Rich, chocolatey, and filled with the nostalgic kick of peppermint, this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake is the ultimate winter dessert. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving something deeply decadent with a touch of cool mint, this cake hits every note just right. It combines the richness of cocoa with the fresh brightness of peppermint and a silky glaze that makes every bite taste like a chocolate candy cane.
The magic of this bundt cake is how easy it is to make while looking like a showstopper. The texture is incredibly moist, the flavor balanced without being too sweet, and the aroma that fills your kitchen is simply dreamy. With each slice, you get a dense chocolate crumb and that unmistakable peppermint hint that makes it feel extra festive.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
If you love chocolate and mint, this recipe will win your heart. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just taste good—it feels like a moment. You can serve it as the centerpiece of your dessert table or enjoy a quiet slice with hot cocoa. It keeps well, travels easily, and turns out reliably delicious every single time.
Can I Use Peppermint Extract or Crushed Candy Canes?
Both! Peppermint extract gives the cake its consistent flavor throughout, while crushed candy canes add a bit of crunch and festive color to the glaze or garnish. If you don’t have candy canes, peppermint candies work fine too. Just crush them finely and sprinkle on top before the glaze sets.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
This cake brings together pantry staples with a few festive ingredients that make it stand out. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why they matter.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base structure of the cake.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create that soft texture.
- Baking soda – Works with the vinegar to help the cake rise.
- Salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements chocolate.
- Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Large eggs – Provide structure and richness.
- Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor profile.
- Peppermint extract – Adds that festive, minty twist.
- Hot water or brewed coffee – Intensifies the cocoa flavor.
- Crushed candy canes – Used as a topping for crunch and decoration.
- Powdered sugar + milk – For the simple peppermint glaze.

How To Make the Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray. Dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring as you go. Then pour in the hot water or coffee and mix until fully combined. The batter will be thin.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, a bit of milk, and a few drops of peppermint extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and immediately top with crushed candy canes.
How to Serve and Store This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
This recipe feeds about 12 people, making it perfect for gatherings. Serve it slightly warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, or chilled for a firmer texture that highlights the peppermint. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5. It also freezes beautifully for make-ahead dessert planning.
What to Serve With Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake?
Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream
Nothing complements the chocolate-mint combo better than a warm mug of cocoa piled high with whipped cream.
Peppermint Mocha
A cozy coffeehouse favorite that echoes the cake’s minty notes.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The creamy contrast enhances the richness of the cake without overwhelming it.
Fresh Berries
A handful of raspberries or strawberries adds a bright, fruity contrast to each slice.
Espresso Shots
For a bold pairing that cuts through the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
Warm Milk
Simple but comforting, especially for kids or those avoiding caffeine.
Spiked Eggnog
Perfect for grown-up gatherings and a festive beverage to match the cake’s holiday spirit.
Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?
If this Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake is your vibe, you might fall in love with these other comforting bakes from the Mia Plates collection:
- Try our Ooey Gooey Bars for a rich, buttery snack that melts in your mouth.
- You’ll love these Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons for a tropical twist on classic holiday treats.
- Don’t miss the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes if you want something bite-sized yet packed with flavor.
- Craving fruity? The Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler is a warm and cozy classic.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add crushed peppermints to the batter or just on top? Any fun holiday spins?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake is the ultimate festive dessert, combining rich cocoa flavor with a cool peppermint twist. Perfect for holidays, this easy chocolate cake recipe is moist, decadent, and topped with a sweet peppermint glaze and crushed candy canes. A must-bake for winter gatherings and chocolate lovers!
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray. Dust with cocoa powder.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Slowly stir wet mixture into dry ingredients, then pour in hot water or coffee and mix until fully combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
8. Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top immediately.
Notes
This cake can be made a day ahead and still taste fresh.
Crushed peppermint adds crunch and color—apply while glaze is still wet.
Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg


