Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Name: Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup coconut oil (melted) or unsalted butter; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp peppermint extract

Published: November 20, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Cake

This incredible Chocolate Peppermint Cake transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cake:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; choose unbleached flour for a more natural flavor profile.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed works great too!
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal! Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully.
Salt: A pinch enhances all flavors; never skip it!
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture; use room temperature eggs for best results.
Buttermilk: Ensures a tender crumb; you can substitute with milk mixed with vinegar if needed.
Coconut Oil or Butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist. Melted butter gives an extra flavor boost.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have flavor enhancer that pairs perfectly with chocolate and peppermint.
Peppermint Extract: The secret ingredient! Just a little goes a long way in creating that festive vibe.

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

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside while dreaming of chocolatey goodness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix granulated sugar with melted coconut oil (or butter) until smooth. Add in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract until everything looks creamy and inviting.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix! Fold in peppermint extract carefully so it doesn’t overpower.

Step 5: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Once baked, allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Frost with your favorite peppermint frosting once completely cooled for an eye-popping finish!

Transfer to plates and serve this delightful Chocolate Peppermint Cake at gatherings or enjoy it solo (no judgment here). Each bite is sure to bring smiles all around!

You Must Know About Chocolate Peppermint Cake

This showstopping Chocolate Peppermint Cake delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by baking the chocolate cake layers first, allowing them to cool while preparing the peppermint frosting. Once the cake is cool, layer it with frosting and garnish with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla or almond if you’re not feeling minty. You can also add chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle some on top for extra crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Chocolate Peppermint Cake in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to a week. For best results, enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Chocolate Peppermint Cake

This professional-quality Chocolate Peppermint Cake relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Finding a perfect recipe isn’t easy, but when my friend tasted this Chocolate Peppermint Cake and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” I knew I had stumbled upon something special!

FAQs

What is Chocolate Peppermint Cake?

Chocolate Peppermint Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with refreshing peppermint. This cake typically features layers of moist chocolate cake infused with peppermint extract, often frosted with creamy peppermint-flavored icing. It’s a perfect treat for holiday gatherings and special occasions, offering a unique blend of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Many people enjoy serving this cake during the winter months, as its festive flavors evoke the spirit of the season.

How do I make Chocolate Peppermint Cake from scratch?

Making Chocolate Peppermint Cake from scratch involves several simple steps. Start by preparing the chocolate cake batter using cocoa powder, sugar, flour, eggs, and peppermint extract. Bake the layers in preheated ovens until they are perfectly cooked through. Once cooled, layer the cakes with peppermint frosting made from butter, powdered sugar, and additional peppermint extract. You can also garnish with crushed candy canes for an added festive touch.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Peppermint Cake?

Yes, you can substitute ingredients in Chocolate Peppermint Cake to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. You can also replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if desired. Additionally, using dairy-free butter and milk will make this dessert suitable for those on a dairy-free diet.

How long does Chocolate Peppermint Cake last?

Chocolate Peppermint Cake can last for up to five days when stored properly. To maximize its freshness, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Conclusion

In summary, Chocolate Peppermint Cake is a delectable dessert that brings together rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavors. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress your guests. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredient substitutions available, everyone can enjoy this festive treat. Remember to savor each bite of your homemade Chocolate Peppermint Cake!

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