• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
In Krista's Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Fourth of July Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Fourth of July Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cake

    Published: Nov 7, 2022 · Modified: Jan 4, 2024 by Krista Stechman · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Chocolate peppermint cake topped with cream cheese frosting and crushed candy cane.

    Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cake is the perfect dessert for this holiday season. The chocolate flavor is above and beyond, and the creamy frosting is to die for.

    Serve this showstopping dessert at your next holiday party. It's always a crowd pleaser!

    Chocolate Peppermint Cake with cream cheese frosting and crushed candy canes on top.

    What is Chocolate Peppermint Cake?

    Chocolate cake topped with cream cheese frosting and crushed peppermint candies is classic this time of year. But don't be fooled into thinking this cake is anything but outstanding! This is truly next-level dessert at it's best.

    This peppermint chocolate cake can be served with other holiday desserts like Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie, Apple Pie Stuffed Cheesecake, Pecan Upside Down Cake, Sweet Potato Ice Cream, or Star Bread.

    Three slices of cake on a brown surface with red and white twine, a bag of trueats chocolate cake mix and the rest of the cake lying to the side. A stack of white plates and forks above the cake.
    Jump to:
    • What is Chocolate Peppermint Cake?
    • Ingredients
    • Expert Tips
    • Serving this cake  
    • How to make chocolate peppermint cake 
    • Substitutions 
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cake

    Ingredients

    These simple ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. Here are some tips on the best ingredients to buy.

    Cake 

    • TruEats Dutch Chocolate Muffin + Cake Mix - or any chocolate cake mix 
    • Eggs - room temp 
    • Olive oil - or another neutral oil. I use olive oil when making my chocolate banana bread recipe too.
    • Whole milk - room temp 
    • Peppermint extract - the best quality you can find
    • Salt - kosher salt is the best option for baking
    • Semi-sweet chocolate chips - or your favorite flavor chips

    Cream Cheese Frosting 

    • Cream cheese - ensure this is at room temperature
    • Unsalted butter - the butter should also be at room temperature  
    • Vanilla extract - pure vanilla extract has the best flavor  
    • Salt - this should also be kosher  
    • Powdered sugar - sift the sugar using a mesh sifter  

    Topping 

    • Peppermint candy - crush the candy canes in a freezer bag with a rolling pin for the top of your cake
    TruEats chocolate cake mix, flour, butter, cream cheese, chocolate chips, crushed candy cane, eggs and powdered sugar.

    Expert Tips

    These expert tips will help you make the best chocolate cake recipe.

    • Use your favorite chocolate cake box mix. 
    • The cake and frosting can be made one to two days ahead of time and kept separately in the fridge.
    • This homemade chocolate cake is best served at room temperature. 
    • Remember to sift your powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
    • I use Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt - if using Morton's Kosher Salt, then only use ¾ of what is called for.
    • Let the cake cool completely, so the frosting doesn't melt when spread over the cake.
    Circular chocolate peppermint cake with three slices cut but not removed. Sitting on white parchment paper on a brown surface and topped with crushed candy cane.

    Serving this cake  

    This moist chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with other desserts like Southern Pecan Pie and Southern Sweet Potato Pie this Christmas season.

    Eat it with a scoop of ice cream and a slice of Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Pie or Dutch Apple Pie to your next holiday party.

    How to make chocolate peppermint cake 

    This holiday version of a classic chocolate cake is easy to make with these simple steps. For the full description, see the recipe card below.

    Make the cake: 

    Combine chocolate cake mix with eggs, olive oil, milk, peppermint extract, and salt just until the batter is smooth.

    Cake batter mixed together in a white bowl with a whisk.

    Fold in the chocolate chips.

    Chocolate chips being folded into the cake batter.

    Bake the cake according to the package instructions until a toothpick comes out clean. 

    Cool on a wire rack while making the frosting 

    Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

    Beat the cream cheese and butter with a hand or stand mixer.

    Add the vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

    Cream cheese frosting beaten in a white bowl.

    Frost the top and sides of the hot chocolate cake, then sprinkle the top of the cake with crushed candy canes.

    Circular chocolate peppermint cake with three slices cut but not removed. Sitting on white parchment paper on a brown surface and topped with crushed candy cane.

    Substitutions 

    This chocolate peppermint cake recipe can easily be altered based on what you have available and your favorite ingredients. Here are some options you can try:

    • Cake: Use any cake mix or use your favorite chocolate cake recipe.  
    • Olive oil: Any neutral oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil works well.
    • Chocolate chips: Use your favorite chocolate chips, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips.
    • Milk: Replace the whole milk with water or plant-based milk like oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk. 
    • Peppermint extract: This is optional if you don’t want quite as much peppermint flavor in your cake. The crushed peppermint on top may be enough peppermint for you.

    Storage

    Refrigerate: Once the cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in a round airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. You can keep it there for up to five days before it gets stale.

    Freeze: You can make this cake ahead of time and freeze it for later. It's best to freeze the chocolate cake unfrosted because it will stay fresh longer. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and keep it in the freezer for up to two months.

    Thaw: When you're ready to eat the cake, take it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours until it's completely thawed. Then frost and serve.

    Three slices of cake on a brown surface with red and white twine, a bag of trueats chocolate cake mix and the rest of the cake lying to the side. A stack of white plates and forks above the cake.

    FAQs

    Can this recipe be made into cupcakes? 

    You can definitely turn this cake into cupcakes. The baking time will be about 18 minutes, depending on if you use a standard 12-cup pan or a larger 6-cup pan. Check the chocolate peppermint cupcakes with a cake tester, when inserted into the center of the cake, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. 

    Can I use a 9-inch pan? 

    You can use a larger pan, but the cake will be thinner than if you used a smaller pan. Also, keep in mind that you'll need to remove it from the oven about five minutes earlier. It comes out best in an 8" pan.

    How can I make layered chocolate peppermint cake? 

    This is a beautiful cake when layered and frosted. In order to make cake layers, make a double batch of cake and frosting and use two 8" cake pans. When they cool, frost one cake, carefully lay the other one on top, and then frost the top and sides of the cake. Top with crushed peppermint candies.

    Circular chocolate peppermint cake with three slices cut but not removed. Sitting on white parchment paper on a brown surface and topped with crushed candy cane.

    Easy Chocolate Peppermint Cake

    Krista Stechman
    This chocolate cake has a peppermint taste with melty chocolate chips inside, cream cheese frosting and crushed candy cane on top for that holiday feel.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 35 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course dessert
    Cuisine american
    Servings 12 people
    Calories 312 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 8" round cake pan
    • 1 electric hand mixer
    • 1 large mixing bowl + medium mixing bowl
    • 1 whisk
    • 1 sifter
    • 1 cooling rack

    Ingredients
      

    Chocolate Peppermint Cake

    • 1 bag TruEats Dutch chocolate muffin + cake mix
    • 2 eggs room temp
    • ¼ cup olive oil
    • 1 cup whole milk room temp
    • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
    • ¼ tsp kosher salt
    • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • 6 oz cream cheese room temp
    • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter room temp
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted

    Topping

    • 2 candy canes crushed

    Instructions
     

    Making the Cake

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F then spray an 8" round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray
    • Combine chocolate cake mix with eggs, olive oil, milk, peppermint extract and salt just until batter is smooth
    • Fold in the chocolate chips
    • Pour cake batter into prepared pan then bake according to package instructions, about 35 minutes for TruEats mix. Toothpick should come out clean or with only a few crumbs when inserted into the center of the cake
    • Let the cake cool on a wire rack while making the frosting

    Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

    • Beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric hand mixer in a medium sized mixing bowl for 1 minute on medium speed
    • Add the vanilla, salt and powdered sugar. Mix on low until combined then turn speed up to medium and continue mixing another 3 minutes until frosting is light and fluffy
    • Frost the cooled cake then top with crushed candy cane

    Nutrition

    Calories: 312kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 163mgPotassium: 147mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 387IUCalcium: 54mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Desserts Recipes

    • Banana Bread with Streusel Topping topped with maple glaze.
      Banana Bread with Streusel Topping
    • Banana Coffee Cake with maple glaze being drizzle over the top.
      Banana Coffee Cake
    • A slice of Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie with Chocolate Ganache and flaky sea salt on a stack of plates.
      No Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Pie
    • A slice of carrot cake with a ton of cream cheese frosting.
      Almond Carrot Cake

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 5 votes (5 ratings without comment)

    Leave a star rating and review, ask a question or share a helpful tip! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Chocolate peppermint cake topped with cream cheese frosting and crushed candy cane.
    krista standing in a white kitchen with a white shirt on holding a white pan of blondies facing the camera smiling

    Welcome to In Krista's Kitchen where you'll find delicious dinners and desserts with restaurant flavor that you can make in the comfort of your home. You can find dinners, desserts, sides, brunch recipes and breakfast recipes for any occasion. I'm here to help you create meals and desserts packed with flavor! These recipes range from easy to slightly more experienced home cooks. I'll give tips and tricks and am always available through email to answer any cooking questions you have!

    More about me →

    Fourth of July Recipes

    • A slice of No Bake Chocolate Pie on a plate with a fork.
      No Bake Chocolate Pie
    • Deviled Eggs with Relish topped with bacon and green onions.
      Deviled Eggs With Relish
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese on a plate, topped with pepper and a fork.
      Spicy Mac And Cheese
    • Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares topped with whipped cream and Nilla Wafers.
      Banana Pudding Cheesecake Squares
    • Strawberry Galette cut into triangles with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
      Strawberry Galette
    • Truffle burger topped with Velveeta cheese and truffle aioli on a cutting board.
      Wagyu Truffle Burger
    See more Fourth of July Recipes →

    Dinners

    • A pork burger on a brioche bun with special sauce, onion, pickle and lettuce.
      The Ultimate Pork Burger Recipe
    • Loaded Steak Nachos recipe topped with sour cream, salsa, guacamole and jalapenos.
      Loaded Steak Nachos Recipe
    • Falafel on a pita with schug sauce, tomatoes, feta and cucumber.
      Falafel Pita
    • Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta in a bowl on a small cheese board.
      Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
    • Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme with cheese sauce, ground beef, tomato and lettuce.
      Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe (Copycat)
    • Creamy Lobster Pasta recipe in a large bowl.
      Creamy Lobster Pasta
    See more Dinner →

    Desserts

    • Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread half sliced on a platter.
      Chocolate Espresso Banana Bread
    • Soft Molasses Cookies with chewy crackly tops.
      Soft Molasses Cookies
    • Molasses crinkle cookies on a wire rack.
      Molasses Crinkle Cookies
    • Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies with raspberry jelly in the center.
      Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
    • Christmas Crack with Pretzels topped with flaky sea salt.
      Christmas Crack With Pretzels
    • Apple Cranberry Crisp in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a fork.
      Apple Cranberry Crisp
    See more Desserts →

    Sides

    • Harissa Hummus in a bowl surrounded by pita pieces.
      Harissa Hummus
    • Arugula Pear Salad in a bowl topped with nuts and sherry dressing.
      Arugula Pear Salad
    • A slice of Blueberry Cornbread on a plate topped with honey butter and honey drizzling over the top.
      Blueberry Cornbread With Honey Butter
    • Sourdough stuffing with herbs in a baking dish.
      Sourdough Stuffing
    • Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with parmesan cheese on a plate with a fork.
      Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
    • Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole in a skillet with a spoon.
      Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

    Footer

    Chocolate peppermint cake topped with cream cheese frosting and crushed candy cane.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy

    Accessibility

    • Accessibility

    In Krista’s Kitchen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Copyright © 2021-2025 In Krista's Kitchen

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Save

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.