Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe

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If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with festive flavor and rich texture, this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a moist, tender chocolate cake infused with refreshing peppermint, studded with melted chocolate chips, and finished with a glossy chocolate ganache sprinkled with crushed candy canes. It’s the perfect holiday centerpiece or any-time treat that will fill your kitchen with warmth, excitement, and heavenly aromas. This recipe combines classic chocolate decadence with a cool peppermint twist that will have your friends and family asking for seconds, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cake that’s delightfully moist and deeply flavorful. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cocoa powder that provides intense chocolate taste to the peppermint extract that brings that seasonal spark.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich, intense chocolate flavor and a deep color to the batter.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully with a light texture.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the chocolate’s richness.
• Large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add to the cake’s moisture and tenderness.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the chocolate taste.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake irresistibly moist without weighing it down.
• Sour cream: Contributes to a tender crumb and adds richness.
• Peppermint extract: Infuses the cake with that refreshing holiday flavor everyone loves.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor depth.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt throughout the cake for pockets of gooey chocolate goodness.
• Hot water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and smoothing the batter.
• Crushed candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and a burst of peppermint on top of the ganache.
• Heavy cream (for ganache): Creates a rich and silky chocolate topping that elegantly coats the cake.
• Chocolate chips (for ganache): Melted into the cream for a luscious finishing glaze.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 10 to 12-cup bundt pan and dust it with cocoa powder instead of flour. This extra step ensures the cake releases perfectly without losing any of its beautiful crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly combined, which helps with consistent rising and texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, vegetable oil, sour cream, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and uniform. The addition of peppermint extract at this stage starts to infuse the batter with that lovely minty fragrance.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Then, slowly add the hot water and mix until your batter is silky and smooth. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to sprinkle gooey chocolate bits throughout your cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it—the smell alone is worth it!

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely—this prevents the ganache from melting prematurely and helps the cake set to its perfect texture.

Step 7: Prepare the Ganache

Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until the ganache is glossy and smooth—this creates a silky topping that complements the cake wonderfully.

Step 8: Decorate the Cake

Drizzle the ganache generously over your cooled Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe, allowing it to cascade down the sides beautifully. While the ganache is still wet, sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top for that festive, crunchy finish.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Slice this stunning cake into generous pieces, and get ready to impress with every bite. This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe is best enjoyed with friends and family or savored solo with a cozy cup of coffee or tea.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, adorn your cake slices with extra crushed candy canes or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves can also add a pretty, aromatic accent that enhances the peppermint vibe.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more grown-up treat, a drizzle of espresso syrup or a glass of peppermint-infused hot chocolate complements the cake spectacularly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake on a festive platter surrounded by peppermint sticks or seasonal berries. For holiday parties, create mini bundt cakes using a smaller pan and package them as charming gifts with a ribbon and a candy cane for that extra special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moistness without losing the peppermint crunch on top.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the texture and flavor intact.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and awakens the chocolate peppermint aroma, creating a hug in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds a slight tang and tenderness to the cake, so you can substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the effect.

Is peppermint extract very strong? How much should I use?

This recipe calls for one teaspoon, which provides a bright but balanced peppermint flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but keep an eye on baking times as some blends bake differently. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The cake will also start pulling slightly away from the edges of the pan.

Can I replace the candy canes with something else?

Definitely! Crushed peppermint candies, chopped nuts, or white chocolate shavings all make fantastic alternatives depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe is such a joyful way to celebrate the season or simply treat yourself to something special. Its luscious chocolate layers paired with invigorating peppermint make each bite magical. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you do, it might just become your new holiday tradition or cozy dessert favorite. Bake it, share it, and enjoy each heavenly slice!

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