Irresistible Holiday Peppermint Cake Recipe to Delight You

The holiday season is a time for cheer, nostalgia, and, of course, delicious treats that make your taste buds do the happy dance. Imagine a cake that tastes like a winter wonderland wrapped in peppermint hugs. Yes, you guessed it right! It’s the Holiday Peppermint Cake! With each slice, you’ll experience fluffy layers of cake kissed by refreshing peppermint and enveloped in luscious frosting that could make even Santa shed a tear of joy. Whether you’re at a festive gathering or cozying up by the fireplace with family, this cake is sure to become your new holiday tradition. For more inspiration, check out this lemon poppy seed cake recipe.

Picture this: the aroma of vanilla mingling with bursts of cool peppermint wafting through your kitchen as you whip up this delightful dessert. It brings back memories of holiday baking marathons with loved ones, where laughter fills the air and every sprinkle feels like magic. savory holiday appetizer Perfect for holiday parties or simply as an excuse to indulge in something sweet and refreshing during chilly nights, this Holiday Peppermint Cake is bound to leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients for Holiday Peppermint Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cake, giving it structure while keeping it light and fluffy.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the deal—who doesn’t love a little sweetness during the holidays?
• Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise; it helps your cake fluff up like Santa’s belly after cookies! For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those sweet flavors without stealing the spotlight.
• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter to create a rich flavor and tender crumb.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture—think of them as little holiday helpers!
• Milk: Whole milk keeps your cake moist and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: The classic flavor enhancer that makes everything taste better—like magic!
• Peppermint Extract: The star of our show! Use pure extract for authentic minty goodness.
• Powdered Sugar: Perfect for frosting or dusting on top; it gives that festive touch.

For the Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess—what’s better than cream cheese frosting?
• Heavy Cream: Whipping cream will help achieve that luxurious frosting texture we all adore.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Holiday Peppermint Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray so they’re ready for action.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This step adds air into your mixture—a little workout before you bake!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it. You’ll want it to look like clouds on a sunny day.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture while mixing continuously. Then blend in milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth. You should be smelling something heavenly right now!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. You don’t want gluten developing here; we’re not making bread!

Step 6: Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool them down in their pans for ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Once cooled completely, frost with cream cheese frosting made by beating together cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and more peppermint extract if desired. Spread generously between layers and on top—don’t skimp on frosting; it’s practically required during the holidays!

Transfer slices onto colorful plates and enjoy—a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top gives it that extra festive flair! Now gather friends around because nothing says “I love you” quite like sharing mouthwatering slices of Holiday Peppermint Cake! colorful Christmas trifle. festive cookie assortment.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, prepare your cake batter and bake it while you whip up the dreamy peppermint frosting. Once the cakes cool, generously layer them with frosting, then sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top for that festive flair.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chocolate cake for a vanilla or red velvet base if you want to switch things up. Add some crushed Oreos or chocolate chips into the batter for extra texture, or use white chocolate instead of regular for a sweeter twist!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to melt that frosting slightly.

Sometimes I make this Holiday Peppermint Cake just to witness my kids’ eyes light up when I reveal it at family gatherings—it feels like magic every time!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Holiday Peppermint Cake?

To make a delicious Holiday Peppermint Cake, gather the following ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, peppermint extract, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. For the frosting, use butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and crushed peppermint candies. These ingredients combine to create a festive cake that captures the essence of the holiday season.

How long does it take to bake a Holiday Peppermint Cake?

Baking a Holiday Peppermint Cake typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to ensure that the icing doesn’t melt and creates a beautiful presentation.

Can I make Holiday Peppermint Cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can easily make your Holiday Peppermint Cake ahead of time. Bake the cake layers one or two days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer longer storage, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. Frost just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

What are some variations for Holiday Peppermint Cake?

You can experiment with several variations of Holiday Peppermint Cake to suit your taste. Consider adding chocolate chips or chunks for extra indulgence. Alternatively, you could incorporate different extracts like vanilla or almond for an exciting twist. For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour and adjust quantities accordingly.

Conclusion for Holiday Peppermint Cake:

In conclusion, the Holiday Peppermint Cake is a festive treat that brings joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations. This delightful cake combines rich chocolate with refreshing peppermint flavors. By following the simple ingredients and baking instructions provided here, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert perfect for any gathering. perfect holiday dessert Don’t forget to get creative with variations and toppings to make your cake uniquely yours! Enjoy every bite this holiday season!

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Holiday Peppermint Cake

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• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the magic of the holidays with this delightful Holiday Peppermint Cake. This enchanting dessert features fluffy cake layers infused with refreshing peppermint and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home, each slice is a celebration of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp peppermint extract
• For the Frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for ten minutes before transferring to wire racks.
6. For the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and then mix in heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
7. Once cakes are completely cooled, frost generously between layers and on top.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg