Ultimate Peppermint Mocha Cake: Your Go-To Holiday Dessert Recipe

Indulge in the festive flavors of this exquisite Peppermint Mocha Cake! Featuring moist layers of chocolate mocha cake, enveloped in rich chocolate peppermint frosting, and topped with fluffy peppermint whipped cream, all finished with a delightful sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

Hello, wonderful bakers and dessert enthusiasts! I’m Tonia from The Gunny Sack, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays in every bite. There’s a special kind of magic that comes with the holiday season, and for my oldest daughter, a significant part of that magic revolves around a cherished peppermint mocha coffee drink. She eagerly awaits its return each year, searching for that one coffee shop that crafts it just right, complete with a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes atop its creamy whipped topping.

Inspired by her unwavering love for this festive beverage, I set out to transform that delightful experience into a cake. The result? This sensational Peppermint Mocha Cake, a dessert designed to be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. It’s a harmonious blend of rich chocolate mocha cake layers, a luscious chocolate peppermint frosting, airy peppermint whipped cream, and, of course, that signature crunch of crushed candy canes.

The Perfect Blend: Why Peppermint and Mocha Are a Match Made in Heaven

The combination of peppermint and mocha is nothing short of iconic, especially when the weather turns chilly and holiday festivities begin. The deep, rich notes of chocolate perfectly complement the invigorating coolness of peppermint, while the subtle coffee undertones of the mocha add a sophisticated depth that elevates the entire flavor profile. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a nostalgic nod to cozy evenings and joyful gatherings. Each forkful offers a symphony of tastes and textures: the tender, moist chocolate cake infused with coffee, the creamy, minty frosting that melts in your mouth, and the light, refreshing whipped cream, all brought to life by the cheerful crunch of candy canes.

Crafting this cake at home allows you to control the intensity of each flavor, ensuring it meets your personal preference. Whether you love a strong mint kick or a more subtle whisper, this recipe is adaptable. It’s a wonderful way to bring a beloved holiday drink to your dessert table, making it a memorable treat for family and friends alike.

Customizing Your Cake: From Two Layers to a Grand Four-Tiered Masterpiece

While this recipe is beautifully presented as a two-layer cake, offering a generous and satisfying dessert, you can easily transform it into an impressive four-layer spectacle. For those who adore taller cakes or simply want to impress their guests with a more dramatic presentation, simply cut each of your cooled cake layers in half horizontally. This technique requires a steady hand and a good serrated knife, but the effort is well worth it for the visual impact. Just remember, if you opt for four layers, be sure to divide your decadent chocolate peppermint frosting into four equal portions to ensure every layer is generously covered. This simple adjustment allows for more frosting per bite, enhancing the overall experience.

For this recipe, I chose to keep things simple and elegant with two layers. This approach is perfect for home bakers who might be short on time or prefer a less intricate assembly process without sacrificing any of the magnificent flavor. The two-layer structure is sturdy, easy to manage, and still provides ample height and deliciousness.

The Mocha Magic: How Coffee Elevates Your Chocolate Cake

The “mocha” in Peppermint Mocha Cake isn’t just for show; it’s a key ingredient that dramatically enhances the flavor of the chocolate. By substituting water with strongly brewed, cooled coffee in your chocolate cake mix, you unlock a deeper, richer chocolate flavor without making the cake taste overtly like coffee. The coffee acts as a flavor enhancer, intensifying the cocoa notes and adding a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cake and frosting. It’s a culinary secret that many bakers use to achieve truly extraordinary chocolate desserts.

And for those who might not be fans of peppermint, or perhaps want a cake that can be enjoyed year-round, this recipe is incredibly versatile. To create a sublime chocolate mocha cake without the minty twist, simply omit the peppermint extract from both the cake batter and the frosting. You can then substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract to round out the flavors beautifully, or even try almond extract for a different dimension. Just be warned, as I mentioned before, my daughter might give you a disappointed look if you skip the peppermint during the holidays!

But for this holiday season, I highly encourage embracing the peppermint. It’s what truly transforms this delicious chocolate mocha cake into a festive celebration. The cool, refreshing bite of mint against the warm, dark chocolate and coffee is what makes this cake so uniquely appealing and perfect for festive occasions.

Presentation and Serving: The Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece

This Peppermint Mocha Cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes. With its vibrant layers and festive topping, it makes a truly lovely dessert to serve at any holiday party or family gathering. Placed on an elegant cake stand, it instantly becomes the focal point of your dessert table, promising deliciousness and cheer. The contrasting colors of the dark chocolate, white whipped cream, and red candy cane sprinkles create a visually stunning display that embodies the joy of the season.

To complete the experience, serve slices of this cake alongside a warm mug of its namesake: a peppermint mocha, or perhaps a rich, creamy hot chocolate. The pairing enhances both the drink and the dessert, creating a wonderfully cohesive flavor profile that guests will adore. Imagine sharing this delightful dessert after a festive holiday meal, or enjoying a slice with friends during a cozy winter afternoon. It’s truly a cake that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

Remember, baking during the holidays should be a joyful process. Don’t stress too much about perfection; the homemade touch is often the most cherished. Enjoy the process of mixing, baking, and decorating, and delight in the smiles your delicious creation will bring to those you share it with.

Peppermint Mocha Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:
1 box (standard size) chocolate cake mix
Ingredients called for on the box (typically eggs, oil), BUT substitute the water with an equal amount of strongly brewed, cooled coffee
½ tsp peppermint extract
For the Chocolate Peppermint Frosting:
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup shortening
½ cup marshmallow cream
3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa, sifted
1-2 tbsp milk (start with 1, add more if needed for consistency)
1 tsp peppermint extract
For the Peppermint Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy whipping cream, well-chilled
3 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp peppermint extract
For Garnish:
¼ cup crushed candy canes (plus more for extra festive flair)

Instructions

Prepare the Mocha Peppermint Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them thoroughly, then lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, all the ingredients called for on the box (except water), the strongly brewed and cooled coffee (replacing the water), and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are just combined, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and airy. Divide the cake batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Bake for 29-33 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto the rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, carefully peel off the parchment paper. For a level cake, use a large serrated knife to gently trim any domed tops.
Make the Chocolate Peppermint Frosting:
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and shortening until the mixture is light and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Add the marshmallow cream and continue to beat until well incorporated and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and baking cocoa to remove any lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar/cocoa mixture to the butter mixture, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fully combined. Once all dry ingredients are incorporated, add 1 tablespoon of milk and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add the second tablespoon of milk if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Whip the Peppermint Cream Topping:
Ensure your heavy whipping cream, bowl, and beaters are very cold for best results. In a chilled large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on high speed until it begins to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form, being careful not to over-beat, which can turn it into butter.
Assemble Your Peppermint Mocha Cake:
Place one of the cooled, leveled cake layers on your chosen cake platter or stand. Dab a small amount of frosting underneath the cake to secure it in place. Spread half of the chocolate peppermint frosting evenly over the top of the first cake layer. For a smooth finish, an offset spatula warmed in hot water and then wiped dry can be very helpful. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Apply the remaining chocolate peppermint frosting to the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out for an elegant finish. Finally, gently spread the prepared peppermint whipped cream over the top of the frosted cake. Before serving, generously sprinkle crushed candy canes over the whipped cream for that perfect festive touch and delightful crunch.

Did you make this recipe?

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More Delicious Recipes to Inspire Your Baking Adventures

If you enjoyed this festive Peppermint Mocha Cake, you might also love these other delightful recipes perfect for any occasion:

Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake

Easter Cake

Chocolate Peppermint Torte