# Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
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## Introduction
Get into the holiday spirit with our Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake. This perfect blend of rich, chocolaty goodness with a hint of minty freshness is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at all your holiday gatherings.
## Why Make This Recipe
Who can resist the delightful combination of hot chocolate and peppermint? This cake captures the essence of the holiday season in each decadent bite. It’s a sensational dessert that’s not just satisfying to the palate, but also visually appealing with its candy cane garnish.
## How to Make Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
### Ingredients:
**For the cake:**
– All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups)
– Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup)
– Granulated sugar (2 cups)
– Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp)
– Baking soda (1 1/2 tsp)
– Salt (1 tsp)
– Large eggs (2)
– Whole milk (1 cup)
– Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
– Vanilla extract (2 tsp)
– Boiling water (1 cup)
– Peppermint extract (1/2 tsp)
**For the frosting:**
– Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)
– Powdered sugar (4 cups)
– Heavy cream (1/4 cup)
– Peppermint extract (1 tsp)
– Crushed candy canes for garnish
### Directions:
In a step-by-step format, we guide you through the process of making the perfect Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake from preheating the oven, creating the batter, baking the cake, making frosting and assembling the cake.
## How to Serve Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
This decadent cake makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Serve it alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate or coffee. Don’t forget to garnish with extra crushed candy canes to add that festive touch!
## How to Store Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
## Tips to Make Festive Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cake
– Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
– Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
– Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.
## Variations
For a more pronounced minty flavor, you can add peppermint candies into the cake batter. Alternatively, for a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cake.
## FAQs
**Q: Can I use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder?**
A: Yes, you could do this, but it will significantly change the flavor profile of the cake.
**Q: Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?**
A: Yes, low-fat milk will work for this recipe, though the cake may not be as rich.
**Q: I don’t have candy canes. What can I use instead?**
A: You could easily substitute candy canes with any other peppermint candy.