Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Cake Recipe

Here’s a festive and indulgent recipe for a Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Cake — a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with a refreshing peppermint twist, perfect for spreading holiday cheer! This cake is a holiday masterpiece with its layers of chocolate, creamy frosting, and a cool peppermint flavor.

Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp peppermint extract

For the Peppermint Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Pinch of salt

For the Ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream
6 oz semisweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Decoration:

Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Gradually add the boiling water, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
Stir in the peppermint extract.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Peppermint Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until smooth and fluffy.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue beating until light and fluffy.
If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

3. Make the Ganache:

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam (do not boil).
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chopped semisweet chocolate until it’s fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the butter until the ganache is glossy.
Let the ganache cool for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
Spread a layer of peppermint frosting over the top of the cake.
Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently.
Cover the entire cake with the remaining peppermint frosting, smoothing the sides and top.
Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful, decadent look.

5. Decorate:

Sprinkle the top of the cake with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor.
Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls and fresh mint leaves for an elegant finish.

6. Serve:

Let the cake set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve this delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Cake at your holiday celebrations and enjoy the perfect combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint!

Tips:

You can make the cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days before serving.
If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or use dark chocolate for the ganache.
For a lighter peppermint taste, reduce the peppermint extract in the frosting slightly.

This Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the cool, refreshing flavor of peppermint, making it the perfect treat for Christmas or any festive gathering!