Santa Claus Cake 🎅🎄
Bring holiday magic to your celebrations with this Santa Claus Cake! Fluffy vanilla cake layers, creamy frosting, and festive decorations come together to create an adorable and delicious centerpiece perfect for any holiday gathering.
🟣 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Red and white food coloring
For Decoration:
- Shredded coconut (for Santa’s beard)
- Chocolate chips or candies (for eyes and nose)
- Red sprinkles (for Santa’s hat)
🟪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 30–35 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 a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
- Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one portion red using food coloring, leaving the other portion white.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of white frosting.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
- Santa’s Hat: Pipe red frosting in a triangular shape to form the hat. Add a line of white frosting along the base of the hat and a white pom-pom at the tip.
- Santa’s Beard: Press shredded coconut onto the bottom half of the cake to form Santa’s beard.
- Eyes and Nose: Use chocolate chips or small candies to create Santa’s eyes and nose.
- Hat Trim: Sprinkle red sprinkles over the red frosting to enhance the hat’s texture.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting.
- Slice and serve this adorable and festive dessert!
🌟 Tips for Success
- Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Cake Layers: Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Precision Decoration: Use a piping bag with a small round tip for precise details.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature. Frost and decorate on the day of serving.
Q: Can I use boxed cake mix?
A: Absolutely! You can save time by using vanilla boxed cake mix and following the decoration steps.
Q: Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
A: Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
📌 Details and Variations
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: ~320 kcal per slice
Variations:
- Chocolate Santa Cake: Swap vanilla cake for chocolate cake for a richer dessert.
- Coconut Lovers: Add shredded coconut between the layers for extra texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake accessible to everyone.
This Santa Claus Cake is a surefire way to spread holiday cheer, combining delicious flavor with festive charm. Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks! 🎅🎄✨
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