Christmas Cakes: Festive Cake Recipes for the Holidays
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Christmas is the perfect time for cake. I love having a dessert that looks special on the holiday table but is still something everyone wants to eat.
This collection of Christmas cakes has a little of everything. There are rich chocolate cakes, classic red velvet, warmly spiced gingerbread, creamy eggnog cake, peppermint desserts, a Southern favorite, and a beautiful white chocolate cranberry Bundt cake.
If you’re planning a Christmas dinner, holiday party, cookie exchange, holiday brunch, or just want something special for dessert, these Christmas cake recipes give you plenty of options.
The Best Christmas Cakes for Your Holiday Table
These festive cakes are great for Christmas dinner and holiday entertaining. Some are layer cakes that make a beautiful centerpiece, while others are easy-to-slice Bundt and pound cakes that are perfect for serving a crowd.
I also like having a mix of flavors on the dessert table. Chocolate lovers can go straight for the Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake, while peppermint fans will love the Candy Cane Peppermint Layer Cake.
Here are 8 Christmas cakes to add to your holiday baking list.
1. Red Velvet Cake
Red Velvet Cake is a classic Christmas dessert for good reason. The deep red color makes it perfect for the holiday season, and the creamy frosting gives it that traditional layer-cake look.
This is a great choice when you want a Christmas cake that feels classic and festive without needing much extra decoration.
Best for: Christmas dinner, holiday parties, and family gatherings.
Get the recipe: Red Velvet Cake
2. Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake
This Chocolate Christmas Tree Cake is made for chocolate lovers.
The chocolate cake and chocolate icing create a rich base, while green chocolate Christmas trees add a fun holiday decoration. It has the look of a Christmas centerpiece but still feels homemade and approachable.
The little Christmas trees are also a fun way to get kids involved in decorating the cake.
Best for: Christmas parties, family celebrations, and a fun holiday dessert.
Get the recipe: Chocolate Cake
3. Southern Jam Cake
Southern Jam Cake brings an old-fashioned favorite to the Christmas dessert table.
This cake is filled with warm spices and jam, and has a flavor that feels right at home during the holidays. It is a wonderful option if you want something different from the usual chocolate or vanilla Christmas cake.
Serve it as part of a Christmas dessert spread or make it ahead for holiday entertaining.
Best for: Southern Christmas celebrations and traditional holiday baking.
Get the recipe: Southern Jam Cake
4. Gingerbread Layer Cake
Gingerbread and Christmas go together, and this Gingerbread Layer Cake takes those classic holiday flavors and turns them into a beautiful layer cake.
The warm spices make this a natural choice for December baking. It is also a great alternative to traditional chocolate cake if you want something with a little more spice.
Add your favorite holiday decorations to the top for an extra festive finish.
Best for: Christmas dinner, holiday parties, and gingerbread lovers.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Layer Cake
5. Eggnog Layer Cake
If eggnog is one of your favorite holiday traditions, put this Eggnog Layer Cake on your Christmas baking list.
Eggnog brings a familiar holiday flavor to cake and makes this dessert feel right at home at a Christmas gathering. The layer-cake presentation also makes it a beautiful choice for a holiday dessert table.
This is one of those cakes I would make when I want something that feels distinctly Christmas.
Best for: Christmas dinner, holiday parties, and eggnog fans.
Get the recipe: Eggnog Layer Cake
6. Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
Chocolate and peppermint are two flavors I look forward to every Christmas.
This Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Pound Cake combines those flavors in a tender pound cake with chocolate chips and peppermint flavor. It is festive enough for Christmas but easy enough to serve for casual holiday gatherings.
Slice it and serve it with coffee after dinner, or add it to a Christmas dessert table.
Best for: Christmas brunch, holiday parties, and chocolate-peppermint fans.
Get the recipe: Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
7. Candy Cane Peppermint Layer Cake
This Candy Cane Peppermint Layer Cake is made for anyone who loves peppermint during the holidays.
The peppermint flavor and candy cane-inspired presentation make it a natural Christmas dessert. A layer cake also gives you plenty of room to add festive decorations and make it the centerpiece of your dessert table.
If peppermint is your favorite Christmas flavor, this one needs a spot on your list.
Best for: Christmas parties, holiday celebrations, and peppermint lovers.
Get the recipe: Candy Cane Peppermint Layer Cake
8. White Chocolate Cranberry Bundt Cake
White chocolate and cranberries make a beautiful Christmas combination.
This White Chocolate Cranberry Bundt Cake has fresh cranberries, Greek yogurt, and white chocolate, with a sweet eggnog glaze. The cranberries add color and a little tartness, while the white chocolate brings sweetness.
I especially love a Bundt cake for the holidays because it looks impressive without requiring the decorating time of a layer cake.
Best for: Christmas dinner, holiday brunches, and make-ahead desserts.
Get the recipe: White Chocolate Cranberry Bundt Cake
9. Red Velvet Pound Cake
Red Velvet Pound Cake gives a classic Christmas flavor a little twist. The deep red color makes it especially pretty for the holiday season, and the pound cake texture makes it easy to slice and serve.
This is a great choice when you want the familiar flavor of red velvet in a cake that is well-suited to holiday gatherings. It can be served as dessert, added to a Christmas brunch, or wrapped and given as a homemade holiday gift.
Best for: Christmas dessert tables, holiday brunch, and gifting.
Get the recipe: Red Velvet Pound Cake
10. Funfetti Crunch Cake
Funfetti Crunch Cake brings a little extra fun to the Christmas dessert table. The colorful sprinkles and crunchy topping make this cake especially festive and a great choice for celebrations.
This is an easy cake to choose when you want something cheerful and less traditional. It works especially well for family gatherings where kids and adults can enjoy a fun dessert together.
Best for: Christmas parties, family celebrations, and festive dessert tables.
Get the recipe: Funfetti Crunch Cake
11. Eggnog Pound Cake
Eggnog is a classic holiday flavor, and this Eggnog Pound Cake is a great way to bring it into your Christmas baking.
The pound cake format makes it easy to slice and serve, making this a practical choice for holiday gatherings. It is also a nice option for Christmas morning or brunch when you want a cake that pairs well with coffee.
If eggnog is part of your holiday traditions, add this one to your Christmas baking list.
Best for: Christmas brunch, holiday gatherings, and eggnog lovers.
Get the recipe: Eggnog Pound Cake
12. Christmas Cranberry Bread
Christmas Cranberry Bread is a great option when you want a holiday bake that works for both breakfast and dessert.
Cranberries bring a bright pop of Christmas color, and the loaf shape makes this recipe easy to slice and share. It is also a good choice for holiday breakfasts, brunches, and homemade gifts.
Wrap a loaf for a neighbor or friend, or slice it and add it to your Christmas breakfast table.
Best for: Christmas breakfast, holiday brunch and homemade gifts.
Get the recipe: Christmas Cranberry Bread
How to Choose the Right Christmas Cake
Not sure which one to make? Start with the flavors your family loves.
Tips for Making Christmas Cakes Ahead
The holidays are busy, so I like to get as much baking done ahead of time as possible.
Here are a few simple tips:
- Bake cakes ahead of time. Many cakes can be baked a day or two before serving.
- Cool cakes completely before wrapping. This helps prevent condensation from making the cake sticky.
- Wrap unfrosted cake layers well. Store them according to the individual recipe instructions.
- Decorate closer to serving time. Frosting and decorations will look fresher when added later.
- Check each recipe for storage instructions. Cakes with dairy-based frostings or fillings may need refrigeration.
- Freeze when appropriate. Many unfrosted cakes and cake layers freeze well when tightly wrapped.
How to Store Christmas Cake
Storage depends on the specific cake and frosting.
Cakes with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, custard, or other perishable fillings may require refrigeration. Cakes without perishable toppings can often be stored tightly covered at room temperature for a short period.
Always follow the storage instructions for each recipe.
More Christmas Desserts to Make
If you’re planning your Christmas dessert menu, don’t stop with cake.
Add a combination of cakes, pies, cookies, candy, and other easy Christmas desserts so everyone has something to choose from.
I like having at least one chocolate dessert, one fruit-based dessert, and one classic holiday flavor on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cakes
What are the best cakes for Christmas?
Some of the best Christmas cakes include red velvet cake, gingerbread cake, chocolate cake, peppermint cake, eggnog cake, and cranberry Bundt cake. The best choice depends on the flavors your family enjoys and how much decorating you want to do.
Can I make Christmas cake ahead of time?
Yes. Many cakes can be baked ahead of time. For the best results, allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it tightly. Frost and decorate it closer to serving time when possible.
What flavors are popular in Christmas cakes?
Popular Christmas cake flavors include chocolate, peppermint, gingerbread, eggnog, cranberry, white chocolate, and red velvet. These flavors work especially well for holiday parties and Christmas dinner.
What cake is good for Christmas dinner?
A layer cake makes a beautiful centerpiece for Christmas dinner, while a Bundt cake or pound cake is easier to prepare and serve to a crowd. Red velvet, gingerbread, eggnog, and white chocolate cranberry are all good options.
Can Christmas cakes be frozen?
Some Christmas cakes freeze very well, particularly unfrosted cakes and cake layers. Check the individual recipe for specific freezing and thawing instructions.
Final Thoughts
Christmas baking is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season, and cake always has a place on my dessert table.
These Christmas cakes give you plenty of choices, from classic Red Velvet Cake to rich chocolate cake, warm gingerbread, festive peppermint, Southern Jam Cake, and White Chocolate Cranberry Bundt Cake.
Pick one for Christmas dinner, make one for a holiday party, or bake a few throughout December. There is always room for another Christmas cake.
Love Pound Cake? Try These Next
Layer cakes aren’t the only cakes for Christmas. Pound Cakes are traditional and sentimental – you know that Old Fashioned Pound Cake that tastes just like your Granny’s? Or the Rum Pound Cake that was at every family gathering growing up? I get in big trouble if I don’t show up at the church social with my Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake. And my Whipping Cream Pound Cake is famous with friends. The height of this Mile High Pound Cake gets attention, and the Million Dollar Pound Cake has the best flavor. My personal favorite is Amaretta Pound Cake. What’s your favorite pound cake?
Do you need a festive cocktail?
I have the perfect drinks for you!
My Christmas Margarita went viral a few years back. Then I shared Rudolph’s Tipsy Punch, and everyone made it go viral the next year! I also made a fun cocktail, the Holiday Margarita with Pomegranate Popsicle. And the Pomegranate Old Fashioned is my favorite.
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Pound Cakes: Highly rated heirloom cake recipes and reviews.