Peppermint Candy Cake Food

PEPPERMINT LAYER CAKE WITH CANDY CANE FROSTING

Steps:

• Make the cake: Position racks in the middle and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter three 8-inch-round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper; butter the parchment and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Combine the milk and the vanilla and peppermint extracts in a small bowl; set aside.
• Beat the butter in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar, then increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, until just combined. Scrape down the side of the bowl, then increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until smooth, about 5 more minutes.
• In a separate large bowl (using clean beaters), beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff, shiny peaks form, about 6 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whites into the batter in 3 additions until combined.
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake, switching the position of the pans about halfway through, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Let the cakes cool 10 minutes in the pans, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto racks to cool completely. Peel off the parchment. (The cakes can be made up to 1 day ahead; wrap in plastic and store at room temperature.)
• Make the frosting: Fill a medium saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, egg whites, 2 tablespoons water and the salt in a heatproof bowl and set over the saucepan (do not let the bowl touch the water). Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture registers 165 degrees F on a candy thermometer, about 8 minutes. Remove the bowl from the pan and beat with a mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until fluffy and cool, about 4 more minutes. Add the vanilla and peppermint extracts and beat until combined, 1 more minute.
• Assemble the cake: Place 1 cake layer on a platter and spread 1 cup frosting on top; sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes. Top with another cake layer, spread with 1 cup frosting and sprinkle with another 2 tablespoons crushed candy canes. Top with the final cake layer, then frost the top and side of the cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top.

PEPPERMINT CANDY ICE CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment.
• Combine the melted butter and crushed wafer cookies in a medium bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and almost up the entire side of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before using.
• Fold the peppermint candies into the ice cream. Scoop the peppermint candy ice cream onto the cookie crust, packing it in tightly. Spread with an offset spatula to make a smooth top. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until firm, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
• Unmold the cake by running a knife around the edge, then unhinge the springform and remove. Invert the cake onto a sheet of plastic wrap and remove the bottom of the pan and the parchment. Place a serving plate on the bottom and invert once more. Keep in the freezer until ready to frost.
• Put the chocolate in a medium heatsafe bowl. Bring the heavy cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth. Allow to cool 10 minutes before using.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake with the ganache and top with the crushed peppermint candies. If the cake begins to get too soft, put it back into the freezer for a few minutes.
• Freeze another 1 1/2 to 2 hours or up to overnight. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

PEPPERMINT CANDY CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and coat two 9-inch-round cake pans with cooking spray; line with parchment paper. Prepare the cake mix as directed; transfer the batter to the pans. Bake and cool as directed.
• Combine half of the frosting with the crushed candy. Place 1 cake on a small cardboard circle, domed-side down; spread with the candy frosting. Place the other cake on top, domed-side up.
• Round the bottom and top edges of the layer cake with a small serrated knife as shown. Cover the whole cake with a thin layer of the remaining plain frosting.
• Microwave the marshmallows with 1/4 cup water in a large bowl until melted. Add the peppermint extract; gradually beat in all but 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar with a mixer until thick and stiff. Beat in the butter.
• Remove half of the frosting mixture; knead in a little more confectioners' sugar until smooth. Roll out into a 13-inch circle on a piece of parchment dusted with confectioners' sugar.
• Carefully invert the rolled-out frosting onto the cake; peel off the parchment, brushing off the excess sugar. Tuck around the bottom edge of the cake, pressing gently to adhere; trim the excess.
• Beat enough gel food coloring into the remaining frosting mixture until bright red. Knead in the remaining confectioners' sugar until smooth.
• Roll out the red frosting until 1/4 inch thick. Cut a 7-by-1 3/4-inch wavy stripe with a pointed tip out of paper (for a template, go to foodnetwork.com/caketemplate). Using the template, cut out 7 red stripes of frosting.
• Carefully arrange the red stripes around the cake with the tips meeting at the center; press gently to adhere and tuck around the bottom of the cake, then trim any excess. Wrap the cake in cellophane.

PEPPERMINT CANDY CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Place a greased 10-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° until set, 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the sour cream, flour and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Fold in crushed candies and a few drops of red food coloring if desired. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan., Bake at 350° until center is just set and top appears dull, 55 to 65 minutes. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan., In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe around edge of cheesecake and sprinkle with additional crushed candies.

PEPPERMINT POUND CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°F.
• Grease and flour (or use baking spray) a bundt or tube pan.
• In a large mixing bowl with electric mixer, cream the butter with the cream cheese until soft and fluffy.
• Add the sugar and cream until light.
• Add the egg yolks, one at a time, and beat well after each addition.
• Add the flour in stages, blending well after each addition (do not overbeat).
• Fold in the vanilla and peppermint.
• In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff, but not dry.
• Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
• Bake the cake for 1 hour, 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

PEPPERMINT CANDY CANE BARK

Steps:

• Melt white chocolate either in a double boiler or in a bowl over a pot of boiling water.
• Stir in crushed candy cane and peppermint flavoring into melted white chocolate.
• Line a 11x17" baking pan with wax paper.
• Pour and spread chocolate mixture onto wax paper.
• Chill until firm and break into pieces.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT CAKE

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, eggs and vanilla; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. , Bake at 350° for 18-23 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , For filling, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, vanilla and food coloring if desired; beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside about 1 tablespoon crushed candy. Fold remaining candy into cream mixture. Spread between layers and around sides but not over the top. , For glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add cocoa and water; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; whisk in vanilla. Gradually blend in sugar until smooth. Add additional water if necessary. Spread over top of cake. Sprinkle with reserved candy. Chill before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE-PEPPERMINT CAKE

Steps:

• Microwave 2 oz. chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min., stirring after each minute; stir until chocolate is completely melted. Blend in extract. Beat cream cheese and sugar in medium bowl with mixer until creamy. Gently stir in 1 cup COOL WHIP.
• Cut cake lengthwise into 6 vertical slices. Place, cut sides up, on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. Spread each of 5 slices with about 2 tsp. melted chocolate and about 3 Tbsp. cream cheese mixture; stack layers. Turn to return cake to original position; frost top and sides with remaining COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 2 hours or until chilled. Transfer to serving plate.
• Melt remaining chocolate as directed on package; cool slightly. Sprinkle crushed candies over cake; drizzle with chocolate.

CANDY CANE ANGEL CAKE

Steps:

• Move oven rack to lowest position (remove other racks). Heat oven to 350°F. In extra-large glass or metal bowl, beat cake mix and cold water with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 1 minute.
• Pour about 3 cups batter into ungreased 10-inch angel food (tube) cake pan. Into small bowl, pour about 3/4 cup batter; stir in food color and peppermint extract until blended. Carefully spoon red batter over white batter in pan. Carefully spoon remaining white batter over red batter and swirl with knife.
• Bake 40 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately turn pan upside down onto heatproof funnel or bottle. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Loosen cake by running long metal spatula along edge of pan. Place serving plate upside down on pan. Turn plate and pan over; remove pan.
• In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon milk; stir in enough remaining milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until thin enough to drizzle. Drizzle over cake; top with crushed candies.

PEPPERMINT CANDY CANES

Steps:

• Mix a few drops of peppermint into the white, red and green icing. Divide the white icing in 2 and wrap half in cling film along with the green icing.
• Roll the remaining half of white icing into a long, thin sausage shape, then do the same with the red icing. Lay the 2 sausages next to each other, and twist together. Gently roll the twisted length with the palm of your hand until the 2 sausages are joined and smooth. Slice into 12cm lengths, then bend the end of each one to make a hook. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment, then spread out the candy canes. Repeat with the remaining white icing and green icing, then leave the canes to dry out for at least 24 hrs before packaging.

CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH PEPPERMINT FROSTING

Steps:

• Make the cake: Set a rack in the center of the oven and heat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease an 8-by-8-inch square or 9-inch round light-colored metal baking pan with oil.
• In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat the mixture until foamy and slightly lighter in texture and color, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the sour cream, 1/2 cup oil, vanilla and salt, and whisk until combined and smooth, about 1 minute.
• Whisk in the cocoa powder until combined. Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda, and whisk until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Stir the espresso powder into the hot water, then add the mixture to the bowl. Whisk until incorporated.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and tap on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles. Bake until puffed and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan set on a rack for about 45 minutes.
• While the cake bakes, clean the mixing bowl and make the frosting: Add the butter to the bowl and mix on medium-high with an electric mixer until smooth, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Turn the speed to low, and slowly add the confectioners' sugar. Mix until the sugar is moistened, then add 2 teaspoons of the cream, the vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and salt. Turn the speed up to medium-high, and whip until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes, adding a bit more cream a teaspoon at a time, if necessary, to make a smooth and light frosting. Taste the frosting, and add a few more drops of peppermint extract if desired. The frosting can be kept at room temperature while the cake finishes baking and cooling.
• Top the cooled cake with an even layer of frosting, then use the tip of a toothpick to dot the frosting with a few small dots of gel food coloring, if using. Use a spoon or offset spatula to swirl the food coloring into the frosting to create candy cane-like stripes - just a few swipes will do the trick. If you mix it in too much, the frosting will turn pink. Top the cake with sprinkles and shaved chocolate, if desired. Store leftover cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

LETHAL PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Grease and flour 2 round cake pans.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat together cake ingredients on low for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
• Increase mixing speed to medium high and beat for 2 minutes more.
• Pour batter into cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they test done.
• Remove from oven and cool completely.
• While cooling, prepare Ganache:.
• Put all ganache ingredients in 2 cup glass measuring cup.
• Cook on 50% power in microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring well after each minute until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
• Cover tightly and let sit for 3-4 hours or until it reaches spreading consistency. If it gets too thick, place in a pan of hot water over medium heat and stir until softens.
• To make filling:.
• Place butter and cream cheese in mixing bowl.
• Cream together until smooth and fluffy.
• Add candy, sugar, flavoring (or schnapps) and about 2 Tbs milk.
• Beat, adding additional milk until mixture is fluffy.
• When cakes are cool, layer them with the filling between layers, reserving about 1/2 cup of the filling for garnish, if you wish.
• Frost layers with cooled ganache.
• Pipe remaining filling on top of cake, or just sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
• Refrigerate to set ganache.

BEST PEPPERMINT PATTY CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake:.
• Trace three 9-inch cake pans onto sheets of wax paper. Cut out wax paper circles. Grease the cake pans well with shortening. Place wax paper in bottom of pans. Grease well again over the wax paper. Flour pans well.
• Melt chocolate morsels in the microwave on HIGH for 30-second intervals until melted (about 1 1/2 minutes). Stir until smooth.
• Beat softened butter and brown sugar at medium speed for about 5 minutes or until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Add melted chocolate, beating until blended.
• Sift together flour, baking soda & salt. Gradually add to chocolate mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Add hot water. Beat at low speed just until blended. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
• Bake at 350°f for 30 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 10 minutes; remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks. Remove wax paper. Spread Peppermint Filling evenly between cake layers. Spread Chocolate Ganache evenly on top and sides of cake. (garnish with chopped peppermint candy, if desired).
• For the Peppermint Filling.
• Beat butter at medium speed until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar alternately with milk, beginning and ending with powdered sugar. Beat after each addition at low speed. Stir in peppermint extract.
• For the Ganache.
• Microwave chocolate morsels and whipping cream in at 2 quart bowl at MEDIUM power FOR 2 1/2 to 3 minutes or until chocolate begins to melt. Whisk until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Whisk in butter and let stand 20 minutes.
• Beat at medium speed 3 to 4 minutes or until soft peaks form.
• Ice top and sides of cake with Ganache.
• Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over Ganache.

PEPPERMINT CRUNCH CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter two 8" round pans, line with parchment circles, and butter again. Then dust with flour. If that's too much work, you could try using Pam with flour.
• Combine chocolate, cocoa, and hot coffee in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
• Add milk and whisk again. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
• Add vanilla, scrape down sides, and beat again for 30 seconds.
• Alternate adding the flour mixture and the chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
• Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
• Allow to cool for about 15 minutes before running a knife around the edges and flipping out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.
• While cake is cooling, make frosting.
• Combine butter, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract in the bowl of a stand mixer.
• Slowly add cream until the frosting is spreadable. You might not need all of it.
• When cake is completely cool, place one 8" cake on a serving plate, top with frosting, and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
• Place the other cake layer on top, flat side up.
• Completely cover top and sides with remaining frosting.
• Sprinkle with remaining candy cane pieces just before serving.

PEPPERMINT CRUNCH CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350ºF.
• Spray 2 (8-inch) round pans with cooking spray; line with parchment. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Blend in 1/4 tsp. extract. Pour into prepared pans.
• Bake 26 to 31 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 15 min. Remove from pans to wire racks. Discard parchment. Cool cakes completely.
• Beat pudding mix, milk and remaining extract in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in COOL WHIP.
• Spoon 3/4 cup pudding mixture into small bowl; stir in crushed candy and food coloring.
• Place 1 cake layer on plate; spread with crushed candy mixture. Top with second cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with pudding mixture.

PEPPERMINT RIBBON CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare cake batter according to package directions. Transfer 1 cup to a small bowl; stir in the extract, food coloring and 1/2 cup crushed candies., Spoon 2 cups of remaining batter into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Carefully top with peppermint batter; do not swirl. Top with remaining plain batter., Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely., Combine confectioners' sugar and milk; drizzle over cake. Sprinkle with remaining crushed candies.