Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a festive masterpiece that brings joy, warmth, and delightful flavors to your holiday celebrations. With a blend of spices and a rich, buttery taste, this cake captures the essence of Christmas. It’s a perfect center piece for your holiday table and can be a wonderful treat to share with family and friends. Plus, decorating it makes for a fun holiday activity!
How to Make Christmas Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 6 cups (750g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Red sugar pearls (for berries)
- Edible gold glitter or sprinkles
- Green fondant or gum paste (for holly leaves)
- Powdered sugar (for snow dusting)
- Meringue cookies or piped frosting swirls
Directions
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake:
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
8. Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low.
9. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
Frost the Cake:
10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
11. Add the second layer and apply a crumb coat (thin frosting layer). Chill for 30 minutes.
12. Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer, adding textured swirls or patterns.
Decorate:
13. Use fondant to make holly leaves, adding red sugar pearls as berries.
14. Sprinkle powdered sugar for a snowy effect and add gold glitter for sparkle.
How to Serve Christmas Cake
Serve the Christmas Cake in generous slices, either plain or with additional frosting on the side. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea, making it a delightful treat for everyone during the holiday season.
How to Store Christmas Cake
To keep your Christmas Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Ensure it is covered well to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Christmas Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a better batter mix.
- Don’t skip the crumb coat; it helps to create a smooth final layer of frosting.
- Feel free to personalize the decorations with your favorite edible items!
Variation
You can add dried fruits and nuts for a more traditional touch, or use different flavorings and extracts to create your own unique version of the Christmas Cake.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a few days ahead. Just store it properly until you are ready to decorate.
2. Is it okay to freeze Christmas Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
3. Can I use different frosting?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for a different taste.
Christmas Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2.5 cups 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Frosting
- 2 cups 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups 6 cups (750g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 2-3 tablespoons 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
For Decoration
- Red sugar pearls (for berries)
- Edible gold glitter or sprinkles
- Green fondant or gum paste (for holly leaves)
- Powdered sugar (for snow dusting)
- Meringue cookies or piped frosting swirls
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
Frost the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second layer and apply a crumb coat (thin frosting layer). Chill for 30 minutes.
- Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer, adding textured swirls or patterns.
Decorate
- Use fondant to make holly leaves, adding red sugar pearls as berries.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar for a snowy effect and add gold glitter for sparkle.
