Peppermint Candy Cane Drip Cake: A Festive Holiday Showstopper

Peppermint Candy Cane Drip Cake: A Festive Holiday Showstopper 🍬

This Peppermint Candy Cane Drip Cake is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday celebrations! With layers of moist cake infused with peppermint flavor, creamy frosting, and a stunning white chocolate drip, this dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful. Topped with crushed and whole candy canes, it’s a sweet treat that will bring holiday cheer to any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder 🍞
• 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) 🧈
• 1 3/4 cups sugar 🍚
• 4 large eggs 🥚
• 1 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 🌿
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk 🥛
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes 🍬

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 🧈
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar 🍚
• 1 tsp peppermint extract 🌿
• 2-3 tbsp milk 💧
• Red gel food coloring (optional) 🌹

For the Drip and Decoration:

• 6 oz white chocolate (melted) 🍫
• 1/4 cup heavy cream 🥄
• Crushed candy canes 🍬 and whole candy canes 🍭 for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: 🎂

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 🌾
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). 🧈🍚
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 🥚
5. Stir in the peppermint extract. 🌿
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. 🥛
7. Fold in the crushed candy canes for a festive crunch! 🍬
8. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before turning them out onto a wire rack.

2. Make the Frosting: 🍰

1. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. 🧈
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth and fluffy. 🍚
3. Mix in the peppermint extract and milk until the frosting is spreadable.
4. For a pink hue, add a few drops of red gel food coloring and mix until evenly tinted. 🌹

3. Assemble the Cake: 🎂

1. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate.
2. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the first layer. 🍰
3. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. 🧁

4. Prepare the Drip: 🍫

1. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
2. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate and stir until smooth and fully melted.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake edges for a stunning drip effect. Use a spoon to guide the drips if needed.

5. Decorate: 🎉

1. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the top and sides of the cake for a festive look. 🍬
2. Add whole candy canes for a classic holiday touch. 🍭

6. Chill and Serve: ❄️

1. Chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes to set the drip and frosting.
2. Slice and serve your peppermint masterpiece!

Tips for a Perfect Candy Cane Drip Cake

• Use room-temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
• Chill between steps: Chill the cake layers after frosting to make the drip easier to apply.
• Get creative with decoration: Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra holiday sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A: Yes! While homemade frosting adds a fresh flavor, store-bought frosting can save time.

Q: How do I prevent the candy canes from melting into the cake?
A: Add the candy canes to the batter right before baking and avoid overmixing.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost and decorate the next day for freshness.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Runny drip glaze: Let the white chocolate cool slightly before drizzling to control the consistency.
3. Uneven frosting layers: Use an offset spatula for smooth and even frosting application.

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