Name: Double-Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Cook time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 1 (9") double-layer cake
Ingredients: Nonstick vegetable cooking spray; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder, divided; 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/3 cups mayonnaise; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pound, 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup refined coconut oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 pound, 5 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped; 2 candy canes, lightly crushed; 2 (9") round cake pans; a 1" pastry brush

Peppermint chocolate cake with a slice taken out and set on a plate.

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Beatrice Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson

How do you make cake without eggs or butter? This pretty layer cake uses a combination of applesauce and baking powder to leaven the layers, and mayonnaise for luxurious richness. The pretty chocolate petals add an elegant finishing touch and are easier than they look to make.