Festive Peppermint Dream Cake 🌟
A festive and easy-to-make peppermint dream cake, perfect for holiday celebrations. This recipe offers tips for healthier alternatives without compromising on flavor, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire Rack
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 ounce, consider a natural or reduced-sugar option for a healthier touch!)
- 0.5 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil (or unsweetened applesauce for a lighter alternative)
- 0.5 cup peppermint flavored syrup (sugar-free variant can reduce calories)
Frosting
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
- 3.75 cups powdered sugar (feel free to slightly reduce for less sweetness, or use a sugar alternative)
- 3-4 tablespoons milk or water (start with less, add more as needed)
- 2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
Garnish
- Crushed peppermint candy canes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring an easy release.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, water, large eggs, your chosen oil (or applesauce), and the peppermint syrup. Mix gently until just combined and smooth; avoid overmixing for a tender cake.
- Evenly pour the vibrant batter into your prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a thin toothpick inserted into the cake's center comes out perfectly clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.
- For the delightful frosting, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, an initial 3 tablespoons of milk (or water), and pure peppermint extract in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly blended. Only add the additional tablespoon of milk if you need a thinner consistency.
- Once your cakes are cool, generously spread the creamy peppermint frosting over and between the layers.
- For that festive finishing touch, gently press the crushed peppermint candy cane pieces onto the sides and top of the cake. Slice and serve this easy, holiday-ready treat!
Notes
This delightful cake is perfect for holiday celebrations like Christmas and New Year's. Feel free to use sugar-free syrup, unsweetened applesauce, or reduce powdered sugar for a healthier twist.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 316 kcal
- Total Carbs: 55 g
- Net Carbs: 55 g
- Fats: 10 g
- Protein: 2 g
