Chocolate-Peppermint Torte

DifficultyBeginner

A decadent flourless (or low-flour) chocolate torte infused with peppermint, topped with glossy ganache, and finished with crushed peppermint candy for a snowy holiday sparkle.

[cooked-sharing]

Yields10 Servings
Prep Time25 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time1 hr
For the torte
 8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
 1 cup granulated sugar
 5 large eggs, room temperature
 ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 Pinch of salt
For the ganache topping
 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
 ¾ cup heavy cream
 2 tbsp unsalted butter
 ½ tsp peppermint extract
For garnish
 ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
 Whipped cream (optional)
 Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Prepare the pan
1
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Line bottom with parchment paper for easy release.

Make the torte batter
2
  1. In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together until smooth.

  2. Remove from heat, whisk in sugar until glossy.

  3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.

  4. Stir in cocoa powder, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt.

  5. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing top.

Bake the torte
3
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set but center still looks slightly soft.

  2. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then run a knife around edge. Remove sides of springform pan.

  3. Let torte cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the ganache
4
  1. Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.

  2. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

  3. Whisk in butter and peppermint extract for shine and flavor.

  4. Allow ganache to cool slightly until spreadable.

Assemble
5
  1. Spread ganache evenly over cooled torte.

  2. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes while ganache is still soft.

  3. Chill in fridge for 2–3 hours, until set.

Serving Suggestions
6
  • Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts.

  • Serve with whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.

  • Pairs beautifully with peppermint hot chocolate, mulled wine, or espresso.

Tips & Variations
7
  • Make-ahead: Best made a day in advance; flavor deepens overnight.

  • Flourless version: Skip cocoa powder for a fully flourless torte.

  • Extra flair: Garnish with white chocolate drizzle and edible glitter for a snowy look.

  • Mini version: Bake in mini tart pans for individual servings (adjust bake time to 15–18 minutes).

Ingredients

For the torte
 8 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
 1 cup granulated sugar
 5 large eggs, room temperature
 ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 Pinch of salt
For the ganache topping
 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
 ¾ cup heavy cream
 2 tbsp unsalted butter
 ½ tsp peppermint extract
For garnish
 ½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
 Whipped cream (optional)
 Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Chocolate-Peppermint Torte
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