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Peppermint Mocha Layer Cake

Ashley Manila
This stunning Peppermint Mocha Layer Cake is sure to be a hit at any holiday celebration!
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Prep Time 1 hour 1 minute
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 31 minutes
Servings 1 - 9" Layer Cake; 8 large slices

Ingredients
 

For the peppermint mocha cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (not packed!)
  • 1 and 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 3 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  • 1 and 1/2 cups hot coffee

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks, 16 ounces), VERY soft
  • 4 and 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons heavy cream (more if needed)

For the Mocha Ganache:

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup peppermint candies (or candy canes), chopped

Instructions
 

For the peppermint mocha cake:

  • Preheat oven to 350°(F). Cut out three 9-inch round segments of parchment paper to line your cake pans with. Spray each pan generously - sides and bottom - with nonstick cooking spray, then place the parchment paper cut out in the bottom of the pans and spray again. It's important to make sure every bit of pan and paper are sprayed so your cakes don't get stuck. Set pans aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, combine both sugars, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt; mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined. Use your hands to break up any large clumps, if needed. In a separate bowl combine the eggs, egg yolks, sour cream, milk, oil and peppermint extract; mix until completely combined. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on low until just incorporated. Pour in hot coffee and continue mixing until completely combined; about 1 minute. The batter will thin.
  • Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center of a cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool cakes for 10 minutes in the pan before removing from pans and transferring to a cooling rack; cool cakes completely before frosting.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter on medium-speed until completely smooth; about 3 minutes. Turn the mixer off and sift the powdered sugar and cocoa into the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer on the lowest speed and mix until the sugar/cocoa have been absorbed by the butter; about 2 minutes. Increase mixer speed to medium; add in peppermint extract, salt, and heavy cream; beat for 3 minutes. If your frosting appears a too thin, add a little more confectioners' sugar; If your frosting needs to be thinner, add additional heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time.

When ready to frost:

  • Using a serrated knife, carefully trim the raised top of each cake, making each one an even, level surface. Transfer 1 layer to a large plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top, then gently top with another cake layer; repeat with second cake layer. Gently add the final cake layer on top then place cake in the fridge to set for 1 hour. Once set, finishing frosting the top and sides of the cake. Set cake aside while you make your mocha ganache.

For the Mocha Ganache:

  • Add the chocolate and espresso powder to a large, heatproof bowl; set aside.
  • Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium-heat just until it begins to bubble around the edges; about 2 minutes. Remove the cream from heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let the chocolate and warm cream stand untouched for 1 minute, then whisk it together until the chocolate melts and a smooth ganache forms; about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool completely (about 20 minutes) then pour the ganache over the cake. Sprinkle the chopped peppermint candies on top of the wet chocolate. Allow chocolate ganache to set before slicing.

Notes

Cake may be baked up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving, or serve cold if you don't mind a denser cake. Unfrosted cakes may be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, follow the recipe as written.
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