Are you craving a delightful dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This easy peppermint cake recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It's the perfect addition to holiday gatherings, or a simple yet elegant treat for any day of the week. Get ready to experience the refreshing coolness of peppermint in every bite!
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
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For the Peppermint Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ cup crushed candy canes (for decoration)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and release easily.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry ingredient mix is the foundation of our fluffy cake.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly here. This step incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Don't overmix.
- In a small bowl, gently whisk together the buttermilk and coffee. This creates a moist and flavorful cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing leads to a tough cake.
Baking the Peppermint Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on your cakes.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Delicious Peppermint Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Add the heavy cream and peppermint extract and beat until light and fluffy.
Assembling and Decorating Your Peppermint Cake Masterpiece:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate the top with crushed candy canes. Get creative!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Peppermint Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter cake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cakes are baked through. If it comes out clean, they're ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peppermint Cake: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a decadent chocolate peppermint cake.
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cake: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with cream cheese frosting or a simple whipped cream frosting for a lighter option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 50-60g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy peppermint cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its refreshing flavor and simple preparation make it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and creating delicious memories!