If you’re searching for a festive, delicious dessert that brings together the rich decadence of chocolate and the refreshing zing of peppermint, look no further than this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe. This cake is a delightful way to celebrate any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or an indulgent treat to brighten your week. With its moist chocolate crumb infused with peppermint ice cream and topped with a glossy white chocolate glaze and crushed candy canes, every bite is a winter wonderland of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up the Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe is a breeze thanks to the straightforward, well-balanced ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the peppermint stick ice cream that imparts the signature cool note to the white chocolate chips adding creamy sweetness, every component enhances the final cake’s magic.
- 2 cups Hudsonville’s Limited Edition Peppermint Stick ice cream: This melts down to infuse the batter with fresh peppermint flavor and moisture.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, 15.25 oz: The foundation of rich, chocolatey goodness and perfect structure for the cake.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: For the luscious, creamy glaze that contrasts beautifully against the dark cake.
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream: Helps create a silky smooth white chocolate glaze that pours just right.
- 4 candy canes (crushed): Adds a delightful peppermint crunch and festive flair when sprinkled on top.
- Butter and cocoa powder (for greasing pan): Essential to make unmolding your bundt cake a hassle-free experience.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature once your batter is ready. Generously grease a 9-inch bundt pan with about a tablespoon of butter, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Then, dust the pan with cocoa powder. This simple step prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor around the cake’s edges, guaranteeing a picture-perfect release and gorgeous texture.
Step 2: Melt the Peppermint Stick Ice Cream
Measure out 2 cups of the peppermint stick ice cream and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about one minute, or until completely melted. This melted ice cream will add a lovely peppermint essence and moisture to your batter, making your bundt cake incredibly tender with that signature festive touch.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Into the melted ice cream, add the 3 large eggs and the entire chocolate cake mix. Using an electric mixer, beat this mixture until everything is fully combined and smooth. This ensures your batter has the perfect consistency for a fluffy yet dense cake that holds all its peppermint magic in every bite.
Step 4: Bake and Cool the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges with a small spatula, then invert it over parchment paper and give the pan a gentle tap to release the cake. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the glaze and finishing touches.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe is where you can really add your personal style. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over a white chocolate glaze to give the cake a festive sparkle and a crunchy peppermint pop that balances the rich cake. Shaved white chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder are also charming extras to elevate the presentation with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Keep the surrounding elements simple and complementary to ensure your bundt cake shines. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of hot cocoa, or lightly whipped cream make excellent companions. Fresh berries or a small bowl of peppermint bark on the side can create a winter-themed spread that delights the eyes and palate alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this cake the star of your dessert table? Try serving it on a rustic wooden board or an elegant glass cake stand adorned with sprigs of fresh mint or holly for seasonal charm. Personal touches like festive cake toppers or edible glitter can add whimsy. For a party, single slices served with holiday-themed plates and napkins will win plenty of compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cake left after sharing this delicious Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and peppermint fresh, so it still feels like a special treat days later.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover or pre-made bundt cake to enjoy later. Slice or keep whole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
For the perfect warm slice, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just heated through. This brings out the cake’s moistness and enhances the chocolate and peppermint aromas, warming both body and soul.
FAQs
Can I use a different peppermint ice cream brand?
Absolutely! While Hudsonville’s Limited Edition Peppermint Stick ice cream adds a unique flavor boost, any peppermint stick ice cream should work well. Just ensure it melts smoothly into your batter for that festive touch.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
If a bundt pan isn’t available, you can use a standard cake pan or loaf pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary depending on the depth and shape of your pan. Use a toothpick test to check for doneness.
Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies on dairy ingredients like ice cream and heavy cream, so to make it dairy-free or vegan, you’d need to find appropriate substitutes like coconut milk-based ice cream and plant-based cream, along with a dairy-free cake mix. Experimenting with these alternatives can be fun but might alter texture and flavor slightly.
Is the cake very sweet with both chocolate and peppermint?
This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe strikes a beautiful balance between the intense, rich chocolate and the refreshing peppermint. The cool peppermint brightens the chocolate’s depth, preventing it from feeling overly sweet.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The white chocolate glaze usually sets within 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature. You can speed this up by placing the cake in the refrigerator, but for best texture, let it firm naturally so it remains silky and creamy rather than hard.
Final Thoughts
What a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of the season or just indulge your chocolate and peppermint cravings any time of year! This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe combines ease, elegance, and classic festive flair all in one delicious bite. Trust me, once you make it, this cake will become your go-to showstopper for sharing joy and sweetness with everyone you love. Grab your ingredients and get ready for a baking adventure that tastes like holiday magic!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake combines rich chocolate cake with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, using Hudsonville’s Limited Edition Peppermint Stick ice cream to create a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Finished with a hint of crushed candy canes, this bundt cake is both visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups Hudsonville’s Limited Edition Peppermint Stick ice cream
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
Glaze & Topping
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Generously grease a 9-inch bundt pan with one tablespoon of butter, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Dust the pan with cocoa powder, shake out any excess, and set aside—this prevents the cake from sticking.
- Melt the Ice Cream: Scoop out 2 cups of Peppermint Stick ice cream into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, stirring if needed, until the ice cream is completely melted and smooth.
- Mix the Batter: To the melted ice cream, add the 3 large eggs and the chocolate cake mix. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until all ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, run a small spatula around the edges to help release it. Invert the pan over a piece of parchment paper and tap the bottom to release the cake. Let it cool completely on the parchment paper or a cooling rack before adding the glaze.
Notes
- Make sure to thoroughly grease and cocoa powder your bundt pan to avoid sticking.
- Ensure the ice cream is fully melted to properly combine with the cake mix and eggs.
- Cooling the cake before glazing is important to prevent the glaze from melting.
- Use crushed candy canes for a festive touch and added peppermint crunch.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
