Indulge in Holiday Bliss with Peppermint Pound Cake: A Festive Treat with Cream Cheese Peppermint Bark Frosting!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread festive cheer than with a mouthwatering Peppermint Pound Cake? This delightful recipe combines the rich, buttery goodness of a classic pound cake with the refreshing twist of peppermint. To elevate the experience, we’ll top it off with a luscious Cream Cheese Peppermint Bark Frosting that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that captures the essence of the holidays in every delectable slice!

Ingredients: For the Peppermint Pound Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

For the Cream Cheese Peppermint Bark Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a Bundt pan thoroughly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the Cream Cheese Peppermint Bark Frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy.
10. Incorporate Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition. Mix in the crushed peppermint candy, melted white chocolate chips, and peppermint extract.
11. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, generously frost it with the Cream Cheese Peppermint Bark Frosting.
12. Decorate (Optional): Garnish with additional crushed peppermint candy or white chocolate shavings for a festive touch.

Cook Notes:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother blending process.
• Bundt Pan Greasing: Thoroughly grease the Bundt pan to ensure easy release of the cake after baking.

Variations: Elevate your Peppermint Pound Cake experience with these creative variations:

• Chocolate Swirl: Swirl melted chocolate into the cake batter before baking for a marbled effect.
• Nutty Delight: Add a cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for added texture.

Keto Version: For a keto-friendly twist, consider these substitutions:

• Almond Flour Base: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a lower-carb alternative.
• Sugar Substitute: Swap granulated sugar with a keto-approved sweetener, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Low Carb Version: Reduce the carb content without compromising flavor:

• Reduced Sweetener: Use half the amount of sugar or substitute with a low-carb sweetener of your choice.

Celebrate the magic of the holidays with every decadent slice of our Peppermint Pound Cake adorned with Cream Cheese Peppermint Bark Frosting. This recipe effortlessly combines the warmth of a classic pound cake with the cool, refreshing notes of peppermint, creating a festive masterpiece that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring in peaceful solitude. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore the keto and low-carb variations, this delightful treat is bound to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Indulge in the joy of the season, one slice at a time!