Chocolate Coconut Peppermint Gluten-Free Cake

       So one of my employees was having their 61st birthday and I promised to bake them something magical!  So out came my thinking cap and what happened next was just that, pure flavor magic!

 This cake has the perfect combination of mint and chocolate plus the pleasant crunch and flavor of coconut to set it apart from the rest. I hope you enjoy this new favorite!

       You'll need:

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

2 tsp xanthan gum

1 cup cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1 ½  tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/2 cup Kerrygold Butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp vanilla extract

3 tsp peppermint extract

1 Green & Black Chocolate Mint Bar, chopped

1/2 cup coconut shreds

1 cup of hot water

       Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Prepare two 9” round Pans by lightly coating with cooking spray or oil.

       In a medium bowl, combine the sugars, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

       In a separate bowl, whip together the Butter, eggs, buttermilk, and extracts. 

Then slowly add the liquid to the dry ingredients and stir until both mixtures are fully combined.  Next, fold in the chocolate and coconut.

       Add hot water to the batter and mix well, until the batter is thin.  Then pour evenly into the prepared pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

       Once the cakes have finished baking allow them to completely cool before frosting! 

 Creamy Chocolate Butter Cream Frosting

 

1 ½ cups of Kerrygold Salted Butter

3 cups powdered sugar
 

¼ cup dark cocoa

1 tsp chocolate extract

1 tsp vanilla extract

Heavy whipping cream, as needed

       In a large bowl, whip the butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.  Next, whip in one cup of powdered sugar, then add in the cocoa and flavorings.  To finish, whip in the remaining two cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time.  Beat well between each addition and alternate with the heavy cream as needed. 
 

       Spread the frosting over the bottom layer of cake for the filling, then place the second cake on top.  Finish frosting the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

       You can dress up this cake with any garnishes you would like or simply enjoy it as is!