Christmas-Themed Sparkle Cake – Festive, Fun, and Delicious
Bring holiday magic to your kitchen with a Christmas-themed sparkle cake! This festive cake is colorful, moist, and topped with sparkly decorations that capture the joy of the season. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or as a centerpiece dessert, this cake combines classic flavors with whimsical holiday cheer.
The sparkle cake features a tender vanilla sponge infused with holiday flavors, layered with buttercream or cream cheese frosting, and decorated with edible glitter, sprinkles, and festive colors.
Ingredients
For the Cake
-
2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
-
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
-
4 large eggs, room temperature
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
-
Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract or festive spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
-
Food coloring (red, green, or other festive colors)
For the Frosting
-
1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar
-
2–3 tablespoons milk
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Optional: Cream cheese for a tangy frosting
Decorations
-
Edible glitter, sprinkles, or sanding sugar in festive colors
-
Mini candy canes or edible stars
Time and Temperature
-
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
-
Baking Time: 25–30 minutes per layer
-
Cooling Time: 15–20 minutes
-
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Oven Temperature
-
175°C (350°F)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until smooth. Divide the batter into separate bowls if using multiple colors, and add food coloring to create festive layers.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
Beat butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternating with milk, until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract. If desired, mix in cream cheese for extra tang.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake smoothly.
Step 6: Decorate
Sprinkle edible glitter, sanding sugar, and festive sprinkles over the frosted cake. Add mini candy canes, edible stars, or other holiday decorations for a sparkling festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy holiday pairing
-
Slice into generous pieces and share at holiday gatherings
-
Display as a centerpiece dessert at your Christmas table
Storage
-
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days
-
Refrigerate for up to 5 days, but bring to room temperature before serving
-
Cake layers can be frozen before frosting for up to 2 months
Tips for the Perfect Sparkle Cake
-
Use gel food coloring for vibrant, festive layers without thinning the batter
-
Frost when the cake is completely cool to prevent melting
-
Add sparkle gradually—too much glitter can overwhelm the frosting
-
Customize colors and decorations to match your holiday theme
Variations
-
Peppermint Sparkle Cake: Add crushed candy canes to frosting or between layers
-
Chocolate Christmas Cake: Use chocolate sponge layers instead of vanilla
-
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend
Why This Cake Works
The combination of a moist, buttery sponge and smooth frosting creates the perfect base for festive decoration. Edible glitter and colorful layers add visual appeal, making this cake both delicious and photogenic for holiday celebrations.
Conclusion
A Christmas-themed sparkle cake is more than a dessert—it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy and color to the holidays. With tender sponge, creamy frosting, and sparkling decorations, this cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply spreading holiday cheer. Making it at home allows you to customize flavors, colors, and decorations to your festive vision.