Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Chocolate Peppermint Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with refreshing peppermint. It's perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a festive and indulgent treat. Here's a recipe to help you create a delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cake:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

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

For the peppermint frosting:

• 1 and 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until well combined.
4. Reduce the speed to low and carefully pour in the boiling water. Mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.
5. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the peppermint frosting. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Beat on low speed until the ingredients are well combined. Then increase the speed to high and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of peppermint frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining peppermint frosting.
11. Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the top of the cake for garnish.
12. Slice and serve the delicious Chocolate Peppermint Cake!

This cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate cake and refreshing peppermint frosting, making it a perfect dessert for the holiday season or any special occasion. Enjoy the festive flavors and the indulgent treat!