• Chocolate Peppermint Cake in a Jar (and a Giveaway!)

    by  • December 2, 2011 • dessert, Recipes, Reviews, Contests and More • 104 Comments

    Chocolate + Peppermint = Big, Mega, Super Love for me.  Maybe that’s why I use the combination in everything from truffles to pretzels to cookies during the holiday season. Actually, let’s be real. That’s definitely why.

    Still, despite one attempt at putting it in a cake (it was okay, but not good enough for the blog), I have largely skipped over the chocolate cake + peppermint variation. Until now, that is.

    Meet Chocolate Peppermint Cake in a Jar. It’s a moist, airy cake with a secret layer of peppermint cream near the bottom. And it’s topped with a rich dark chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of crushed candy cane.  And yes, it’s absolutely delicious. If you love these flavors, you will be in heaven with this cake.

    Creating this recipe so that it was just right was a challenge. There was a moment earlier this week where I thought it might defeat me. I couldn’t get the peppermint center to behave. It kept melting to the bottom, leaving a flavorful cake that was good, until you got to the bottom where it was too stuck to the jar to enjoy. In the end, I found that the peppermint patty wants to be toward the bottom no matter what — but by freezing it and adding it frozen to the cake (and carefully timing it), the peppermint layer remains in tact … a super surprise as you reach the end of eating.

    This recipe is adapted heavily from one for a chocolate mayonnaise cake that a former coworker gave to me after I had a disastrous time making chocolate cupcakes from scratch. I have no idea where the original came from. The mayonnaise is such an interesting addition, lending moisture without density to this cake. You won’t taste it in there, but the addition of mayo does a little magic.

    Make it. It’s worth it.

    You start by beating together eggs, sugar and vanilla until it’s creamy. Then you add the mayo. And a tiny bit of oil.

    Then you sift together the dry ingredients. I always sift using a wire whisk. It makes it so easy. Once that’s done, you mix it all together and start filling the jars.

    If you happen to have a canning funnel, this is a great time to break it out. It makes jar filling so much easier.

    Once the jars are about half-full, place a frozen York Peppermint Patty gently in each jar. The frozen part is really important — if the candy is at room temperature, it will melt into the bottom of the cake, making a hard to scoop mess. But when it’s frozen, it remains in tact … a delicious finish to the cake.

    Cover the peppermint patty with more batter so that it’s completely submerged.

    Bake them, and then cover them all in chocolate ganache. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Then you have a delicious dessert perfect for the holidays. You could cover these and gift them … or serve them at a party. The single serve portion is perfect since you don’t have to worry about cutting pieces or ensuring there’s enough for everyone.

    Also, Hellmann’s is generously sponsoring a holiday giveaway here on Sarah’s Cucina Bella of a KitchenAid Pro 450 Series 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer in Empire Red, perfect for making awesome holiday treats and snacks — like this cake. Scroll all the way down to the end of this post to learn how to enter.

    Chocolate Peppermint Cake in a Jar
    yields 6 cakes

    Cake:
    2 large eggs
    3/4 cup granulated sugar
    1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    1/2 cup mayonnaise (recommended: Hellmann’s mayonnaise)
    1 tbsp canola oil
    1 cup all-purpose flour
    1/3 cup baking cocoa
    1/2 tsp baking soda
    1/2 tsp baking powder
    1/4 tsp kosher salt
    1/2 cup water
    6 miniature York Peppermint Patties, frozen

    Topping:
    1/3 cup heavy cream
    3 oz dark chocolate, broken into pieces
    1 candy cane, crushed

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Set six half-pint jelly jars on a baking sheet.

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the eggs, sugar and vanilla on high for 3 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add the mayonnaise, beating until combined. Add the canola oil and beat on medium until fully incorporated (about 30 seconds).

    Remove the whisk attachment from the stand mixer and fit it with the paddle attachment. Set aside.

    In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

    With the stand mixer running on low, add a little of the flour mixture at a time, alternating with the water. Until just mixed (do not over mix!).

    Now that the batter is ready, it’s time to fill the jars. If you have a canning funnel (it has a big mouth for easy pouring), then I totally recommend you use it. Fill the jars about 1/2 way with the cake batter. Then get out your frozen peppermint patties, unwrap them and place one on each cake, taking care not to let it touch the sides. Then, cover the peppermint patties with the remainder of the batter, dividing it evenly among the six jars.

    Bake for 18-20 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

    Once the cakes are cool, it’s time to make the ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small sauce pan until just before boiling. Remove from the heat, stir in the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir again, vigorously, until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Pour the chocolate ganache over all the cakes, dividing it evenly among them. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the chocolate. Then devour.

    Making these ahead? Don’t add the crushed candy canes to the top of the cakes until just before serving.

    —————————————————

    KitchenAid Pro 450 Series 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer Giveaway (Sponsored by Hellmann’s)

    Hellmann’s has generously agreed to give one lucky reader of Sarah’s Cucina Bella a KitchenAid Pro 450 Series 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer. I am so excited for one of you to have this awesome mixer. The Empire Red color (I have the Artisan mixer in Empire Red) is such a vibrant and energizing color. It’s perfect for all your baking needs.

    Update: This giveaway has ended.

    The random number generator at Random.org selected comment #3 as the winner. Congrats to Tiffiny Palm! I will be contacting you shortly via email.

    ——————————————–

    Disclosure: The giveaway is being provided by Hellmann’s because of my involvement in their Real Foodies program. I have not been compensated in any way for writing this post. Also, all opinions are my own.

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    About

    Sarah W. Caron is a freelance writer, editor and recipe developer.

    104 Responses to Chocolate Peppermint Cake in a Jar (and a Giveaway!)

    1. Ellen
      December 2, 2011 at 6:35 pm

      Delicious AND cute too! Love this cake idea. Favorite holiday flavor combo. Butter and sugar. ha ha! True shortbread cookies. There’s not much else you taste!
      Ellen recently posted..Round Up of Lidia Cooks from the Heart of ItalyMy Profile

      Reply
    2. Tiffiny Palm
      December 2, 2011 at 6:56 pm

      Liked Sarah’s Cucina Bella and Hellmann’s on fb….fb name is Tiff Palm

      Reply
    3. Tiffiny Palm
      December 2, 2011 at 6:58 pm

      My fav holiday flavor combo is cream cheese and pumpkin. The recipe your sharing sounds amazing too. Love Chocolate and peppermint too.

      Reply
    4. Cate O'Malley
      December 2, 2011 at 8:42 pm

      mmm, love the flavor combo!
      Cate O’Malley recently posted..KRE-O Transformers from HasbroMy Profile

      Reply
    5. Cate O'Malley
      December 2, 2011 at 8:45 pm

      followed hellmann’s on twitter (already follow you, of course!)
      Cate O’Malley recently posted..KRE-O Transformers from HasbroMy Profile

      Reply
    6. Cate O'Malley
      December 2, 2011 at 8:45 pm

      and tweeted
      Cate O’Malley recently posted..KRE-O Transformers from HasbroMy Profile

      Reply
    7. Carmen
      December 2, 2011 at 10:15 pm

      Cinnamon and sugar!

      Reply
    8. jan
      December 2, 2011 at 11:12 pm

      oranges, cranberries, and white chocolate. yum.

      Reply
    9. Jenni
      December 2, 2011 at 11:51 pm

      Chocolate and peanut butter….whether holiday or not!

      Reply
    10. amy marantino
      December 3, 2011 at 12:08 am

      orange and vanilla.

      Reply
    11. karen
      December 3, 2011 at 12:20 am

      Love pumpkin and chocolate this time of year!
      karenreichmann@hotmail.com

      Reply
    12. Daryl Callahan
      December 3, 2011 at 6:01 am

      I love the combination of chocolate and peppermint

      Reply
    13. Daryl Callahan
      December 3, 2011 at 6:01 am

      I follow you and Hellmann’s on twitter
      Dthern

      Reply
    14. Daryl Callahan
      December 3, 2011 at 6:03 am

      I like you and Hellman on facebook

      Reply
    15. Faith Plvan
      December 3, 2011 at 7:25 am

      I love chocolate and mint during the holidays!

      Reply
    16. Lindsay {Life and Kitchen}
      December 3, 2011 at 8:18 am

      I love cinnamon and sugar. Yum!

      Reply
    17. Lindsay {Life and Kitchen}
      December 3, 2011 at 8:19 am

      I like both of you on facebook :)
      Lindsay {Life and Kitchen} recently posted..OXO Good Cookie GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
    18. Lindsay {Life and Kitchen}
      December 3, 2011 at 8:30 am

      And I gave you a thumbs up on babble :)
      Lindsay {Life and Kitchen} recently posted..OXO Good Cookie GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
    19. Lindsay {Life and Kitchen}
      December 3, 2011 at 8:33 am

      And I follow you both on Twitter. But that’s it because I’m not sure how to use pintrest.
      Lindsay {Life and Kitchen} recently posted..OXO Good Cookie GiveawayMy Profile

      Reply
    20. debbie
      December 3, 2011 at 8:46 am

      My favorite holiday combination has to be ginger and orange…love the combination of them together!!

      Reply
    21. debbie
      December 3, 2011 at 8:49 am

      OK, just liked both you and Hellman’s on Facebook!!!! I hope I win!!!!
      debbie recently posted..Slow Cooker Beef StroganoffMy Profile

      Reply
    22. Beth @ Hungry Happenings
      December 3, 2011 at 9:06 am

      I too love chocolate and peppermint, especially at the holidays, but I also love anything with egg nog especially cheesecake.
      Beth @ Hungry Happenings recently posted..Twelve days of sweet designs, day 3 – Eskimos atop browniesMy Profile

      Reply
    23. Beth @ Hungry Happenings
      December 3, 2011 at 9:19 am

      I gave you a thumbs up on Babble. Good luck!
      Beth @ Hungry Happenings recently posted..Twelve days of sweet designs, day 3 – Eskimos atop browniesMy Profile

      Reply
    24. Marthalynn
      December 3, 2011 at 9:47 am

      Well, you stole my peppermint/chocolate-loving heart with this. It’s my all-time favorite holiday flavor combo. In fact, I’ve been whipping up my own homemade peppermint patties all month. Cannot wait to try this recipe!!

      Reply
    25. Patrizia T.
      December 3, 2011 at 9:49 am

      I LOVE Chocolate & Peppermint!! (liked you both!)

      Reply
    26. Jill Lombardo
      December 3, 2011 at 10:22 am

      My favorite holiday combination flavors are mint and vanilla as in mint spiked sugar cookies-when shaped like candy canes are to die for!!

      Reply
    27. Jill Lombardo
      December 3, 2011 at 10:23 am

      I like you and Hellman’s on Facebook

      Reply
    28. Jill Lombardo
      December 3, 2011 at 10:24 am

      I follow you and Hellman’s on twitter as capecoupons

      Reply
    29. Jill Lombardo
      December 3, 2011 at 10:40 am

      Gave you a thumbs up on Babble’s top 100 (#72)

      Reply
    30. erin
      December 3, 2011 at 10:56 am

      eggnog and pumpkin. not sure if i like them together but those are the flavors of the holidays!

      Reply
    31. erin
      December 3, 2011 at 10:56 am

      i am a twitter follower.

      Reply
    32. erin
      December 3, 2011 at 10:57 am

      i am a facebook fan.

      Reply
    33. erin
      December 3, 2011 at 10:57 am

      i gave you a thumbs up on babble.

      Reply
    34. Erin
      December 3, 2011 at 11:14 am

      I love the combination of eggnog and rum! Not just the drink but I make a custard pie with those flavors as well, its like christmas in a pie!! This recipe is so cute btw, I would love to try it for christmas dinner.

      Reply
    35. Lenora
      December 3, 2011 at 11:49 am

      Love cinnamon and cloves for the holidays

      Reply
    36. Lenora
      December 3, 2011 at 11:50 am

      I liked you and Hellman’s on Facebook!

      Reply
    37. Lenora
      December 3, 2011 at 11:50 am

      I now follow you both on Twitter

      Reply
    38. Lenora
      December 3, 2011 at 11:53 am

      I gave you a thumbs-up on the Babble list

      Reply
    39. Caroline
      December 3, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      Beautiful gift idea, and great combo! This time of year I crave pumpkin and sage (sometimes w/ hazelnuts or ginger added in). The combo can be used in everything from savory pancakes, to soups, to pasta, and so on. Love the blog :)

      Reply
    40. Amber
      December 3, 2011 at 1:46 pm

      I love the combination of ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg. The combination spells holiday time for me.

      Reply
    41. Amber
      December 3, 2011 at 1:49 pm

      I like both Sarah’s Cucina Bella and Hellmann’s on Facebook.

      Reply
    42. Amber
      December 3, 2011 at 1:59 pm

      I am following BOTH Sarah Caron and Hellmann’s on Twitter.

      Reply
    43. Amber
      December 3, 2011 at 2:03 pm

      I gave a Thumbs Up to Sarah’s Cucina Bella on Babble’s Top 100 Mom Food Blogs.

      Reply
    44. leti
      December 3, 2011 at 2:52 pm

      I like to put whipped cream on my mollases cookies if that counts as a flavor combo :)

      Reply
    45. Renn
      December 3, 2011 at 2:52 pm

      I love chocolate and mint! in cupcakes, in hot chocolate, in cookies, brownies, everything!

      Reply
    46. leti
      December 3, 2011 at 2:58 pm

      I like you and hellmann’s on Facebook

      Reply
    47. leti
      December 3, 2011 at 3:02 pm

      following both on twitter

      Reply
    48. leti
      December 3, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      and a thumbs up on babble

      Reply
    49. Maureen
      December 3, 2011 at 4:47 pm

      I have of few one of them being the eggnog and nutmeg another being chocolate and peppermint.

      Reply
    50. Hanna
      December 3, 2011 at 7:57 pm

      I love the flavor of chocolate and cinnamon together! so yummy!!!

      Reply
    51. Hanna
      December 3, 2011 at 7:58 pm

      I liked you both on Facebook!

      Reply
    52. Hanna
      December 3, 2011 at 7:59 pm

      I followed both y’all on Twitter!

      Reply
    53. Hanna
      December 3, 2011 at 8:03 pm

      I gave you a thumbs up on Babble!

      Reply
    54. Selene Vazquez
      December 3, 2011 at 8:13 pm

      I’m gonna have to try this one, looks delicious! I love the taste of cinnamon and pumpkin; pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie are among my favorites. My mom always put cinnamon in my hot chocolate growing up, and she still makes cinnamon tea when I’m home for the holidays.

      Reply
    55. Patrizia T.
      December 3, 2011 at 10:45 pm

      I liked you & hellmans!

      Reply
    56. Patrizia T.
      December 3, 2011 at 10:55 pm

      Gave you thumbs up on Babble!

      Reply
    57. Cindy O.
      December 3, 2011 at 11:02 pm

      Eggnog is my favorite holiday flavor! Also, chocolate and mint or chocolate and cinnamon.

      Reply
    58. Kate
      December 3, 2011 at 11:51 pm

      I don’t like chocolate and peppermint, but the guy sitting next to me sure does!
      Kate recently posted..Sufferin’ SuccotashMy Profile

      Reply
    59. Kelsey Woodward
      December 4, 2011 at 3:22 am

      I love eggnog and chocolate milk together. You might think I am weird but it actually tastes really good. I also love chocolate and peppermint or orange together in chocolates! Christmas is my favorite time of the year!

      Reply
    60. Kelsey Woodward
      December 4, 2011 at 3:23 am

      I liked Hellmann’s and you on facebook!

      Reply
    61. Kelsey Woodward
      December 4, 2011 at 3:25 am

      I most definitely pinned this on pinterest, cause I want to make it!

      Reply
    62. Kelsey Woodward
      December 4, 2011 at 3:31 am

      I Just gave you a thumbs up on Babble. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
    63. Cindy Eason
      December 4, 2011 at 7:05 am

      Liked both of you on Facebook. This recipe looks delicious

      Reply
    64. Shay
      December 4, 2011 at 4:22 pm

      I’m absolutely obsessed with making peppermint mochas at home during the holidays. It’s DEFINITELY cheaper than Starbucks! I also have a family tradition of making cinnamon buns for Christmas morning, so I love cinnamon and sugar!

      Reply
    65. Lauretta
      December 4, 2011 at 4:50 pm

      Thank-you for sharing this recipie. I gave you and Hellmans a thumbs up on facebook. I also like chocolate and hazelnut, and pumpkin and pecan.

      Reply
    66. Lauretta
      December 4, 2011 at 4:55 pm

      I gave you and a thumbs up on Babble’s Top 100. I also love anything Cinnamon and ginger.
      Lauretta recently posted..Fun tactile sensation Crochet Multicolored baby/lap blanket with blue trim and Rainbow crystal Prism READY TO SHIPMy Profile

      Reply
    67. Yoko
      December 4, 2011 at 7:30 pm

      I voted on Babble!

      Reply
    68. Yoko
      December 4, 2011 at 7:31 pm

      I love chocolate and peppermint. I recently found white chocolate covered flavored with peppermint covering star shaped pretzels. LOVED them.

      Reply
    69. Yoko
      December 4, 2011 at 7:32 pm

      I follow you on twitter!

      Reply
    70. Yoko
      December 4, 2011 at 7:37 pm

      I like you and Hellman’s on FB. (Also just noticed the “both on the twitter entry, and confirmed that I am following Hellman’s on twitter too!)

      Reply
    71. Arleen
      December 4, 2011 at 8:31 pm

      This is the perfect combo – peppermint and chocolate. Ask your Mom what kind of ice cream I ate at Friendly’s when we met – peppermint and hot chocolate fudge. Delish. :-)

      Reply
    72. Arleen
      December 4, 2011 at 8:36 pm

      p.s. I liked your page and Hellman’s.

      Reply
    73. aubreylaine
      December 4, 2011 at 11:10 pm

      peppermint & brown sugar
      littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

      Reply
    74. aubreylaine
      December 4, 2011 at 11:11 pm

      I like you and Hellmans on fb
      littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

      Reply
    75. aubreylaine
      December 4, 2011 at 11:12 pm

      I follow you and hellmans on twitter
      littlegray88 at yahoo dot com

      Reply
    76. Wehaf
      December 4, 2011 at 11:25 pm

      I love pumpkin with holiday spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc.

      Reply
    77. Julia
      December 5, 2011 at 1:23 pm

      Im currently really into the lemon/gingerbread combination. But I do LOVE the traditional peppermint chocolate combo, that will NEVER get old!

      Reply
    78. S LaTrice Simmons
      December 5, 2011 at 1:26 pm

      I have to agree that Peppermint & Chocolate is a great flavor combination. I’ve also learned that Nutella makes a wonderul filling btwn layers of Chocolate Cake. Chocolate, Hazelnut & Peppermint…I might have to try that ;)

      Reply
    79. Shannon H.
      December 5, 2011 at 1:56 pm

      I love love love chocolate and peppermint. Love. My absolute favorite. Hands down.
      Sehoorn@gmsil.com

      Reply
    80. Erika Wasielewski
      December 5, 2011 at 3:08 pm

      Peppermint and chocolate? You’ve nailed my favorite holiday combo right there. Just thinking about it is making me swoon!

      Reply
    81. Mutant Supermodel
      December 5, 2011 at 3:23 pm

      Can you overnight me a half dozen of these? Nom Nom Nom
      Mutant Supermodel recently posted..Christmas Shopping: The UpdateMy Profile

      Reply
    82. sarah@spinach and spice
      December 5, 2011 at 8:54 pm

      What a great day to stumble upon your blog! What an awesome giveaway, and I love the chocolate peppermint cake in a jar idea!
      I love pumpkin flavors the most.. with all of the usual spice suspects

      Reply
    83. Stephanie
      December 5, 2011 at 8:55 pm

      Almond and chocolate are my favorite combo. I’ve been making hot chocolate with bittersweet chips and almond extract every night for the last week. Nothing says holidays to me like hot chocolate that smells like spritz cookies!
      Stephanie recently posted..Nana’s ChiliMy Profile

      Reply
    84. Stephanie
      December 5, 2011 at 8:58 pm

      I gave a Thumbs Up to Sarah’s Cucina Bella on Babble’s Top 100 Mom Food Blogs.

      Reply
    85. sarah@spinach and spice
      December 5, 2011 at 9:00 pm

      I liked you on Babble!
      sarah@spinach and spice recently posted..Words to Live ByMy Profile

      Reply
    86. Nate
      December 5, 2011 at 11:33 pm

      Gingerbread will always mean the holidays to me – chocolate, mint, eggnog, all good things, but gingerbread is it.

      Reply
    87. Emily
      December 7, 2011 at 11:06 am

      I have to admit I’m not so keen on chocolate and peppermint, but I love nutmeg and anything, pumpkin, apple pie, sweet potatoes, eggnog, it can’t be beat!
      Emily recently posted..One Night in SavannahMy Profile

      Reply
    88. Emily
      December 7, 2011 at 11:07 am

      I already like Hellman’s on FB and I just liked you
      Emily recently posted..One Night in SavannahMy Profile

      Reply
    89. Emily
      December 7, 2011 at 11:08 am

      I’m a long time follower of you both on twitter
      Emily recently posted..One Night in SavannahMy Profile

      Reply
    90. Emily
      December 7, 2011 at 11:10 am

      Just gave you a thumbs up, you’re up to 84!
      Emily recently posted..One Night in SavannahMy Profile

      Reply
    91. Emily
      December 7, 2011 at 11:12 am

      You’ve been pinned!
      Emily recently posted..One Night in SavannahMy Profile

      Reply
    92. Mercurial
      December 7, 2011 at 11:35 am

      Chocolate and Peppermint, for sure!! And following on Twitter!
      Mercurial recently posted..Steak Is Harder To Cut Than TofuMy Profile

      Reply
    93. Urban Living
      December 7, 2011 at 11:38 am

      potato, onion, and hot oil – for homemade latkes!

      Reply
    94. jessie
      December 7, 2011 at 10:59 pm

      PB and chocolate!

      Reply
    95. Jessie C.
      December 8, 2011 at 1:42 am

      I like apple and cinnamon!

      Reply
    96. Jessie C.
      December 8, 2011 at 1:43 am

      Like BOTH Sarah’s Cucina Bella and Hellmann’s on Facebook.
      Jessie C.

      Reply
    97. Jessie C.
      December 8, 2011 at 1:44 am

      I gave a Thumbs Up to Sarah’s Cucina Bella on Babble’s

      Reply
    98. Phyllis
      December 9, 2011 at 9:10 am

      chocolate and caramel

      Reply
    99. Phyllis
      December 9, 2011 at 9:13 am

      I like Sarah’s Cucina Bella and Hellmann’s on Facebook as Phyllis Shirley

      Reply
    100. Phyllis
      December 9, 2011 at 9:14 am

      I follow Sarah Caron and Hellmann’s on Twitter as phyllis2win

      Reply
    101. Doug
      December 9, 2011 at 7:05 pm

      I like cinnamon & sugar – Snickerdoodles

      Reply
    102. Doug
      December 9, 2011 at 7:06 pm

      I liked Hellmann’s on FB

      Reply
    103. Doug
      December 9, 2011 at 7:09 pm

      Thumbs up on Babble – you have 85 now

      Reply
    104. Doug
      December 9, 2011 at 7:10 pm

      I like Hellmann’s on Twitter

      Reply

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