Description
This decadent three-layer chocolate cake combines a moist, cocoa-rich sponge with a creamy white chocolate peppermint frosting. Finished with a luscious dark chocolate ganache drip and crushed candy canes, it is the perfect festive centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Dark cocoa powder (Dutch-process)
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Melted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
- Hot coffee or boiling water
- White chocolate bars
- Softened butter
- Powdered sugar
- Peppermint extract
- Heavy cream
- Dark chocolate
- Crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and oil until combined, then add the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Slowly pour in the buttermilk while stirring gently, then carefully whisk in the hot coffee or boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the three pans and bake for 20–24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to frost them.
- Melt the white chocolate and let it cool to room temperature; meanwhile, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Mix the cooled white chocolate into the butter, then gradually add powdered sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla, and salt, whipping until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake by frosting between the layers and around the exterior, then chill the cake for 20 minutes.
- Make the ganache by pouring hot cream over dark chocolate, whisk until smooth, drip over the chilled cake edges, and top with crushed candy canes.
Notes
To ensure a perfectly level cake, use a serrated knife to trim any domes off the layers before assembling. If your white chocolate frosting feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes and whip it again to reach a stiffer, pipeable consistency. Always use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to ensure the batter emulsifies properly for the best rise.
- Prep Time: 40 mins
- Cook Time: 24 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American