Description
These Christmas themed cake designs are showstopping, festive cakes perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. With customizable flavors and decorations, they’re designed to impress guests of all ages while being approachable for bakers of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free margarine)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate cakes)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ginger (for spice cakes)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (for cream cheese frosting, optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
- High-quality chocolate (bars or chips, for ganache or drips)
- Food coloring gels (red, green, gold, silver)
- Butter (for frosting)
- Peppermint extract, orange zest, lemon extract, or instant espresso powder (for flavor variations)
- Sprinkles (holiday mixes)
- Edible glitter or gold leaf
- Mini candy canes or peppermint candies
- Fresh cranberries (tossed in sugar)
- Marzipan or fondant
- Fresh rosemary
- Crushed cookies (Oreos or shortbread)
- Assorted nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate curls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto racks to cool completely.
- For buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk or cream and vanilla. Whip until fluffy. Add gel food coloring as desired.
- If needed, level cake layers with a serrated knife. Place one layer on serving plate, spread frosting, and top with second layer.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill for 20 minutes.
- Frost cake with main color. Decorate with piping, sprinkles, candies, edible glitter, and other toppings as desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers covered in the fridge.
Notes
For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and flax eggs or plant-based dairy. Chill cakes and frosting between steps for best results. Practice piping on parchment before decorating the cake. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors. Cakes can be made ahead and frozen. Decorate with creativity—simple powdered sugar can look like snow.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of a two-layer 8-inch cake)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Christmas cake, holiday cake, festive cake, Christmas dessert, cake decorating, buttercream, holiday baking, Christmas party, winter cake, themed cake, easy Christmas cake, Christmas cake ideas, Christmas cake designs, Christmas recipes, Christmas sweets