There’s something magical about the scent of peppermint swirling with rich chocolate on a cold December evening. This Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake captures that holiday spirit in every slice, soft, moist, and wrapped in creamy frosting. Inspired by festive flavors from winter kitchens, this cake blends classic cocoa richness with the cool sparkle of peppermint. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or simply craving something seasonal, this recipe is an irresistible centerpiece that brings comfort, sweetness, and just the right touch of nostalgia.
Table of Contents
Why Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake Is the Holiday Showstopper
There’s no denying that this bundt cake earns its place as the star of any dessert table. Its glossy chocolate crumb, crowned with thick cream cheese frosting and peppermint sparkle, looks like something out of a winter wonderland. The beauty lies in its simplicity, no fancy layers, no complicated steps, just pure, indulgent joy.
The texture stays incredibly moist thanks to sour cream and butter, while the crushed peppermint candies give a delightful crunch in every slice. For an even richer holiday spread, pair it with the Moist Spiced Gingerbread Cake Recipe. And if you’re baking for a crowd, add a tray of Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for a festive mix of flavors.
Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake
Equipment
- 10-12 cup bundt pan
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Rubber Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Offset spatula or piping bag for frosting
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee for depth
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate melted and cooled slightly
- ½ cup crushed candy canes plus extra for topping
For the Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with butter and flour.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and peppermint extract.
- Add sour cream and melted chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until batter forms.
- Pour in hot water or coffee and mix just until incorporated, do not overmix.
- Fold in crushed candy canes gently.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and peppermint extract, adjusting with milk for desired texture.
- Spread or pipe frosting over cooled cake.
- Top with additional crushed candy canes and drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Sugar: 36g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fiber: 3g
Perfecting the Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake Texture
The Secret to a Soft, Moist Bundt Cake
When it comes to a Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake, texture is everything. You want that tender crumb that melts in your mouth without feeling heavy. The secret lies in balancing rich chocolate with moisture-locking ingredients.
I always reach for full-fat sour cream, it keeps the cake soft for days and adds a subtle tang that enhances the cocoa flavor. Butter gives the cake structure, while eggs add richness and stability.
For deeper chocolate notes, try using a blend of cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate. This duo ensures your cake is both fudgy and light. Another essential trick: don’t overmix.
The moment your batter looks smooth, stop stirring, this prevents a dense texture.
If you enjoy indulgent, old-fashioned desserts, you’ll love the Sourdough Apple Skillet Cake, which uses similar techniques for keeping cakes airy and moist. The process is simple yet foolproof once you understand ingredient harmony.
Here’s a quick texture guide for reference:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sour Cream | Adds moisture and tender texture |
| Butter | Creates structure and richness |
| Cocoa Powder | Provides deep chocolate flavor |
| Crushed Peppermint | Adds festive crunch and flavor balance |
Choosing Quality Ingredients for Holiday Baking
Every bite of this Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake reflects the quality of what you put in. Use real peppermint extract instead of artificial flavoring, it delivers that clean, cool note without bitterness.
Always opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content; it enhances the peppermint rather than overpowering it.
Room-temperature ingredients are another must. Cold butter or eggs can shock the batter and lead to uneven baking. Take a few extra minutes to let everything warm up, it’s worth it.
If you’re planning a dessert buffet, balance your flavors with something spiced and aromatic like the Moist Pumpkin Spice Bar Recipe. Together, they create the ultimate holiday spread.
And for anyone who can’t get enough chocolate, check out the Sourdough Double Chocolate Bread Recipe for another rich, decadent bake that complements this bundt cake beautifully.
The Frosting & Decoration Magic
Cream Cheese Frosting That Steals the Show
A Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake without frosting is like winter without snow, it’s just not the same. The frosting is where the magic happens, turning a simple chocolate cake into a showstopper worthy of any holiday table. My go-to frosting is a silky cream cheese blend, rich enough to complement the cocoa yet light enough to let peppermint shine.
Start with softened butter and cream cheese beaten until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by a splash of vanilla and a hint of peppermint extract.
The result is smooth, stable, and easy to pipe. For the signature look, transfer the frosting to a piping bag and swirl thick ribbons around the bundt’s ridges, just like those eye-catching frosting loops you see on bakery cakes.
If you’ve ever admired the glaze on the Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe, you’ll love how this frosting holds its shape with that same glossy perfection. Chill the cake briefly before serving to let the frosting set, this gives every slice that irresistible, picture-perfect edge.
For chocolate lovers, balance the frosting’s sweetness with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a touch of ganache. The contrast of colors, dark cake, pale frosting, and ruby peppermint bits, creates a festive centerpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious.
Creative Peppermint Garnish Ideas
Turn your Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake into a festive centerpiece with these easy, creative decorating tips:
- Crushed candy cane sparkle: Sprinkle finely crushed candy canes over the frosting for a frosty, snow-dusted effect.
- Mini candy cane border: Press whole mini candy canes around the base or top edge for a playful, holiday look.
- Peppermint bark ring: Arrange shards of peppermint bark in a circle on top for a bakery-style presentation.
- Chocolate curls: Add milk or dark chocolate curls for contrast against the white frosting.
- Snowy finish: Lightly dust powdered sugar for a soft, winter wonderland vibe.
- Mint leaves: Use small mint sprigs for a pop of natural green that complements the red and white tones.
- Color variation: Mix red and white peppermint pieces for extra visual depth.
- Frosting swirl highlight: Add a drizzle of white chocolate across the top to make the ridges of the bundt cake stand out.
- Dessert pairing: Display with Peppermint Bark Cookies Recipe for a cohesive holiday dessert theme.
- Dual cake display: Pair with Red Velvet Bundt Cake and Cream Cheese Glaze for color and flavor contrast on your dessert table.
- Last-minute shine: Sprinkle crushed peppermint right before serving to keep the texture crisp and colorful.
- Photography trick: Place under soft lighting to make the peppermint sparkle and frosting gleam for perfect photos.
Every garnish adds texture, flavor, and visual magic, transforming your Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake from delicious to unforgettable.
Serving, Storing & Holiday Presentation
Serving Ideas That Wow Guests
Make your Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake the star of the table with these quick, elegant serving tips:
- Show off the shape: Place the cake on a white or marble stand to highlight the bundt’s rich chocolate curves.
- Add a festive glaze: Drizzle extra cream cheese frosting down the sides for that glossy, bakery-fresh look.
- Snowfall effect: Dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for a wintery touch.
- Color and crunch: Sprinkle crushed candy canes around the base or use whole mini canes for garnish.
- Fresh accents: Add small mint leaves or chocolate curls for a polished presentation.
- Holiday pairings: Serve with steaming mugs of hot cocoa or the Hot Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe for a cozy chocolate duo.
- Dessert table idea: Pair it with Festive Christmas Bread Recipe for variety and flavor contrast.
- Elegant plating: Slice using a hot, damp knife for clean cuts.
- Finishing touch: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup over each slice.
- Photography tip: Serve under soft, warm light, those candy cane sparkles will stand out beautifully.
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage Secrets
Keep your Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake fresh and perfect for days with these smart storage ideas:
- Bake ahead: Prepare the cake 1-2 days in advance; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
- Moisture retention: Sour cream keeps the crumb soft and flavorful even after a day or two.
- Refrigeration: If frosted, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months; double-wrap with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Frost later: Always frost after thawing to maintain the smooth texture of your cream cheese frosting.
- Holiday prep tip: Bake the night before your party and decorate the next morning for best presentation.
- Flavor pairing: Serve alongside the Moist Spiced Gingerbread Cake Recipe or Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Bars for a full dessert spread.
- Leftovers: Store sliced pieces in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Pro move: Warm leftover slices in the microwave for 10 seconds before serving, soft, melty perfection.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this cake is the perfect sweet centerpiece. It’s elegant, comforting, and brimming with peppermint cheer, the kind of dessert that becomes a yearly tradition.
FAQs
What makes peppermint and chocolate a perfect flavor combination for bundt cake?
Peppermint’s cool, refreshing flavor cuts through the deep richness of chocolate, creating balance and brightness in every bite. In a bundt cake, the two complement each other perfectly, the chocolate provides depth, while peppermint adds a crisp, festive edge. This pairing makes the Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake feel indulgent yet refreshing, ideal for holiday celebrations.
How do you keep a peppermint chocolate bundt cake moist?
The secret is in your wet ingredients. Sour cream, butter, and eggs ensure lasting moisture without heaviness. After baking, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap to lock in softness. Avoid overbaking, check doneness with a toothpick that comes out slightly crumbly, not dry.
Can I make this bundt cake ahead of time for the holidays?
Absolutely! Bake it one to two days before serving, and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost the cake the day of your event for that fresh, creamy finish. You can even freeze the unfrosted bundt for up to two months, then thaw overnight and frost when ready to serve.
What’s the best frosting for a peppermint chocolate bundt cake?
Cream cheese frosting wins every time, it’s rich, smooth, and balances both chocolate and peppermint beautifully. For extra flair, drizzle white chocolate ganache on top and finish with crushed candy canes for a snowy, festive effect.
The Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake isn’t just dessert, it’s a story baked into every crumb. It’s the smell of cocoa meeting cool peppermint on a winter night, the laughter of loved ones gathered around, and the quiet moment when the first slice disappears with a smile. From Asheville’s cozy kitchens to your own holiday table, this cake brings warmth, joy, and connection in every bite.
If you’re craving even more inspiration, explore festive creations like the Swirl Peppermint Cookies Christmas or Pistachio Cranberry Wreath Bread, each one adds a touch of sweetness to the season. So tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and bake some happiness this holiday.
