Holiday Chocolate Mint Cake with White Chocolate Ganache

Add a magical touch to your holiday celebrations with this stunning Holiday Chocolate Mint Cake. Featuring layers of rich chocolate sponge, refreshing mint frosting, and a creamy white chocolate ganache drip, it’s decorated with crushed candy canes, chocolate shards, and festive mint frosting swirls. Here’s how to create this dazzling centerpiece.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Sponge:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Mint Frosting:

• 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 ½ tsp peppermint extract
• Green food coloring

For the White Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 8 oz (225g) white chocolate, chopped

For Garnish:

• Crushed candy canes
• Chocolate shards
• Piped mint frosting swirls
• Mini candy canes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Sponge

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually combine the dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
5. Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Mint Frosting

1. Beat the butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
2. Add peppermint extract, heavy cream, and green food coloring to achieve the desired consistency and color.

Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one chocolate sponge layer on a cake stand. Spread an even layer of mint frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
2. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the White Chocolate Ganache Drip

1. Gently pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Decorate the Cake

1. Pipe mint frosting swirls around the top of the cake.
2. Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the frosting and ganache.
3. Add chocolate shards and mini candy canes for a festive touch.

Tips for Success

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant green frosting without altering the texture.
• Chill the ganache slightly before dripping for better control.
• Serve the cake slightly chilled to maintain the mint frosting’s firmness.

This Holiday Chocolate Mint Cake is a showstopper that combines rich chocolate flavors with refreshing mint, perfect for Christmas or New Year celebrations. With its festive decorations and decadent taste, it’s sure to be the highlight of your dessert table. Try it today and enjoy the holiday cheer!