Festive Christmas Wreath Cake Recipe

Here’s a recipe for a Festive Christmas Wreath Cake a stunning, holiday-inspired dessert that’s sure to be the showstopper at your holiday celebrations! With vibrant colors and a delicious flavor combination, this cake looks as magical as it tastes.

Festive Christmas Wreath Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp lemon zest (optional for a fresh kick)
Green food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp milk or heavy cream (if needed for consistency)
Red and green food coloring (for piping)

For the Decoration:

Red candy (like Red Hots or M&M’s)
Green sprinkles or colored sugar
Edible gold stars or glitter (optional)
Mini candy canes (optional)
Fresh berries or holly leaves (optional for an extra festive touch)

Instructions:

1. Make the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or a bundt pan if you prefer a wreath shape).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add green food coloring to the batter to achieve your desired shade of green (you can adjust the amount depending on how vibrant you want the cake).
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Divide the frosting into two portions. Leave one portion white for the base, and tint the other portion with green food coloring to match the cake color.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
Spread a generous layer of white cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
Place the second layer of cake on top and gently press down to adhere.
Frost the entire cake with the white cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula to create a base for the wreath shape.

4. Create the Wreath Design:

Use a piping bag fitted with a leaf tip (like Wilton #352) to pipe the green frosting in small “leaves” all around the edge of the cake to form the wreath shape. Make sure to pipe them in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other to create a lush look.
Pipe some leaves in a few spots on top as well, leaving room for decoration.

5. Decorate the Wreath Cake:

Use red candy (like Red Hots, M&M’s, or even gumdrops) to make small “berries” scattered around the wreath.
Add green sprinkles or colored sugar for a festive touch.
Optionally, place mini candy canes around the cake or top with fresh berries or holly leaves for a more natural, Christmasy look.
For an extra touch of sparkle, dust with edible gold stars or glitter.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the cake is fully decorated, slice and serve your Festive Christmas Wreath Cake as a showstopping centerpiece for your holiday gatherings!

Tips:

To make this cake even more special, you can fill it with a layer of raspberry jam or lemon curd between the layers before frosting.
You can bake the cake in advance and freeze it (well-wrapped) to save time when you’re ready to assemble and decorate.
If you don’t have a leaf tip, you can use a star tip for a similar effect or simply spread the green frosting with a spatula for a different look.

This Festive Christmas Wreath Cake is not only visually striking but also a delicious and indulgent treat for the holiday season! It’s perfect for Christmas parties, family gatherings, or as a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.