Also… the resolve to make my own version of said cake. I decided to go with what I know. So I pulled out my copy of Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. I used the basic chocolate cupcake recipe and Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa, only with 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 of mint extract. I used 1 recipe for each 9″ cake pan, and they were baked in 25 minutes, 2 at a time. I would love to tell you that I baked all 4 at one time or in advance, but that’s not really how it went. For some reason I thought this was going to give me a thick enough layer to halve, but I was wrong. I baked the first two the night before, and then the other two after assembling the first two layers!
I also used the basic buttercream for both of my frostings, again using 1 tsp. of vanilla extract & 1 tsp. of mint, and adding 1/2 c. of crushed candy canes for the peppermint crunch frosting. For the outer smooth peppermint frosting I added probably close to 4 tsp. of mint extract, and it was still fairly subtle.
Results: According to Thomas it’s really awesome. : ) I think it’s pretty good. It slices really well, and holds all the layers from cake to plate, no problem. The only adjustment I would make is to do a little less crushed peppermints in the layer frosting, or just peppermint extract and leave the pulverized candy canes for the outer decoration.
The only other time I made a layer cake was for Thomas’ birthday back in September, and it only had two layers, so I was pretty satisfied with how this came out. It did have an ugly side, but the peppermint crunchies on the side helped to conceal it. I’m thinking an AMAZING variation would be a mocha cookies ‘n’ cream number using this recipe as a guideline.
Wow. When you get to Seattle we will have to have cake baking parties. Also, when you live in Seattle when you want vegan white chocolate chips all you have to do is head over to Sidecar (vegan grocery store) and get some. I did a couple weeks ago, but have yet to make peppermint bark.
Thanks for the head’s up! We’re actually going to be there this weekend, so I can pick some up!
That is sooooooo gorgeous! I must make it!!!!
So pretty!! I love the idea of using recipes from VCTOTW for whole cakes — brilliant.
Also, I have that cake carrier, and it is the best thing in the world.
Hah, thanks! Oh, glad to hear it! I usually review everything I buy before purchasing but this was just on the fly. Do the cupcake racks work well?