10 Sweetest Christmas Cake Ideas to Make This December
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.The scent of spices and sweet treats wafts through the air, signaling the most magical time of the year – Christmas! As the holiday season approaches, our thoughts turn to festive feasts, warm gatherings, and of course, the star of the show: the Christmas cake. A classic symbol of the season, this sweet masterpiece is more than just a dessert, it’s an experience that brings families and friends together.
But why settle for the same old recipe year after year? This year, why not shake things up with a show-stopping Christmas cake that’s as unique as it is delicious? From boozy treats to creative decorations, we’ve got the inspiration you need to make this Christmas cake the talk of the town.
Little Debbies | Vanilla Christmas Tree | Cake | 4 pack
5% OffClassic Fruitcake with Nuts
Classic Fruitcake with Nuts is a timeless holiday treat that combines rich flavors and festive ingredients. Loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is both dense and delightful, making it a popular choice for Christmas celebrations. Serve it sliced with a cup of tea or gift it to loved ones as a sweet token of the season.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.,In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dates) and 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts and almonds).,In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until creamy, then add 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.,Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to the butter mixture until combined.,Fold the fruit and nut mixture into the batter, ensuring an even distribution, then pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.,Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake is a delightful festive treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the refreshing zing of peppermint. This moist and decadent cake is perfect for holiday gatherings and will impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation. Topped with a creamy peppermint frosting and sprinkled with crushed candy canes, it embodies the holiday spirit in every bite.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan. 2. In a large bowl, combine 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 cups sugar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. 3. In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons peppermint extract, and 1 cup hot water. 4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth. 5. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. 6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. 7. For the frosting, beat together 4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract until smooth. 8. Once the cake is completely cool, pour the frosting over the top and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. 9. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Gingerbread Layer Cake
Gingerbread Layer Cake is the perfect festive dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season. Each layer is infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, offering a cozy and aromatic experience. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and garnished with festive decorations, this cake is not only delightful to taste but also visually appealing for your Christmas gatherings.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. 3. In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add in 3 large eggs, one at a time, and mix well. 5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of molasses and 1 cup of buttermilk until smooth. 6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. 8. Once cooled, frost between the layers and on top with cream cheese frosting. 9. Decorate as desired and serve at your holiday festivities.
Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese
Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese is a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. This moist and flavorful cake is infused with warm spices, making it perfect for Christmas celebrations. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting, it is a crowd-pleaser that combines festive ingredients with a comforting taste.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. 3. In another bowl, beat 4 large eggs, and then add in 1 cup of vegetable oil and 2 cups of grated carrots, mixing well. 4. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 7. For the frosting, beat together 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 4 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. 8. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between the two layers and cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. 9. Decorate with walnuts or grated carrots if desired, and enjoy your festive Spiced Carrot Cake!
Cranberry Orange Cake
Cranberry Orange Cake is a delightful combination of tart and sweet flavors, making it a perfect festive dessert for Christmas gatherings. The zesty orange enhances the cranberries’ natural tartness, resulting in a moist, vibrant cake that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Garnished with a light orange glaze, this cake not only looks stunning but also offers a refreshing balance to heavier holiday meals.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, followed by the zest of 2 oranges and the juice of 1 orange. 4. In another bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk. 6. Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries. 7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. 8. Allow the cake to cool before drizzling with an orange glaze made from icing sugar and fresh orange juice.
Eggnog Pound Cake
Eggnog Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holiday season with its rich, creamy flavors. This moist cake is infused with traditional eggnog spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, offering a festive twist to the classic pound cake. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a sweet treat that pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. 2. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add in 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 cup of eggnog. 4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. 7. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 9. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Red Velvet Christmas Cake
Red Velvet Christmas Cake is a festive twist on the classic red velvet flavor, adorned with creamy frosting and sprinkled with holiday cheer. Its vibrant red color makes it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering, while the moist texture ensures every bite is delightful. Perfect for celebrating the season, this cake combines the richness of cocoa with the sweetness of vanilla, making it a must-try this Christmas.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a bowl, combine 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. 3. In another bowl, mix 1 ½ cups vegetable oil, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon vinegar. 4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing well until smooth. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. 7. For the frosting, beat together 1 cup unsalted butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream until fluffy. 8. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting between the two cake layers and cover the top and sides with frosting. 9. Decorate with red and green sprinkles or festive decorations before serving.
Almond Cake with Raspberry Glaze
Almond Cake with Raspberry Glaze is a delightful addition to any Christmas dessert table. The moist almond cake is perfectly complemented by a vibrant raspberry glaze, adding a pop of color and flavor. This elegant treat not only tastes divine but also looks stunning, making it a festive favorite for holiday gatherings.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. 2. In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Gradually add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 cup of almond flour, followed by 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. 8. For the raspberry glaze, heat 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries in a saucepan over medium heat until they break down. 9. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth, then strain the mixture to remove seeds. 10. Once the cake is cooled, pour the raspberry glaze over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Pecan Pie Cake
Pecan Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of classic pecan pie and rich cake, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dessert table. This moist and flavorful cake is layered with gooey pecan filling and topped with crunchy pecans, offering a wonderful contrast of textures. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. 3. Add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 4. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of buttermilk, until just combined. 6. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1 cup of corn syrup, 1 cup of sugar, and 3 large eggs to create the pecan topping. 7. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, layer with the pecan topping, then add the remaining cake batter on top. 8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 9. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before inverting on a serving plate and drizzling with caramel sauce before serving.
White Chocolate Cranberry Cake
White Chocolate Cranberry Cake is a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. This cake boasts a rich, creamy texture from the white chocolate, perfectly balanced with the tartness of dried cranberries. Topped with a luscious white chocolate frosting and festive cranberry garnishes, it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 8 ounces of white chocolate until smooth and set aside to cool. 3. In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 2 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 5. Stir in the melted white chocolate and mix until well combined. 6. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. 7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup of milk, until just combined. 8. Fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries. 9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. 10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 11. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. 12. For the frosting, beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 3 cups of powdered sugar, 4 ounces of melted white chocolate, and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth and creamy. 13. Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake. 14. Decorate with additional cranberries and white chocolate shavings. 15. Slice, serve, and enjoy your festive White Chocolate Cranberry Cake!
