Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake Recipe
This Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake is a decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake layers with a creamy mint-flavored cheesecake center. Topped with smooth mint buttercream and optionally finished with a luscious chocolate ganache drip, this cake offers a delightful balance of refreshing mint and deep chocolate flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious treat!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Layers
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
Mint Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops green food coloring (optional)
Mint Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Chocolate Ganache (Optional)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Mint Cheesecake Layer: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in peppermint extract and optional green food coloring for a mint hue. Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until center is just set. Cool completely, then freeze for 1 hour to ease handling.
- Make the Chocolate Cake Layers: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; beat until combined. Slowly mix in hot coffee or water until smooth. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Mint Buttercream Frosting: Using a mixer, beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternated with heavy cream or milk, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in peppermint extract and add green food coloring until desired mint color is reached.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of mint buttercream atop. Carefully position the chilled mint cheesecake layer on the cake. Top with the second chocolate cake layer. Frost entire cake with remaining mint buttercream, smoothing sides and top. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting.
- Add the Chocolate Ganache (Optional): Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and melted. Cool slightly until thick but still pourable. Drizzle over chilled cake edges to create a drip effect. Garnish with chocolate curls, fresh mint leaves, or mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled to enjoy the rich chocolate and refreshing mint flavors combined with creamy cheesecake layers.
Notes
- Freezing the mint cheesecake layer before assembling makes it easier to handle and cut.
- Using hot coffee instead of water in the chocolate cake batter enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Green food coloring is optional and solely for aesthetic purposes.
- Chocolate ganache is optional but adds a rich finishing touch.
- Allow the cake to chill after frosting to help it set and slice cleanly.
Keywords: Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake, chocolate cake, mint cheesecake, mint buttercream, chocolate ganache, layered cake, dessert, cake recipe
