Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 12-cup fluted tube cake pan or 10-inch angel food (tube) cake pan. Mix flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.

Step 2

In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed 5 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in flour mixture alternately with milk on low speed. Pour into pan.

Step 3

Bake 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.

Step 4

In chilled large bowl, beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Fold in peppermint candies.

Step 5

Cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Spread 1 cup whipped cream mixture over 1 cake layer. Repeat with second layer. Top with remaining layer. Drop remaining whipped cream mixture in dollops on top of cake. Store in refrigerator.