As I stood in my kitchen the other day, the intoxicating scent of peppermint and chocolate wafted through the air, sparking memories of winter celebrations past. The recipe for my Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake has become a holiday tradition, blending those nostalgic flavors into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This cake isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its stunning layers; it’s also quick to prepare, making it the perfect dessert for spontaneous gatherings. Each slice is an indulgent treat, offering that cozy combination of moist cake, fudgy ganache, and creamy buttercream that everyone loves. This delightful dessert is a sure hit for any festive occasion! Are you ready to elevate your holiday baking with a cake that’s both a showstopper and a delightful surprise?

Why is this cake a festive favorite?

Moist, Decadent Layers: The layers of rich chocolate cake fused with peppermint flavors will transform any holiday gathering into a celebration.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Even novice cooks can impress family and friends!

Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of fudgy ganache and creamy buttercream means there’s something for everyone. It’s hard to resist a slice!

Versatile Option: Whether you serve it at a holiday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake is the perfect dessert to share. If you’re looking for other delightful options, check out my Moist Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon Apple Cake.

Sweetly Giftable: Gift a slice (or a whole cake!) to neighbors or friends during the holiday season—it’s a treat they won’t forget!

Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake Ingredients

Get ready to gather your ingredients for the ultimate festive dessert that features a melty combination of chocolate and peppermint flavors!

For the Cake

All-Purpose Flour – Structure is key; using Gold Medal yields the best results.
Baking Powder – An essential leavening agent for a perfect rise.
Baking Soda – Works with buttermilk to elevate your cake beautifully.
Salt – A must for enhancing sweetness and balancing flavors.
Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix – Adds incredible moisture; try using 2 tablespoons of Instant Clearjel as a substitution.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives that rich chocolate flavor; Hershey’s is highly recommended.
Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness—don’t skip it!
Brown Sugar – Adds extra moisture and a rich taste; pack it lightly when measuring.
Large Eggs – Help bind and add moisture; let them come to room temperature.
Buttermilk – Provides moisture and acidity; substitute with sour cream and half-and-half if needed.
Brewed Coffee – Enhances the chocolate flavor; you can omit for a caffeine-free cake.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake tender; melted coconut oil is a great substitute.
Dark Corn Syrup – Helps retain moisture; if desired, replace it with brown sugar.
Vanilla Extract – Key for flavoring both cake and frosting.

For the Frosting & Ganache

Salted Butter – Needs to be at room temperature to mix well and add moisture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds flavor and texture to both the cake and ganache; Nestlé is a preferred choice.
Heavy Cream – For an indulgent ganache that’s rich and velvety.
Pure Peppermint Extract – The star flavor; Olive Nation offers the best quality.
Powdered Sugar – Needed for sweetness and structure in the buttercream.
Instant Clearjel – Optional thickener for buttercream stability.
Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess to the buttercream for a delectable finish.
Shortening – Helps with texture and stability in frosting, ensuring a delightful look.

Whether you’re whipping up this Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these ingredients will help create something truly magical!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While it warms up, prepare a ¼ sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This ensures easy removal of your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake once it’s baked and cooled.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chocolate pudding mix, cocoa powder, and brown sugar. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until well combined, allowing for even distribution of flavors throughout the cake, setting a strong foundation for your delicious creation.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the large eggs, buttermilk, brewed coffee, vegetable oil, dark corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully integrated, creating a rich wet mixture that will blend perfectly with your dry ingredients, adding moisture and flavor to your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Mixture
Take a heatproof bowl and combine the salted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave them in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. This melted chocolate mixture will add depth and richness to the cake, making it ever so decadent.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Pour the smooth chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture while stirring continuously until all elements are integrated. Avoid overmixing; you want a creamy consistency that ensures your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake will be tender and fluffy.

Step 6: Prep for Baking
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared ¼ sheet pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Let the batter sit for about 5-10 minutes, allowing air bubbles to escape. This step helps create a beautifully uniform cake without unsightly holes.

Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and start baking at 325°F (160°C) for 16 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for another 6-10 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, signaling perfect doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Freeze (optional)
After baking, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If you’re preparing ahead of time, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for later use. This helps retain moisture and makes it easier to frost when you’re ready.

Step 9: Make Ganache
To create the luscious ganache, combine heavy cream and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring until melted and glossy. Once smooth, whisk in the pure peppermint extract, adding that essential flavor to your decadent topping.

Step 10: Prepare Buttercream
In another bowl, blend powdered sugar and Instant Clearjel together. Then, beat softened cream cheese and salted butter until fluffy. Gradually add the sugar mixture, mixing until light and creamy. This will be the perfect complement to the dense layers of your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake.

Step 11: Layer and Decorate
Once the cake has cooled completely, layer it with the peppermint ganache, allowing some to spill over the edges for an indulgent effect. Use the buttercream to crumb coat the cake, then finish with a final layer of frosting, decorating as desired to showcase your holiday masterpiece.

Step 12: Serve
Before serving, let the decorated cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to ensure rich flavors meld together beautifully. Garnish with mini candy canes for a festive touch, and slice into this Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake for a delightful true holiday treat!

What to Serve with Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake

Looking to complement the rich flavors of your dessert? Here are some delightful pairings that will elevate your holiday experience.

Hot Cocoa: The warm, creamy consistency of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with the cake, enhancing its peppermint notes.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream adds a smooth contrast to the fudgy layers, making for a heavenly bite.
Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the sweetness, adding a pop of color and freshness to each slice.
Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai bring an aromatic twist that perfectly balances the indulgence of your peppermint fudge cake.
Creamy Eggnog: This traditional holiday drink offers a rich, festive pairing, harmonizing with the cake’s buttery richness.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels gives a delightful textural contrast and a bit of fun to your dessert spread.
Peppermint Tea: For a soothing option, serve with peppermint tea that continues the flavor theme while providing a refreshing finish.
Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites introduce a tangy flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the cake and adds a fun variety to your dessert table.

Enjoy these pairings for a complete festive eating experience that will warm the heart and delight your guests!

Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and explore unique variations that cater to your taste buds!

Vanilla Pudding Twist: Replace the chocolate pudding mix with vanilla to create a lighter flavor profile. If you’re a fan of vanilla, this can add a delightful surprise to each bite!
Almond Extract Addition: Swap in almond extract for half of the peppermint extract for a lovely nutty aroma. This brings a wonderful depth that beautifully complements the chocolate and peppermint.
Gluten-Free Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this delicious cake suitable for gluten-sensitive friends. It’s just as flavorful and moist!
Mini Muffin Version: Pour the batter into a muffin tin instead of a sheet pan for delightful mini cakes. Perfect for gatherings or gift-giving, they can be enjoyed easily any time.
Add Some Heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for an unexpected kick. It pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of chocolate and peppermint!
Browned Butter Frosting: Substitute softened butter with browned butter for a rich, nutty flavor in your buttercream. This will elevate your cake to new gourmet heights.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Mix in a handful of mint chocolate chips into the batter for added texture and bursts of minty flavor in each slice. Who could resist such a treat?
Candy Cane Garnish: Top your cake with crushed candy canes for festive flair and a delightful crunch. The extra peppermint flavor is not just beautiful, but it also enhances the holiday spirit!

These variations will not only enhance your baking experience but are sure to make your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake the star of any holiday table! If you’re looking for other delightful options, try my Pumpkin Coffee Cake or explore the flavors of my Moist Chocolate Chip recipes. Enjoy experimenting!

Make Ahead Options

These Moist Peppermint Fudge Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the cake up to 3 days in advance, allowing it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The ganache can also be made ahead of time—just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days in a covered container. To maintain the cake’s moisture and rich flavor, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before decorating. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the ganache until warm and pour it over the cake, creating that gooey, chocolatey layer that everyone will love. Enjoy the time saved!

Expert Tips for the Best Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake

Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements—this ensures your cake’s moisture and texture are just right.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs, buttermilk, and butter to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a velvety batter and a tender crumb.
Watch Baking Time: Start checking for doneness a minute or two early; overbaking can lead to a drier cake, while the perfect bake yields a moist peppermint fudge cake.
Cool Completely: Let your cake cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack; this prevents breaking and maintains its beautiful shape.
Chill the Ganache: For a thicker ganache, let it chill for a few minutes after mixing, so it becomes richer and easier to spread on your cake layers.
Decorative Touch: Garnish with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles for that extra holiday flair and to enhance the flavor profile of your moist peppermint fudge cake!

Storage Tips for Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours in an airtight container to maintain its moist texture and fresh flavor.

Fridge: If you have leftovers, refrigerate the cake tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 3 days to keep it fresh while extending its shelf life.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.

Reheating: To enjoy warm slices, microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, restoring that delightful taste of the Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake!

Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake Recipe FAQs

What type of peppermint extract should I use?
Absolutely go for pure peppermint extract for the best flavor! I recommend using one from Olive Nation, as it’s known for its intense taste, making your cake shine with that festive minty aroma.

How should I store leftover cake?
For room temperature storage, keep your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake in an airtight container for up to 24 hours to maintain its scrumptious moisture. If you want to keep it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the fridge, where it will last about 3 days.

Can I freeze the cake, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze, first let your cake cool completely. Then, wrap each piece or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection. Your Moist Peppermint Fudge Cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

What should I do if my cake turns out dry?
If your cake ends up dry, don’t worry—there are ways to save it! You can brush a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water over the cooled cake layers to add moisture back. Be sure to check your oven’s temperature with a thermometer in the future, as an oven that runs hot can lead to overbaking.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Great question! For those with dietary restrictions, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version. Additionally, use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for a lactose-free option. Always check for possible allergies with ingredients like chocolate chips, and feel free to switch to carob chips or omit chocolate entirely if necessary.

What if I cannot find chocolate instant pudding mix?
No problem at all! You can easily substitute the chocolate instant pudding mix with 2 tablespoons of Instant Clearjel if you have that on hand. This will still provide the moisture needed for your delicious cake, ensuring it retains that wonderful texture!