01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 -
Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
04 -
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 -
Stir in boiling water carefully; the batter will become thin, which helps create a moist texture.
06 -
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If browning is too rapid, cover the top with foil.
07 -
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 -
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust milk quantity as needed for desired consistency.
09 -
Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf and optionally sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings on top.