Santa Claus Cake

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Celebrate the holiday season with a show-stopping Santa Claus cake! This delightful dessert combines festive flair and delicious flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for Christmas gatherings. Moist layers of vanilla cake, rich buttercream frosting, and decorative touches come together to create an edible masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to spread some seasonal cheer, this Santa Claus cake is sure to make your celebration memorable. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting this festive treat!

Ingredients:

For the cake layers:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the buttercream frosting:

  • 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Red and black food coloring

For decoration:

  • Red and white fondant
  • Mini marshmallows (for the beard and hat trim)
  • Chocolate chips (for the eyes)
  • Red candy or fondant (for the nose)
  • Powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the cake layers

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the buttercream frosting

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  4. Reserve a large portion of white frosting for the beard, hat trim, and face. Color one portion red for the hat and another small portion black for the eyes.

Step 3: Assemble the cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of white frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top.
  2. Apply a thin layer of white frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Decorate Santa’s face

  1. Cover the top third of the cake with red frosting to create Santa’s hat.
  2. Use mini marshmallows or piped white frosting to form the hat’s trim and pom-pom.
  3. Pipe or spread white frosting to create Santa’s beard and mustache. You can also use mini marshmallows for a textured effect.
  4. Add two chocolate chips for the eyes and a red candy or small piece of fondant for the nose.

Step 5: Add finishing touches

  1. Dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
  2. Optional: Pipe additional details like rosy cheeks or a smile using tinted frosting.

Variations:

  • Chocolate Santa Cake: Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to the frosting for a snowy texture and tropical twist.
  • Spiced Cake: Incorporate warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg into the cake batter for a festive flavor.

Cooking Notes:

  • Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
  • Chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
  • If the fondant is too sticky, dust your work surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch while rolling it out.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this cake as the grand finale to your Christmas dinner.
  • Pair with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or eggnog for a festive treat.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

 

Tips:

  • Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers for a more even and professional look.
  • For cleaner cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the cake.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Prep Time:

45 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg

FAQs:

Can I make the cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the red frosting from bleeding into the white frosting?
Chill the cake between frosting steps and use gel food coloring, which is less likely to bleed than liquid coloring.

Can I use store-bought frosting?
While homemade frosting offers the best flavor and texture, you can use store-bought frosting for convenience.

Conclusion:

This Santa Claus cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a festive centerpiece that brings the magic of Christmas to your table. With its moist cake layers, rich buttercream frosting, and delightful decorations, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Follow these detailed steps, unleash your creativity, and enjoy the joy of creating (and eating) this holiday masterpiece!

Print
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Santa Claus Cake 🎅🍰

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

For the cake layers:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the buttercream frosting:

  • 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Red and black food coloring

For decoration:

  • Red and white fondant
  • Mini marshmallows (for the beard and hat trim)
  • Chocolate chips (for the eyes)
  • Red candy or fondant (for the nose)
  • Powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the cake layers

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the buttercream frosting

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  4. Reserve a large portion of white frosting for the beard, hat trim, and face. Color one portion red for the hat and another small portion black for the eyes.

Step 3: Assemble the cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of white frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top.
  2. Apply a thin layer of white frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Decorate Santa’s face

  1. Cover the top third of the cake with red frosting to create Santa’s hat.
  2. Use mini marshmallows or piped white frosting to form the hat’s trim and pom-pom.
  3. Pipe or spread white frosting to create Santa’s beard and mustache. You can also use mini marshmallows for a textured effect.
  4. Add two chocolate chips for the eyes and a red candy or small piece of fondant for the nose.

Step 5: Add finishing touches

  1. Dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
  2. Optional: Pipe additional details like rosy cheeks or a smile using tinted frosting.

Notes

Cooking Notes:

  • Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
  • Chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
  • If the fondant is too sticky, dust your work surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch while rolling it out.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Protein: 5 g

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