Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 7 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Stir occasionally until melted.
- Whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Beat the eggs into the chocolate mixture quickly, so they don’t cook, until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the dry ingredients until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans until cool to the touch, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a cooling rack.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until fluffy and creamy.
- Frost the cooled cake with the peppermint icing and decorate with crushed candy canes for a festive touch!
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate taste.
- For a lighter frosting, you can use whipped cream instead of butter for the icing.
- Decorate with additional festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a more holiday touch!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
