Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake is the dessert that dreams are made of. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with decadent peppermint frosting, all drizzled with silky chocolate ganache. decadent strawberry chocolate cake The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a baking wizard, and trust me, the first bite? Pure magic. rich chocolate coffee cake.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of regular cocoa powder?
- How can I make my frosting fluffier?
- Is this cake suitable for freezing?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dessert has become my go-to for holiday gatherings. I can still hear my friends’ gasps when they saw it at my last party. They couldn’t believe it was homemade! Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake isn’t just a feast for the palate; it’s also a feast for the eyes—perfect for bringing holiday cheer (or just making any Tuesday feel special). For more inspiration, check out this double chocolate cinnamon rolls recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake is surprisingly easy to make and utterly indulgent
- Each slice offers an explosion of flavors that dance on your taste buds
- Its stunning layers create an eye-catching centerpiece for any occasion
- Whether you’re celebrating or just treating yourself, this cake fits every mood perfectly
Baking this cake is like a mini therapy session for me. One Christmas, I made it for my family, and their delight was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for a light and airy texture in your cake layers.
Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness of the frosting perfectly.
Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder is crucial to achieving that perfect rise in your cake layers.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture—essential for this delectable dessert.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a fluffy batter that bakes beautifully.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way in delivering that delightful mint flavor!
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the cake’s saltiness.
Heavy Cream: Essential for creating the luscious chocolate ganache that crowns your cake.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best in both the cake and ganache.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. This creates a flavorful base for your cake.
Create The Batter: Add eggs, milk, melted butter, and peppermint extract to your dry mixture. Mix until smooth but be careful not to overmix; we want fluffy layers!
Bake The Cakes : Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of each layer.
Make The Ganache : While cakes cool, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over chocolate chips in a bowl and stir until melted and glossy.
Assemble The Cake : Once cooled, carefully remove cakes from pans. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of peppermint frosting on top before adding the second layer.
Now that you have everything ready to go, it’s time to dive into this delicious adventure! I promise you’ll be rewarded with smiles and plenty of compliments from everyone who gets a slice of your Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake! Enjoy every moment as you bake this delightful treat—it’s bound to become a favorite in no time! delicious s’mores cookies. pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies.
You Must Know
- Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake is a holiday showstopper
- Its rich chocolate layers paired with refreshing peppermint create a delightful dessert that’s perfect for festive gatherings
- Don’t forget to whip the frosting for a light texture that complements the cake beautifully
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the chocolate cake layers first, allowing them to cool while preparing the peppermint frosting. This sequence saves time and ensures each component is ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or almond if you prefer different flavors. Adding crushed candy canes on top provides an extra crunch and festive flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, ensuring to bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor; it makes a noticeable difference in taste
- Make sure your butter is softened properly to ensure a creamy, smooth frosting
- When layering, ensure each layer is level to avoid tilting or sliding during assembly
The first time I made Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake, my friends declared it the best thing since sliced bread! Their enthusiasm was contagious and made me realize how baking brings people together. For more inspiration, check out this banana bread recipe.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate instead of regular cocoa powder?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give your cake a richer flavor profile.
How can I make my frosting fluffier?
Whipping your butter longer introduces air, creating a lighter and fluffier frosting.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the layers before frosting them for easier assembly later!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the magic of Layered Chocolate Peppermint Cake, a show-stopping dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. This rich chocolate cake features moist layers enveloped in creamy peppermint frosting and is finished with a luxurious chocolate ganache. Each bite is an explosion of flavor that will captivate your senses and impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sugar until combined.
- Add eggs, milk, melted butter, and peppermint extract; mix until just smooth without overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming; pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and stir until smooth.
- Once cakes are cooled, layer them with peppermint frosting in between and top with chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
