Description

Celebrate the holiday season with Barb’s Christmas Cake—a soft, moist, and buttery delight perfect for your festive gatherings! This cake features layers of classic vanilla cake with an optional hint of dried cranberries for a festive touch. Topped with a velvety buttercream frosting, it’s ideal for decorating with seasonal themes. The easy-to-follow recipe makes it a holiday favorite that even beginner bakers can master. A must-have for Christmas desserts or a showstopper centerpiece for any gathering! Keywords: Christmas cake recipe, holiday dessert, easy vanilla cake, festive buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk, room temperature
1 cup dried cranberries (optional for a festive flair)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1–2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk in three batches, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Add Cranberries (Optional):
Gently fold in the dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Bake the Cakes:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add milk a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and Decorate:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then stack the second layer. Frost the top and sides evenly. Decorate with sprinkles, cranberries, or other festive toppings as desired.

Notes

For an extra-moist cake, brush the layers with simple syrup before frosting.
The dried cranberries can be swapped for chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cake