosting all over the cake, focusing on the top to maintain a naked look if desired. Refrigerate the cake while preparing the chocolate drip for the final touch.
Decorating the Cake
After creating the delectable peppermint cake layers and applying the frosting, it’s time to move on to the decorating part to make your cake visually appealing and festive for any occasion.
Adding Peppermint Garnishes
To enhance the peppermint theme of your cake, consider adding some peppermint garnishes. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the frosting for each layer of the cake. The candy canes will soften over time, providing a chewy texture that complements the cake’s flavor profile.
Optional Decorative Tips
For an extra touch of decoration, you can get creative with the frosting. Pipe red and white dollops on top using different piping tips for a visually appealing design. Alternatively, you can sprinkle crushed candy canes around the cake’s sides and top, adding both flavor and a festive look. Remember, the presentation of your peppermint cake is as crucial as its taste to create a delightful dessert experience for your guests.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve Peppermint Cake
When serving a peppermint cake, ensure each slice showcases the festive layers and flavors. To present it beautifully, use a sharp knife to cut clean slices, revealing the colorful peppermint layers. Serve on festive plates or platters to enhance the visual appeal of the cake.
Storing Leftovers
To preserve leftover peppermint cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw the cake in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Peppermint cake recipes offer a delightful way to add a festive touch to any occasion. From rich chocolate layers to creamy white chocolate buttercream, the variations are endless. By incorporating peppermint garnishes and decorative piping techniques, you can elevate the presentation of your cake. Remember to showcase the layers and flavors when serving to create an enticing experience for your guests. When it comes to storing leftovers, refrigeration or freezing is key to preserving the freshness of your peppermint creation. Embrace the joy of baking and sharing these delicious treats with your loved ones.