Name: Deliciously Festive Santa Cake to Wow Your Holiday Guests
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 36 min
Total time: 106 min
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour (Substitution: Can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.); 2 cups granulated sugar (Prep Note: Granulated sugar helps achieve a fine crumb.); 1 tablespoon baking powder (Ensure it's fresh for maximum rise.); 1 teaspoon fine salt (Do not omit for flavor balance.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Substitution: Can use margarine for a dairy-free option.); 6 whole egg whites (Substitution: Aquafaba (chickpea water) can be used for a vegan cake.); 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil; 2 teaspoons almond extract (Substitution: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.); 4 cups powdered sugar (Use fresh for best results.); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 bottle gel food coloring (red and green) (Note: Use gel for vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.)

As I sifted through my pantry, I stumbled upon a bottle of almond extract that instantly transported me to childhood holiday gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. It’s amazing how one ingredient can unlock a treasure trove of memories, and that’s exactly what inspired me to create this delightful Festive Santa Cake. With its fluffy almond-flavored layers and playful buttercream decorations, this stunning cake is destined to be the centerpiece of your holiday celebrations. Not only is it a fun, show-stopping dessert that will have your guests oohing and aahing, but it can also be made ahead of time—perfect for those busy holiday schedules! Are you ready to dive into the festive spirit and create a cake that will spread joy and sweetness in every slice?

Why Is This Santa Cake Special?

Festive Charm: This cake brings holiday cheer to your table, offering a delightful twist on traditional flavors with its almond essence.
Easy Assembly: With simple steps to follow, even novice bakers can create this showstopper effortlessly.
Crowd Favorite: Its striking design and rich taste make it perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings, sure to impress your guests.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare layers in advance, freeing up time on the big day—great for stress-free celebrations!
Customizable Options: Feel free to swap flavors or colors to match your theme. Check out our other festive recipes like Tres Leches Cake or Coconut Cake Cheese for more inspiration!

Santa Cake Ingredients

• Prepare to bake a festive delight!

For the Cake Layers

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability in the cake layers. Substitution: Can use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture. Prep Note: Granulated sugar helps achieve a fine crumb.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for fluffy texture. Ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise.
Fine Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. Do not omit for flavor balance.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture. Substitution: Can use margarine for a dairy-free option.
Egg Whites – Provide structure without heavy yolk flavor. Substitution: Aquafaba (chickpea water) can be used for a vegan cake.
Sour Cream – Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
Vegetable or Canola Oil – Enhances moisture and softness.
Almond Extract – Defines the flavor profile for the cake. Substitution: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.

For the Buttercream Frosting

Powdered Sugar – Delivers sweetness and the right texture for the frosting. Use fresh for best results.
Heavy Whipping Cream – Enhances buttercream consistency and texture.
Gel Food Coloring (Red and Green) – Necessary for festive decoration. Note: Use gel for vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.

This Santa Cake is sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare three or four 8-inch round cake pans by lining the bottoms with parchment paper and greasing the sides. This ensures a smooth release once the Santa Cake layers are baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt. Whisk together until well blended, ensuring there are no lumps. This dry mixture forms the foundation of our festive cake, providing both structure and sweetness.

Step 3: Cream the Butter
Add the unsalted butter to the dry mixture and beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally helps achieve an even consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it resembles soft, creamy butter.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the egg whites, sour cream, vegetable oil, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just incorporated, then increase to medium speed and beat for one more minute to combine thoroughly. The batter should be smooth and glossy, signaling that it’s mixed well.

Step 5: Divide and Color Batter
Divide the batter equally among sequential bowls for coloring. Add red gel food coloring to one bowl until you achieve your desired shade, and repeat the process with green for another bowl. This fun step gives your Santa Cake vibrant layers that will pop in presentation.

Step 6: Bake the Layers
Pour the colored batters into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 33–36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes will have risen beautifully, and the edges should pull slightly away from the pans when done.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the layers to stabilize before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, extracts, salt, and heavy whipping cream, mixing until you reach a smooth and spreadable consistency. The buttercream should be rich yet easy to pipe.

Step 9: Crumb Coat the Cakes
To prepare for decorating, apply a thin layer of buttercream to each cooled cake layer to seal in crumbs. This crumb coat helps create a clean finish later on. After coating, refrigerate the cake layers for at least 30 minutes until set.

Step 10: Decorate Your Santa Cake
With your cooled cake layers crumb-coated, it’s time to get creative! Using colored buttercream, pipe Santa’s suit in red, his belt in black, and any other festive details. Use various piping techniques to create playful decorations for your Santa Cake.

Step 11: Add Facial Features
Finish your festive masterpiece by adding Santa’s face. Use additional buttercream and perhaps some candies to create eyes, a nose, and bright cheeky cheeks. Don’t forget to pipe in swirls for Santa’s beard, giving him that cheerful holiday spirit.

Step 12: Serve and Share
Once decorated, let your beautiful Santa Cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will soften the buttercream for easy serving. Gather family and friends to enjoy this delightful holiday treat that not only looks festive but tastes delicious!

Santa Cake Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to tailor this delightful Santa Cake to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Sheet Cake: Instead of round layers, bake it as a rectangular sheet cake for easy serving and quicker assembly.
Flavor Swap: Chocolate Cake: Replace the almond-flavored cake layers with rich chocolate layers for a decadent twist. The chocolate will pair beautifully with a festive buttercream!
Dairy-Free Delight: Coconut Cream: Swap out heavy whipping cream with coconut cream in the buttercream for a tropical note and dairy-free option.
Fun Additions: Candy Toppers: Add festive candies, like mini marshmallows or chocolate chips, for playful decoration that kids will love.
Color Customization: Rainbow Theme: Use different gel colors for a cheerful rainbow effect, making it perfect for any celebration, not just Christmas.
Less Sugar: Reduce Sweetness: Cut down on granulated sugar by using half the amount, or substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Nut-Free Version: Vanilla Extract: If you need to avoid nuts, simply swap the almond extract for vanilla extract to maintain a delightful flavor without compromising on taste.
Spicy Kick: Chili Powder: For an unexpected twist, add a pinch of chili powder to the cake batter for a warm, spicy flavor that will surprise and delight your taste buds!

With so many ways to customize, this Santa Cake can be anything from a classic favorite to an exciting new adventure on your holiday dessert table! Looking for more festive inspiration? Check out our delightful Carrot Cake Cheesecake or the indulgent Basque Cheesecake for a unique twist!

How to Store and Freeze Santa Cake

Room Temperature: Keep the decorated Santa Cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered lightly with a cake dome to prevent drying out. Avoid direct sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors.
Fridge: If you’re not serving it immediately, place the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or a cake cover to preserve the buttercream’s texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating or serving.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen buttercream, it can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge, then re-whip before use to restore its creamy consistency.

Helpful Tricks for Santa Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve a luscious texture in your Santa Cake.
Weigh Pans for Evenness: Use a food scale to measure your cake pans filled with batter, ensuring each layer is uniform in height for a balanced cake.
Chill for Easier Assembly: Chill your cake layers after cooling to make frosting and decoration much easier. Cold layers hold their shape better!
Buttercream Consistency: Adjust your buttercream by adding heavy cream if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too runny. Aim for a smooth, spreadable texture.
Vibrant Colors: To enhance the colors in your buttercream, prepare it a day in advance. This allows the colors to deepen and look more vivid on your Santa Cake.

What to Serve with Festive Santa Cake

Delight your guests this holiday season with a spread that perfectly complements the charm of this whimsical masterpiece.

Warm Mulled Cider: The sweet spices in mulled cider enhance the festive spirit while balancing the cake’s rich flavors, making it a cozy pairing.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy, slightly bitter taste contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the Santa Cake, creating an appealing texture combination.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious, cold touch, creating a delightful juxtaposition to the cake’s fluffy texture.
Chocolate Fondue: Perfect for dipping, the indulgent chocolate creates a playful and interactive dessert experience alongside your charming Santa Cake.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced crunch introduces a warm, festive flavor that melds beautifully with the cake’s almond notes, enhancing the holiday vibe.
Peppermint Bark: This treat adds a refreshing minty kick that cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate and invigorating the overall dessert experience.
Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a bar with toppings like whipped cream and marshmallows. The rich cocoa contrasts perfectly with the cake, providing warmth and richness.
Spiced Mixed Nuts: The savory crunch of mixed nuts offers a wonderful textural contrast to the soft cake, making for a satisfying snack option.

Make Ahead Options

The Santa Cake is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to ease their holiday stress! You can prepare the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain moisture and freshness. Additionally, the buttercream frosting can be made up to 1 week ahead—store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick whip before decorating. When you’re ready to assemble, ensure the cake layers are at room temperature, then follow with the crumb coat and decorations, creating a stunning centerpiece just in time for your festive gathering!

Santa Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right almond extract?
Absolutely! When selecting almond extract, look for pure almond extract rather than imitation versions. Pure extracts offer a richer and more authentic flavor, making your Santa Cake extra special. If you can’t find almond extract, vanilla extract can also work as a delightful substitute, enhancing the sweetness without overpowering the cake.

What’s the best way to store my decorated Santa Cake?
Very good question! To keep your festive Santa Cake at its best, store it at room temperature for about 2 days, covered lightly with a cake dome to prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just remember to cover it with plastic wrap or a cake cover to maintain the buttercream’s creamy texture.

Can I freeze the Santa Cake layers? If so, how?
Certainly! Freezing Santa Cake layers is an excellent way to prepare in advance. Allow the baked cake layers to cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator before decorating or serving.

What should I do if my buttercream is too thick or too thin?
Great question! Achieving the perfect buttercream consistency is key to a beautiful Santa Cake. If your buttercream is too thick, simply add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk and beat until smooth. If it’s too thin, gradually mix in more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency suitable for piping. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Are there any dietary considerations for this cake?
Yes! If you’re making this festive treat for guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily make a few swaps. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour. To make it vegan, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) and use dairy-free butter or margarine. Always check labels for allergens, especially if serving to children or those with food sensitivities.

How long can I keep leftover buttercream?
Absolutely! Leftover buttercream can be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the refrigerator, and then re-whip to restore its creamy texture before decorating your Santa Cake or other treats.