Ingredients
2 cups sugar1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour3/4 cup baking cocoa1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon salt1 cup milk1/2 cup canola oil2 eggs2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 cup boiling waterFILLING:2 cups heavy whipping cream1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 drops red food coloring, optional2/3 cup crushed peppermint candy, dividedGLAZE:2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons baking cocoa2 tablespoons water1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup confectioners’ sugar
Preparation
In a bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add milk, oil, eggs and vanilla; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
Bake at 350° for 18-23 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For filling, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar, vanilla and food coloring if desired; beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside about 1 tablespoon crushed candy. Fold remaining candy into cream mixture. Spread between layers and around sides but not over the top.
For glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add cocoa and water; cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat; whisk in vanilla. Gradually blend in sugar until smooth. Add additional water if necessary. Spread over top of cake. Sprinkle with reserved candy. Chill before serving. Store in the refrigerator.
