Peppermint Red Velvet Cake

By Addie

A couple of years ago, I saw a recipe for a peppermint red velvet cake that called for cake mixes. I prefer homemade cakes, so I developed this one from scratch. It is a beautiful, elegant dessert. In the summer, I omit the peppermint and use fresh berries, adding them between the layers and on top of the frosting. —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee

Ingredients

• FROSTING:
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 bottle (1 ounce) food coloring, optional
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 4 teaspoons baking cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
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• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 31 peppermint candies

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in sour cream, food coloring and vinegar. Combine the flour, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating well after each addition.

Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until combined. Beat in extract. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Press crushed candies on top and side of cake. Arrange whole candies around bottom of cake. Yield: 12 servings.

To Make Ahead: Cake layers can be frozen for up to 1 month. Unwrap cake; thaw on a wire rack. Proceed as directed.
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REVIEW:

I've had a recipe for Red Velvet Cake for 40+ years but find it dry. This one w/ the addition of sour cream makes a moist delicious cake Thanks!!