The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and, of course, baking up a storm! There’s something truly magical about filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of a freshly baked christmas themed cake. The vibrant colors of red and green sprinkles just scream festive cheer, don’t you think? I can still remember my grandma’s kitchen bustling with activity as we mixed, baked, and decorated together. It was our little family tradition! This cake has become a staple at our Christmas gatherings, evoking memories of laughter and love. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, bringing everyone together around the table. Trust me, once you slice into this beauty, you’ll feel that holiday spirit wrapping around you like a cozy blanket!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, at room temperature
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
How to Prepare the Christmas Themed Cake
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—baking this delightful christmas themed cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll soon have a gorgeous cake that’s perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip it! You want your cake to bake evenly.
- Next, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and generously grease and flour them. This will help your cakes release easily when they’re done baking. Trust me; you don’t want a cake disaster!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes of good mixing.
- Now, it’s time to add the eggs! Add them one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making your cake fluffy and tender.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and give it another good mix until everything is combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, so they’re evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to a dense cake!
- Once your batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared cake pans. Give them a little shake to settle the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly!
- After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost generously with cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with those festive red and green sprinkles. Voilà! Your christmas themed cake is ready to dazzle your friends and family!
Tips for Success
To make sure your christmas themed cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my top tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients—this helps your batter mix smoothly and rise beautifully. I like to take my eggs and butter out an hour before I start baking. Also, be sure to measure your flour properly; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid a dense cake. And don’t forget to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; sometimes they can be a bit off! Lastly, let your cakes cool completely before frosting. This way, the frosting won’t melt, and you’ll get that gorgeous, frosted finish. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Vibes: This christmas themed cake is a showstopper with its vibrant red and green sprinkles, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this delicious cake without any stress!
- Perfect for Gatherings: It yields 12 generous slices, making it an ideal dessert for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy get-togethers.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of butter, milk, and eggs results in a cake that’s wonderfully moist and tender—everyone will be reaching for seconds!
- Versatile Decoration: You can customize the frosting and sprinkles to match your holiday theme, whether it’s classic red and green or a winter wonderland vibe.
- Memory Maker: Baking this cake can become a cherished family tradition, just like it is in my home, filled with laughter and joy during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious christmas themed cake, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep it fresh and tasty, store any uneaten slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving again—it’ll taste just as delightful!
If you decide to freeze your cake, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and enjoy the same moist, flavorful goodness! No reheating needed unless you want to warm it slightly for that cozy, freshly-baked feel.
Nutritional Information
So, if you’re curious about what’s in each slice of this delightful christmas themed cake, here are some estimated nutritional values to keep in mind:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this festive treat in moderation, and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this christmas themed cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I substitute the butter for oil?
While butter gives the cake a rich flavor, you can use vegetable oil if you need a dairy-free option. Just use 3/4 cup of oil for every cup of butter.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?
You can make a simple vanilla buttercream instead! Just whip together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and a splash of milk and vanilla until creamy.
Can I add spices for a holiday twist?
Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients will give your christmas themed cake a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for the season.
How should I store my cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for up to a week. You can freeze it for up to three months for a longer shelf life!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving to keep it fresh and delicious. Perfect for holiday prep!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making this christmas themed cake? What did you think? Did you add any special touches or variations? Please leave a comment below and share your experiences! Your thoughts not only inspire me but also help fellow bakers in our little community. Let’s spread the joy of holiday baking together! And if you snap a photo of your cake, don’t forget to share that too—it’s always a delight to see your creations! Happy baking, friends!
Print
Delightful Christmas Themed Cake for Holiday Joy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green sprinkles
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with red and green sprinkles.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: christmas themed cake
