introduction

This cake feels warm and homey. It uses spice, butter, and cream. It will sit well on your holiday table and make guests smile. For more cake tips and ideas, see the Christmas cake guide.

why make this recipe

Make this cake for its smell, taste, and look. It fills your home with spice and sweet cream. It feeds many people with a small effort. For a fun shaped cake idea that fits the season, see the Christmas tree cake page.

how to make Heavenly Christmas Cake That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests

This cake uses two pans. You mix dry and wet parts then bake. You make a smooth cream to fill and top the cake. You can make it a day before and let the flavor rest. For filling and roll ideas, look at the yule log cake page.

Ingredients :

2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free.)
2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
2 teaspoons Cinnamon (Adjust to taste.)
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter (Swap for margarine for dairy-free.)
1 cup Granulated Sugar (Reduce for a less sweet version.)
4 large Eggs (Replace with flax eggs for vegan.)
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 cup Buttermilk (Yogurt can be used as a substitute.)
3 cups Powdered Sugar (Look for corn-free options if needed.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Coconut cream can be used for dairy-free.)

If you want a nut note, see ideas on the almond cake page.

Directions :

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans and line the bottom with paper.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light.
Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Add dry mix in three parts, and add buttermilk in two parts. Mix until smooth.
Divide batter into the pans. Tap pans on the counter to remove big bubbles.
Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool pans 10 minutes on a rack, then remove cakes and let them cool all the way.
For the cream, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until firm peaks form.
Level the cakes if needed. Place one cake on a plate, spread a layer of cream, then add the second cake. Cover the top and sides with more cream.
Chill the cake one hour before serving so the cream sets.

Want a soft ricotta cream idea? See the almond ricotta cake page for a mild cream note.

how to serve Heavenly Christmas Cake That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests

Serve the cake cold or at room heat. Cut with a warm knife. Add small berries or a light dust of powder on top for a clean look. Offer coffee or tea for warm contrast.

how to store Heavenly Christmas Cake That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests

Cover the cake with a lid or plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you freeze, wrap slices tight and use within 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before you eat.

tips to make Heavenly Christmas Cake That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests

Use room temperature eggs and butter for even mix.
Do not over mix after you add flour. Mix until it just blends.
Cool cakes fully before you add cream to stop melting.
Chill the cake for a clean cut.
Use a serrated knife and saw in a slow motion for neat slices.

variation (if any)

Make it vegan by using plant butter, flax eggs, and coconut cream.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for texture.
Swap spices to taste, or add orange zest for a bright note.
Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy finish.

FAQs (minimum three FAQ)

Q: Can I make the cake gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Q: Can I use a single pan?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and watch bake time. Start check at 35 minutes.

Q: How do I get the cream firm?
A: Chill the bowl and beaters, and use cold cream. Whip until firm peaks form.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Bake the layers a day before and wrap them. Make the cream the same day you fill.

Q: Is this cake safe for kids?
A: Yes, the cake uses simple safe ingredients. Watch for nut add-ins if you need to avoid allergens.

Conclusion

This cake fits the warm mood of the holidays and serves a group with little stress. For more holiday dessert ideas that will wow your guests, see 86 Heavenly Holiday Dessert Ideas That Will Wow Guests.