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Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake

Peppermint Chocolate Bundt Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with refreshing peppermint and finished with a smooth peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes. This elegant yet easy bundt cake recipe is perfect for Christmas, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave a festive chocolate dessert that feels bakery-worthy but is simple to make at home.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Cooling & Glazing Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup plain fat-free yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Glaze & Topping

  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 –2 tablespoons low-fat milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 peppermint candy canes crushed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 12-cup bundt pan with nonstick spray.
  • Whisk boiling water and cocoa powder together until smooth; set aside to cool.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and peppermint extract until well blended, about 3 minutes.
  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Whisk yogurt into the cooled cocoa mixture.
  • Add half of the flour mixture to the sugar mixture and mix until just combined.
  • Add cocoa mixture, then remaining flour mixture, mixing gently.
  • Fold in mini chocolate chips.
  • Spoon batter into prepared pan and smooth the top; tap pan to release air bubbles.
  • Bake for 34–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  • Mix glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.
  • Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and allow glaze to set before serving.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Use Greek yogurt for a slightly denser crumb
  • Swap mini chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for richer flavor

Make-Ahead

  • Bake the cake a day ahead and glaze before serving
  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days

Serving Variations

  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
  • Add a chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence

Avoid Mistakes

  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender
  • Let the cake cool fully before glazing to prevent melting