The holiday season calls for dessert that dazzles, and cakes hold a special place in our hearts (and on our tables). From classic flavors to show-stopping designs, these 14 stunning holiday cake recipes will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also become the centrepiece of your festivities. Gather your family and friends, because these cakes are sure to impress and spread holiday cheer!
1. Gingerbread Layer Cake
Spice up your holiday with this aromatic gingerbread delight!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients, then beat in the wet until combined.
- Pour batter into greased cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add chopped nuts for extra crunch or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence!
2. Chocolate Peppermint Cake
Indulge in this rich chocolate cake with a refreshing twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
Process:
- Combine dry ingredients, then add eggs, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Bake in a greased pan at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Swap peppermint for orange zest for a citrus twist!
3. Eggnog Bundt Cake
Capture the essence of the season with this moist, eggnog-infused bundt cake!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and eggnog, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in flour and nutmeg, then pour into a bundt pan. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a splash of rum or bourbon for an adult version!
4. Cranberry Orange Cake
Brighten up your holiday table with this fruity and zesty cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs and orange juice.
- Fold in flour and cranberries, bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a layer of cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch!
5. Red Velvet Cake
This classic holiday cake is both beautiful and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
Process:
- Mix oil and sugar, then add buttermilk, eggs, and food coloring.
- Combine with dry ingredients and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Try a chocolate cream cheese frosting for extra decadence!
6. Spiced Pear Cake
A delightful combination of spices and fresh pear for a cozy touch!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 ripe pears, diced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, mix in diced pears, then add dry ingredients.
- Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Top with a maple glaze for an added layer of flavor!
7. Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
Dive into this rich and nutty chocolate cake that’s pure heaven!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup hazelnut spread
- 1 cup milk
- 4 eggs
Process:
- Mix dry ingredients then add milk and eggs, blending until smooth.
- Stir in hazelnut spread, then bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Incorporate a bit of espresso for an enhanced depth of flavor!
8. Coconut Cream Cake
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this creamy coconut delight!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Process:
- Mix all ingredients until combined and pour into a cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Make it Unique:
Add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist!
9. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Bright and zesty, this cake offers a refreshing taste during the holidays!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
Process:
- Mix all ingredients until smooth, then pour into a greased cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make it Unique:
Exchange poppy seeds for chia seeds for a different texture!
10. Pistachio Rose Cake
Impress your guests with this floral and nutty fusion!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup ground pistachios
- 1/2 cup rose water
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
Process:
- Whisk together dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients and mix.
- Bake in a greased pan at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add almond essence for an extra layer of flavor!
11. S’mores Cake
Bring the campfire flavors to your table with this delightful s’mores cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
Process:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cocoa, and melted butter, then add eggs and milk.
- Pour into a cake pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Top with a layer of chocolate frosting for extra indulgence!
12. Maple Walnut Cake
Sweet and nutty, this cake brings warmth to any holiday gathering!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Process:
- Cream butter and sugar, then add maple syrup and eggs, blending well.
- Fold in flour and walnuts, then bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Mix in cranberries for a pop of color!
13. Chocolate Coconut Cake
Two classic flavors come together in perfect harmony with this luscious cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
Process:
- Combine dry ingredients, then add wet ingredients to form a batter.
- Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Top with chocolate shavings for added decadence!
14. Almond Joy Cake
This cake is a celebration of flavors from the beloved candy bar!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Process:
- Mix sugar, flour, and cocoa in a bowl and then whisk in buttermilk and eggs.
- Fold in coconut, pour into a pan, and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Add a layer of almond butter between the cake layers for added flavor!
Encourage family and friends to gather around your table loaded with these show-stopping holiday cakes. Whether you try one or conquer the entire list, these recipes promise to spread joy and flavor during this special season!