Celebrate the season with the delightful flavors of Holiday Peppermint Cake! This festive dessert is a perfect blend of rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and sweet frosting.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, plus extra for garnish
• Red food coloring (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add egg whites, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
4. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
5. If desired, remove some batter and color it red with food coloring for a marbled effect. Fold in the crushed peppermint candies.
6. Pour the batter into prepared pans. Use a knife to swirl in the red batter if using.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Add enough milk or cream to achieve a spreading consistency. If desired, tint some frosting with red food coloring for decoration.
9. To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting over the top, and then top with the second cake layer. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
10. Garnish with additional crushed peppermint candies. Optionally, pipe red-tinted frosting for a decorative effect.