Description
A delightful Christmas Cake with warm spices and creamy frosting, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second layer and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill the cake for 30 minutes.
- Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer and add textured swirls or patterns as desired.
- Use fondant to create holly leaves, adding red sugar pearls for berries.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cake for a snowy effect and add edible gold glitter for sparkle.
Notes
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Decorate the cake shortly before serving for the best appearance.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American