Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peppermint Fudge Cake is the ultimate holiday dessert for anyone who loves the classic pairing of chocolate and peppermint. I created this cake when I wanted something that felt luxurious and festive without being overly complicated. The cake itself is deeply chocolatey, moist, and rich, while the peppermint adds a refreshing contrast that keeps every bite balanced rather than heavy. What truly makes this dessert special is the fudge-like texture of the cake and frosting combination, which feels indulgent and celebratory. This is the kind of cake that looks impressive on a dessert table but is approachable enough for home bakers. It works beautifully for Christmas gatherings, winter celebrations, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert with bold flavor and comforting familiarity.
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Peppermint Fudge Cake (Rich, Decadent, and Perfectly Festive)
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and decadent peppermint fudge cake with a moist chocolate crumb and a festive minty finish, perfect for holiday celebrations and winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 cup chocolate fudge sauce
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
- Allow cake to cool slightly, then drizzle warm fudge sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the fudge topping.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for best flavor.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Flour provides the structure needed to support the rich, moist texture of the cake without making it dense.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor and gives the cake its dark, indulgent color.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking soda
Baking soda helps the cake rise and keeps it light despite its rich ingredients.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
Eggs
Eggs bind the batter and contribute richness and structure.
Vegetable oil
Oil keeps the cake moist for days and creates a soft, fudgy texture.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds tang and tenderness, preventing the cake from tasting overly sweet.
Hot coffee
Hot coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
Peppermint extract
Peppermint extract provides a clean, refreshing finish that defines the cake.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate forms the base of the fudge frosting, adding richness and depth.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates a smooth, glossy fudge frosting with a luxurious mouthfeel.
Butter
Butter adds richness and helps the frosting set beautifully.
Crushed peppermint candies
Peppermint candies add crunch, color, and festive flair.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and preparing your cake pans with parchment paper and light greasing. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk until smooth. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Slowly pour in the hot coffee while stirring, creating a thin but smooth batter. Add the peppermint extract and mix gently. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until the cakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
To make the fudge frosting, heat the heavy cream and butter until just simmering, then pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the frosting cool slightly to thicken before spreading between the cake layers and over the top. Finish with crushed peppermint candies for garnish.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This cake serves ten to twelve people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a baking time of 30 to 35 minutes. Allow additional time for cooling and frosting before serving.
Storage/reheating
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. This cake does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Peppermint Fudge Cake is easy to customize for different preferences. For an extra intense chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the batter. If you prefer a milder mint taste, reduce the peppermint extract slightly and rely on the crushed candies for flavor. I have also layered this cake with a thin spread of peppermint ganache between layers for added richness.
For a lighter presentation, bake the batter in a single pan and serve it as a sheet cake. You can also decorate the top with chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for contrast. These variations allow you to tailor the cake while preserving its festive, indulgent character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Peppermint Fudge Cake is a rich dessert meant for special occasions. It provides carbohydrates and fats for energy, with small amounts of protein from eggs and dairy. Enjoying moderate portions makes it a satisfying treat within a balanced diet.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Deep Chocolate Flavor
Use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate for best results.
Balanced Peppermint
Peppermint extract is strong, so measure carefully.
Smooth Frosting
Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading to avoid it running.
Clean Slices
Use a warm knife for neat, professional-looking slices.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze Peppermint Fudge Cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly.
How strong is the peppermint flavor?
It is balanced and refreshing, not overpowering.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, add a little vinegar or lemon juice to milk.
What cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Yes, adjust baking time accordingly.
Does coffee make it taste like mocha?
No, it only enhances the chocolate flavor.
Can I skip the peppermint candies?
Yes, they are optional but festive.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Do not overbake and store it covered.
Is this cake kid-friendly?
Yes, the peppermint flavor is mild and pleasant.
Conclusion
Peppermint Fudge Cake is a festive, indulgent dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season. With its rich chocolate base, smooth fudge frosting, and refreshing peppermint finish, it is a cake that feels both comforting and celebratory. Whether served at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as a special treat, this cake is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
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