Celebrate special December birthdays with this show-stopping Christmas birthday cake. This recipe is your secret weapon for combining two joyous occasions into one delicious dessert. We’re talking about a classic vanilla almond cake beautifully adorned with a sparkling cream cheese frosting and festive garnishes. Get ready to bake a memorable treat that’s both simple and stunning!
Why You’ll Love This Festive Birthday Cake
This Christmas birthday cake is a true crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. It perfectly merges the spirit of the holidays with a personal celebration.
- Perfect for December Birthdays: It’s a fantastic way to honor loved ones celebrating during the busy holiday season.
- Stunning Visual Appeal: The white sparkle, sugared cranberries, and rosemary create a beautiful, wintry look.
- Delicious Vanilla Almond Flavor: A timeless combination that everyone adores, elevated with a hint of almond.
- Creamy, Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting: This rich frosting balances the sweet cake perfectly.
- Customizable for Any Taste: Easily adapt flavors and decorations to suit the birthday person’s preferences.
Sparkle & Celebrate: The Ultimate Christmas Birthday Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixer, beat butter until creamy (about 1 minute). Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy, 3–4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients, then milk, then remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to racks. Wrap and freeze layers for easier frosting.
- For frosting, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla. Mix until creamy. Add milk if too thick.
- For sugared cranberries and rosemary, simmer sugar and water to create a syrup. Dip cranberries and rosemary, coat in sugar, and let dry.
- Assemble cake by layering frosting between cake layers. Coat the exterior with a thin ‘naked’ layer of frosting. Decorate with sprinkles and sugared cranberries.
- Chill before serving for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your magnificent Christmas birthday cake. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store.
- For the Vanilla Almond Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 4 to 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Tons of white sparkle sprinkles
- For the Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary:
- 6 ounces fresh cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup water
- 5 to 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
Notes & Substitutions
- Cake Mix Option: For ultimate ease, you can absolutely use two boxes of your favorite white cake mix for three or four layers. I still suggest adding vanilla and almond extract for enhanced flavor.
- Almond Extract: Not a fan? Substitute with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, butter extract, or simply omit it.
- Eggs: For a pure white cake appearance, use only egg whites and adjust liquid slightly if necessary (you might need a tablespoon or two more milk).
- Butter/Cream Cheese: Ensure these are thoroughly softened to room temperature. This is key for a smooth, lump-free cake batter and frosting.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking this holiday birthday dessert a breeze.
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Wire cooling rack
- Offset spatula and rubber scraping spatula
- Plastic wrap
Instructions
Creating this beautiful Christmas birthday cake is straightforward with our step-by-step guide. Take your time, and enjoy the process!
Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Liberally spray 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with non-stick baking spray, or grease and flour them well. In a medium bowl, combine the 3 cups cake flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; set aside.
According to Bon Appetit, cake flour’s low protein content is ideal for achieving a tender, fluffy cake texture.
Make the Vanilla Almond Cake
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the 2 cups softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar and beat on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the 5 large eggs one at a time, beating just until combined after each addition. Beat in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Pour in the 1 cup whole milk and mix briefly. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until everything is just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl. Evenly pour the cake batter into the three prepared pans (a measuring cup helps with even distribution). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 to 10 minutes, then gently invert them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. For easier frosting, once completely cool, wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and freeze overnight.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
In your electric mixer bowl, beat the 1/2 cup softened butter and 2 blocks softened cream cheese until perfectly smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Gradually add 4 to 5 cups of powdered sugar, starting with 2 cups and adding more until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the frosting is creamy and well combined. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Make the Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary
In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar and 1/3 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Dip the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs into the syrup, ensuring they are fully coated. Remove with a slotted spoon. Roll the syrup-coated cranberries and rosemary in remaining granulated sugar until thoroughly coated. Place them on a piece of parchment paper or a wire rack to dry and set for at least 30 minutes.
Assemble and Decorate the Cake
Remove your frozen cake layers from the freezer. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between each cake layer. Apply a thin layer of frosting to the sides and top of the cake for a “naked” or semi-naked look, using a large offset spatula to scrape off any excess for that rustic charm. Immediately after frosting, generously throw white sparkle sprinkles onto the entire cake, pressing them gently to adhere. Just before serving, carefully arrange the sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs on top of the cake for a stunning, festive garnish. This beautiful Christmas birthday cake is now ready to impress!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These pointers will help you achieve a perfect holiday birthday dessert every time.
- Freezing Cake Layers: Frosting frozen cake layers is a game-changer. It makes the cakes more stable, prevents tearing, and minimizes crumbs in your frosting. For a smoother frosting experience, freezing cake layers helps trap moisture and makes them easier to handle, as explained by Chelsweets’ guide on freezing cake layers in advance.
- Achieving the “Naked” Look: Don’t be afraid to scrape off excess frosting with your spatula after applying a thin coat. This gives it a trendy, rustic appearance.
- Cake Sticking: Always grease and flour your pans thoroughly, or use parchment paper circles on the bottom for an extra layer of protection.
- Cake Layers Cracking: This usually happens if cakes aren’t fully frozen or are too cold when handled. Work gently and ensure layers are firm.
- Yellow Cake Color: For a truly white cake, use only egg whites in the batter. A tiny drop of white food coloring can also help neutralize any yellow tint.
- Sugared Garnish: Use any leftover granulated sugar from making your sugared cranberries and rosemary as decorative “snow” around the base of the cake plate.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your beautiful Christmas birthday cake deserves to be enjoyed, preserved, and perhaps even reimagined!
- Serving: Slice generously with a sharp, warm knife. You can serve this delightful cake chilled or allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for a softer frosting.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to a month.
- Flavor Variations:
- Add orange zest to the cake batter or frosting for a citrusy twist.
- Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract into the frosting for a festive minty flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the cake batter for warmer spice notes.
- Add lemon zest to the cream cheese frosting for a bright, tangy counterpoint.
- Garnish Variations:
- Sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds for a vibrant color and juicy burst.
- Use fresh mint leaves instead of rosemary for a different green accent.
- Edible glitter or different colored sprinkles can add more sparkle.
- Candied orange slices make an elegant and tasty decoration.
Nutrition
Remember, this information is an estimate.
Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredient calculations and may vary depending on specific brands and serving sizes. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional nutrition advice.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Total Fat | 35g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 130mg |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbs | 80g |
| Sugars | 60g |
| Protein | 7g |
FAQ
Got questions about making this delightful Christmas birthday cake? We’ve got answers!
Can I use a box cake mix?
Absolutely! Using two boxes of white cake mix is a fantastic shortcut, and I often do it myself for convenience.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller cake?
For a two-layer cake, you can halve the recipe. For a single layer, quarter the recipe and adjust baking time.
What if I don’t like almond extract?
Simply omit it from the recipe, or replace it with an additional 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a pure vanilla flavor.
Why is my white cake not perfectly white?
The egg yolks contribute a yellow tint. Use only egg whites for a truly pristine white cake, adjusting liquid slightly.
How long does the cake last?
This cake stays fresh when properly stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes, you can! Divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, then frost as desired.
Conclusion
This dazzling Christmas birthday cake is the ultimate way to bring joy and sparkle to any December celebration. Its delightful vanilla almond flavor, combined with the creamy, tangy frosting and festive garnishes, makes every slice a special treat. We hope you love baking this stunning holiday birthday dessert as much as we do, and that it helps create cherished memories for your loved ones. Go ahead, bake this delicious recipe, share it with family and friends, and let the celebrations begin!
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