Mint chocolate cheesecake cake combines rich chocolate cake layers with creamy mint cheesecake and silky ganache. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or when you want to impress guests with an elegant homemade dessert.
Total Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Baking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Chilling Time: 4+ hours | Serves: 12-16 people
What You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Mint Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Crushed mint chocolates (e.g., Andes) or chocolate curls
- Fresh mint leaves
How to Make This Amazing Triple Layer Cake
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pans Ready
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and one 9-inch springform pan with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with an electric mixer or whisk. Slowly pour in the hot water while mixing – don’t worry if the batter looks thin, that’s normal and will make your cake super moist!
Mixing Time: 5 minutes
Step 3: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
Pour the cake batter evenly between your two prepared round cake pans. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool completely in their pans before removing.
Baking Time: 30 minutes | Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Step 4: Make the Mint Cheesecake Layer
While your cakes are cooling, make the cheesecake. Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the peppermint extract, sour cream, and a drop or two of green food coloring if you want that pretty mint color.
Cheesecake Prep Time: 7 minutes
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the cheesecake mixture into your prepared springform pan. Lower your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight – this step is important for the perfect texture!
Cheesecake Baking + Chilling Time: 6 hours
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer (don’t let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
Ganache Prep Time: 5 minutes
Step 7: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Now for the fun part! Place one chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Carefully remove the cheesecake from its pan and place it on top of the first cake layer. Add the second chocolate cake layer on top. Pour the ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip down the sides for that professional bakery look.
Assembling Time: 10 minutes
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
Decorate with crushed mint chocolates, chocolate curls, or fresh mint leaves. Chill the assembled cake for 20 minutes before slicing to help everything set perfectly.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake layer.
Don’t Overbake: The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when done – it will firm up as it cools.
Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water between cuts for beautiful clean slices.
Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
When to Serve This Show-Stopping Dessert
This impressive mint chocolate cheesecake cake is perfect for:
- Birthday celebrations
- Holiday gatherings
- Anniversary dinners
- Potluck parties
- Any time you want to wow your guests!
Storage Tips
Store your finished cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen (without garnish) for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
This mint chocolate cheesecake cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and mint lovers. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy mint cheesecake, and rich ganache creates an unforgettable treat that’s sure to become your go-to special occasion dessert!