Holiday Peppermint Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays, let me introduce you to my beloved Holiday Peppermint Cake! This cake is not only incredibly tasty but also easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. The sweet aroma of peppermint fills the air as this cake bakes, creating a cozy atmosphere that will surely make your heart smile.

What I love most about this Holiday Peppermint Cake is its ability to bring everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to treat your loved ones after dinner, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a fun recipe to make with kids or friends, adding a sprinkle of joy to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious cake in the oven in no time!
• Family favorite: The delightful flavor of peppermint appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make ahead: You can bake this cake in advance and store it until you’re ready to serve, saving you time on the big day.
• Festive touch: The crushed peppermint candy canes on top add a beautiful and cheerful decoration that fits perfectly with holiday celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Holiday Peppermint Cake requires simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to create this festive delight:

For the Cake

• 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup Torani Peppermint Flavoring Syrup

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 – 4 tablespoons milk or water
• 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
• Crushed peppermint candy canes

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to play around with flavors and decorations based on your preferences.

• Add chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for a delicious chocolate-peppermint combo.
• Try different extracts: Swap out pure peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist.
• Decorate differently: Instead of crushed candy canes, use colorful sprinkles or shredded coconut for a fun variation.
• Change the frosting: Consider making cream cheese frosting instead for an added tangy richness.

How to Make Holiday Peppermint Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, gather all your ingredients. This ensures everything is ready when it’s time to mix. Grease and flour two round cake pans; this will help your cakes come out easily after baking!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, eggs, vegetable oil, and Torani Peppermint Flavoring Syrup. Mix everything until well combined. It’s important not to overmix—just enough until there are no dry flour pockets left! Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Cooling is crucial so that they don’t become soggy when you frost them later!

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While your cakes cool down, make the frosting by beating together softened butter and powdered sugar in a bowl. Gradually add milk or water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in pure peppermint extract for that refreshing flavor!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Frost the top and sides of your cake evenly. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes over the frosted cake.

Now you have created an enchanting Holiday Peppermint Cake that’s not only delicious but also beautifully decorated! Enjoy every bite with family and friends during this special season!

Pro Tips for Making Holiday Peppermint Cake

Creating the perfect Holiday Peppermint Cake is all about those little touches that make a big difference!

• Choose the right cake mix: Opting for a high-quality white cake mix can elevate the flavor and texture, making your cake light and fluffy.
• Incorporate the peppermint: Adding Torani Peppermint Flavoring Syrup not only enhances the cake’s minty taste but also keeps it moist, ensuring every bite is bursting with holiday cheer.
• Let your butter soften: Using softened butter for your frosting will help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, making it easier to spread and pipe onto your cake.
• Adjust frosting thickness: If your frosting feels too thick, slowly add a tablespoon of milk or water until you reach the desired consistency. This allows for both easy spreading and a beautiful finish.
• Crush candy canes carefully: When crushing peppermint candy canes, place them in a sealed bag and use a rolling pin. This method prevents flying shards and ensures uniform pieces for topping.

How to Serve Holiday Peppermint Cake

Presenting your Holiday Peppermint Cake beautifully can make it even more enticing for your guests. Here are some delightful ways to serve this festive treat.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and enhance the peppermint flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on each slice provides a creamy contrast to the cake’s sweetness while keeping it dairy-free.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings over the frosting for an elegant touch that adds depth to the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds, oranges, and apples adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cake.
• Hot cocoa: Serve with cups of homemade hot cocoa topped with non-dairy marshmallows for a cozy pairing that warms everyone’s hearts.
• Vanilla almond cookies: These delicate cookies offer a crunchy contrast that complements the soft texture of the cake while adding another layer of sweetness.
• Spiced apple cider: Warm spiced apple cider brings comforting flavors to the table, enhancing the holiday spirit while providing a delightful beverage option alongside dessert.

With these serving tips and garnishes, your Holiday Peppermint Cake will be not only delicious but also visually stunning—perfect for any festive gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Holiday Peppermint Cake is not only a showstopper but also a fantastic option for meal prep. You can easily make it ahead of time and ensure your gatherings are stress-free!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of the cake on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delightful dessert? Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use a different flavoring instead of peppermint?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other flavoring syrups to create your own unique twist on this cake. Vanilla or chocolate would work beautifully!

How long does the Holiday Peppermint Cake last?

When stored properly, your Holiday Peppermint Cake can last up to a week in the fridge or three months in the freezer. Enjoy it fresh or save it for later!

Can I make this Holiday Peppermint Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I use instead of butter in the frosting?

You can replace butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil for a dairy-free version of the frosting while achieving that creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Holiday Peppermint Cake is truly special, bringing festive cheer and delightful flavors to any gathering. I hope you enjoy making this easy yet impressive dessert as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to get creative with your decorations, and remember—sharing is caring! Happy baking!