Description
This Festive Peppermint Cake is a stunning holiday dessert featuring moist layers infused with refreshing peppermint, creamy frosting, and a crushed candy cane topping. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, this easy-to-make cake combines festive flavors with a show-stopping presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
Red gel food coloring (optional, for marbled effect)
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Optional Marbled Effect:
- Divide batter in half; add red food coloring to one half.
- Swirl red batter into white batter in prepared pans for a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in peppermint extract and milk until desired consistency is achieved.
- Assemble and Decorate the Cake:
- Spread frosting on one cake layer.
- Stack the second layer and frost the entire cake.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
Notes
Adjust peppermint extract to taste for stronger or milder flavor.
Avoid overmixing the batter during the marbling process to preserve the design.
For cleaner slices, chill the cake for 20 minutes before cutting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 slices
- Calories: 400 kcal
