Why You’ll Love This Holiday Peppermint Cake
- Customizable: Add extra layers or switch up the decorations for a personal touch.
- Festive and Fun: Perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings.
- Flavorful Twist: Peppermint adds a refreshing kick to classic vanilla cake.
- Beautiful Presentation: Candy cane crumbles and a snowy white frosting make it stunning.
Tools You’ll Need
- Offset spatula or knife: For frosting.
- Mixing bowls: For wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To ensure a fluffy batter and frosting.
- Cake pans (2 or 3, 8-inch): For baking the layers.
- Cooling rack: For cooling the cakes evenly.
Holiday Peppermint Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with this Holiday Peppermint Cake! This dessert combines moist layers of rich vanilla cake, fluffy peppermint-infused frosting, and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just celebrating at home, this cake is sure to bring holiday cheer to your table!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- Red gel food coloring (optional)
For the Decoration:
- ½ cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Mini candy canes or peppermint sticks (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two or three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth.
- Add the peppermint extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- For a festive look, swirl in red gel food coloring for a candy cane effect.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second (and third, if using) layer, frosting between each layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 5: Decorate
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish with mini candy canes or peppermint sticks for extra flair.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender.
- Crush Candy Canes Gently: Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin to crush candy canes evenly.
- Store Properly: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Assembly Time:: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a box mix for the cake base?
Absolutely! Use a vanilla or white cake mix and add peppermint extract for the holiday flavor.
Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
Q3: Can I use peppermint bark instead of candy canes?
Yes! Crushed peppermint bark makes a delicious and decorative topping.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert
This Holiday Peppermint Cake is a festive masterpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The cool peppermint flavor and soft, moist cake layers are perfect for celebrating the season. Make it the centerpiece of your dessert table and share the joy with family and friends!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and feedback on Pinterest—we love seeing your holiday creations!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Assembly Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice)
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Celebrate the holidays with every sweet, peppermint-filled bite of this delightful cake!
