During the holiday season, there's nothing quite like indulging in a delicious dessert that captures the spirit of the festivities. One such treat that stands out is the candy cane look - alike peppermint cake. This recipe combines the refreshing taste of peppermint with the rich and creamy texture of white chocolate buttercream, creating a dessert that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
To start with, let's gather the ingredients for the peppermint cake. You'll need all - purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract is the key ingredient that gives the cake its signature flavor. For the white chocolate buttercream, you'll require white chocolate, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a bit more peppermint extract.
Begin by preheating your oven to the appropriate temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well - combined and evenly distributed throughout the cake.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This process can take a few minutes, but it's important as it incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract should be added according to your taste preference, but a teaspoon or two usually does the trick.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter - sugar - egg mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined. Over - mixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle with your stirring. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
While the cakes are baking, it's time to prepare the white chocolate buttercream. Start by melting the white chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Let it cool slightly. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until soft. Gradually add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract, and beat until the buttercream is light and fluffy. Then, fold in the melted white chocolate.
Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes. Then, invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the white chocolate buttercream over the top of the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread more buttercream over the top and sides of the cake.
Now comes the fun part - decorating the cake. Crush some peppermint candies into small pieces. You can use a rolling pin or a food processor to do this. Sprinkle the crushed mints all over the top and sides of the cake. The bright red and white colors of the crushed mints give the cake a candy - cane look, making it perfect for the holiday season.
This peppermint cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of the refreshing peppermint flavor, the rich white chocolate buttercream, and the colorful crushed mints makes it one of the most memorable holiday desserts. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just want to enjoy a sweet treat with your family, this candy cane look - alike peppermint cake is sure to be a hit.
You can also get creative with this recipe. For example, you could add some red food coloring to the cake batter to give it a more vibrant, candy - cane - like appearance. Or, you could use different types of peppermint candies, such as peppermint bark, to add an extra layer of flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this delicious holiday dessert.
So, this holiday season, don't hesitate to try your hand at making this peppermint cake. It's a relatively simple recipe that yields amazing results. Your friends and family will be impressed by your baking skills and will surely ask for the recipe. Enjoy the process of baking and savor every bite of this refreshing and delicious holiday treat.
