Discover the Delightful Recipe for Peppermint Chocolate Cake

Are you a fan of the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint? Look no further! In this article, we’ll share with you a delightful recipe for a homemade peppermint chocolate cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth. From melting the chocolate to adding the perfect amount of peppermint extract, we’ll guide you through each step to ensure a moist and decadent cake. Don’t forget to top it off with crushed candy cane pieces and chopped chocolate for an extra festive touch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dessert!

Gather Your Ingredients

To start off, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of chocolate (milk or dark)
• 1 and a 1/4 stick of butter (10T)
• 2.5T cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups of sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon of salt
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• Crushed candy cane pieces and chopped chocolate for topping

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you begin the baking process. This will ensure a smooth and efficient baking experience.

Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of chocolate (milk or dark) and 1 and a 1/4 stick of butter (10T). Heat the mixture in the microwave on 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.

This step is crucial to ensure that the chocolate and butter are evenly combined, resulting in a rich and decadent cake.

Whisk in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2.5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Once well combined, gradually whisk this dry mixture into the melted chocolate and butter.

Continue whisking until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a smooth and velvety batter.

Add the Eggs and Extracts

With the whisk still going, add in 4 eggs, one at a time, to the chocolate mixture. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one.

Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter. These extracts will give your cake a delightful hint of minty freshness.

Fold in the Flour and Baking Powder

Discover the technique of folding in the flour and baking powder to create a light and fluffy texture in your cake.

Sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder over the top of the batter. Using a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense and heavy cake. The folding technique helps incorporate the dry ingredients while maintaining the airiness of the batter.

Bake and Enjoy

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and pan spray.

Spread the cake batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Top it off with crushed candy cane pieces and chopped chocolate for an extra festive touch.

Bake the cake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool before serving. Slice into pieces and savor the delicious combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint.