Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate winter treat with this delightful Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake. Imagine your favorite cozy drink transformed into a decadent dessert – that’s exactly what you’ll experience with each bite of this cake. Moist chocolate bundt cake infused with peppermint extract, studded with chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, and generously draped in chocolate ganache, this creation is a true celebration of the holiday season.

The magic of this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake lies in its ability to evoke the comforting flavors of hot cocoa sipped by a crackling fireplace. The minty freshness combined with rich chocolatey goodness creates a symphony of flavors that will enchant your taste buds. Whether you’re serving this cake at a festive gathering, a Christmas party, or simply enjoying a slice at home, the blend of chocolate, mint, marshmallows, and candy canes promises a delightful experience that captures the essence of the season.

Elevate your holiday dessert table with this show-stopping cake that not only looks impressive but also delivers on taste. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends, this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake is a must-have for your winter baking repertoire. Embrace the spirit of the holidays with every slice of this delightful confection and create lasting memories with a dessert that embodies the joy and warmth of the season.

Quick Benefits

• Bold chocolate flavor with a refreshing peppermint twist
• Moist and rich texture from full-fat sour cream
• Impressive and festive presentation for holiday gatherings
• Stores well for up to 4 days, with option to freeze for up to 2 months

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The cake captures the cozy winter drink vibes of hot cocoa with candy canes and marshmallows, making it a perfect dessert for the holiday season.
• Impressive Appearance: The cake looks stunning with its dark chocolate ganache, white and red candy cane pieces, and fluffy marshmallows, making it a centerpiece dessert at any holiday gathering.
• Moist and Rich Texture: The addition of full-fat sour cream keeps the cake moist for days, ensuring a rich and decadent experience without feeling dry or heavy in your mouth.
• Balanced Sweetness: Despite being loaded with chocolate, marshmallows, and candy canes, the cake is not overly sweet, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The cake can be made in advance and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, with the flavors melding together even more deliciously overnight.
• Travel-Friendly: Ideal for potlucks and parties, the cake is easy to transport and doesn’t require refrigeration, making it a convenient and impressive dessert option.
• Freezer-Friendly: The baked cake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, allowing you to prepare ahead for the holiday season and have a delicious homemade dessert ready at any time.

Ingredients for Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus extra for the pan
• ½ to 1 tsp peppermint extract (highly recommended)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), cut into cubes
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup water or brewed coffee
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini marshmallows
• ¾ tsp baking powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• ⅔ cup full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Ganache

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ⅔ cup heavy cream

For Decorating

• Mini marshmallows
• Mini chocolate chips (optional)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

How to Make Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Base

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, cocoa powder, and water or coffee. Stir until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prep Your Bundt Pan

Thoroughly grease a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan with butter or cooking spray. Dust with cocoa powder, tapping to coat evenly, and remove any excess.

Step 3: Heat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Sugar

Transfer the cooled chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Add the sugar and beat until well combined.

Step 6: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract, peppermint extract (if desired), and sour cream.

Step 7: Add Flour Mixture

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the batter until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to prevent a tough cake.

Step 8: Fold in the Fun Stuff

Carefully mix in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed peppermint candies with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into the greased bundt pan and bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool It Down

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Invert the pan onto a wire rack to release the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding toppings.

Step 11: Make the Ganache

Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until almost simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 3 minutes. Whisk until smooth and shiny.

Step 12: Drizzle and Decorate

Pour the ganache over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and mini chocolate chips. Allow the ganache to set for at least 15 minutes before cutting.

Storage Tips

Once the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake is baked and cooled, storing it properly will help maintain its freshness. For short-term storage, you can keep the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors of the cake actually develop and meld together more deliciously overnight, so it may even taste better the day after baking.

If you plan to make the cake ahead of time, it’s best to store it without the ganache and toppings. This way, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the cake, tightly wrap it first in plastic wrap, then in foil, and finally place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the frozen cake overnight at room temperature while still wrapped. Once thawed, add the ganache and toppings fresh before serving. Avoid freezing the cake with the ganache and toppings, as they may not thaw well, especially the chocolate and marshmallows.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake recipe, you can replace the unsalted butter with an equal amount of margarine or vegetable oil if you prefer a dairy-free option. If you don’t have sour cream or Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of buttermilk or whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tanginess of sour cream. This will help maintain the moisture and texture of the cake.

If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can substitute it with peppermint oil or fresh mint leaves finely chopped, adjusting the amount to your desired level of mint flavor. Additionally, for a caffeine-free version, you can use decaffeinated coffee or simply stick to using water in the recipe. This will ensure you still achieve a rich chocolate flavor without the additional caffeine. Remember to taste and adjust the mint and coffee levels according to your preferences for a personalized touch to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake, consider serving it on a festive cake stand adorned with additional mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The contrast of the dark chocolate ganache drizzle against the white and red toppings creates a visually stunning centerpiece dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Pair each slice with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy and indulgent winter treat that captures the essence of the season.

For a playful twist, serve individual slices of the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake on dessert plates garnished with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, and a mini candy cane for a whimsical touch. This personalized presentation not only adds a fun element to the dessert but also allows guests to customize their slices with their favorite toppings. Whether enjoyed at a Christmas party or a cozy winter evening at home, this cake is sure to delight both kids and adults with its rich chocolate flavor and festive peppermint accents.

FAQs for Decadent Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake Recipe

Question?

Why is it important to let the chocolate-butter mixture cool before adding the eggs?

Question?

What happens if I don’t properly grease and cocoa-coat the bundt pan?

Question?

Can I use reduced-fat sour cream instead of full-fat in the cake?

Question?

How should I store the peppermint hot chocolate cake if I want to make it ahead of time?

Conclusion

As we wrap up this delightful journey into the world of Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake, I hope you feel inspired to create this festive treat for your loved ones this holiday season. Whether you’re attending a Christmas party, hosting a winter gathering, or simply craving a cozy dessert by the fireplace, this cake is sure to bring joy and warmth to all who indulge in its rich flavors.

Remember, baking is a labor of love, and the effort you put into creating this Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake will be well worth it when you see the smiles it brings to those around you. So don’t be afraid to dive into the kitchen, embrace the process, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your culinary masterpiece. Let the aroma of chocolate and peppermint fill your home, and savor each bite of this decadent cake that captures the essence of the holiday season. Happy baking, and may your Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake bring joy and cheer to all who taste it!