Description
A rich and moist chocolate layer cake filled with fluffy peppermint buttercream, topped with silky dark chocolate ganache and crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, divided
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line two 9 inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in hot water until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Whip until fluffy.
- Layer cakes with frosting, then frost the outside evenly.
- Heat remaining 1/4 cup heavy cream until warm and pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth to create ganache. Drizzle over cake and top with crushed peppermint candies. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure cake layers are fully cooled before frosting.
- Add peppermint extract gradually and taste to control intensity.
- Chill briefly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: peppermint chocolate cake, chocolate mint layer cake, holiday dessert cake, peppermint buttercream cake