Christmas is the season to indulge in sweet traditions, and nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like creative Christmas cake ideas. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a festive party, a beautifully crafted cake can be the centerpiece of your celebration. Below, we share 20 Christmas cake ideas, each with a simple recipe, to inspire your 2025 holiday baking.
20 Christmas Cake Ideas with Recipes
Note: For all recipes, 1 cup equals approximately 240 ml, 1 tablespoon (tbsp) is 15 ml, and 1 teaspoon (tsp) is 5 ml to ensure accurate measurements for all bakers.
1. Classic Fruitcake
A rich, spiced cake packed with dried fruits and nuts, soaked in brandy for deep flavor.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml cinnamon, 2.5 ml nutmeg, 2.5 ml allspice, 240 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml brown sugar, 4 large eggs, 360 ml chopped dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries), 120 ml chopped walnuts, and 60 ml brandy. Pour into a greased 9-inch (23 cm) round pan. Bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool, then brush with 30 ml brandy. Wrap and store for 1-2 weeks for best flavor.
2. Gingerbread Layer Cake
A spiced cake with creamy frosting, perfect for a warm holiday glow.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 600 ml all-purpose flour, 10 ml ground ginger, 5 ml cinnamon, 2.5 ml cloves, 5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 180 ml brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 240 ml molasses, and 180 ml hot water. Divide into two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool and layer with cream cheese frosting (240 g cream cheese, 120 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 5 ml vanilla).
3. Peppermint Mocha Cake
A chocolatey cake with a peppermint twist for coffee lovers.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 180 ml unsweetened cocoa powder, 7.5 ml baking powder, 5 ml baking soda, 240 ml granulated sugar, 120 ml unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, 120 ml brewed espresso, and 180 ml milk. Pour into two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans. Bake for 35 minutes. Frost with peppermint buttercream (240 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 5 ml peppermint extract, 30 ml milk).
4. Snowman Cake
A fun, white chocolate cake shaped like a snowman for kids.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 2.5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml melted white chocolate, and 120 ml milk. Bake in two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans for 30 minutes. Cool, stack into a snowman shape, and frost with white icing (240 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 30 ml milk). Decorate with candy eyes and an orange candy nose.
5. Red Velvet Christmas Cake
A vibrant red cake with cream cheese frosting, festive and elegant.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 600 ml all-purpose flour, 360 ml granulated sugar, 5 ml cocoa powder, 5 ml baking soda, 240 ml buttermilk, 180 ml vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 5 ml vinegar, and 15 ml red food coloring. Divide into two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Frost with cream cheese icing (240 g cream cheese, 120 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 5 ml vanilla).
6. Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake
A zesty, fruity cake with a festive red and orange hue.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 2.5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml fresh orange juice, 15 ml orange zest, and 240 ml fresh cranberries. Pour into a greased 10-inch (25 cm) Bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes. Glaze with orange icing (240 ml powdered sugar, 30 ml orange juice).
7. Eggnog Spice Cake
A creamy, spiced cake infused with holiday eggnog flavors.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml nutmeg, 2.5 ml cinnamon, 5 ml baking powder, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 180 ml eggnog. Pour into two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans. Bake for 35 minutes. Top with whipped cream frosting (240 ml heavy cream, 60 ml powdered sugar, 2.5 ml nutmeg).
8. Chocolate Yule Log
A rolled chocolate sponge cake resembling a festive log.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk 4 large eggs and 180 ml granulated sugar until thick, then fold in 180 ml all-purpose flour, 60 ml cocoa powder, and 5 ml vanilla extract. Spread in a 10x15-inch (25x38 cm) jelly roll pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Roll in a towel to cool. Unroll, spread with whipped cream (240 ml heavy cream, 60 ml powdered sugar), and re-roll. Cover with chocolate ganache (120 ml cream, 240 ml chocolate chips).
9. Winter Berry Cheesecake
A creamy cheesecake with a vibrant berry topping.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix 360 ml graham cracker crumbs with 60 ml melted butter for the crust; press into a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan. Blend 480 g cream cheese, 180 ml granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 5 ml vanilla. Pour over crust. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool and top with berry compote (240 ml mixed berries, 60 ml sugar, 15 ml lemon juice, cooked until thick).
10. Candy Cane Layer Cake
A peppermint-striped cake with red and white layers.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 600 ml all-purpose flour, 7.5 ml baking powder, 180 ml unsalted butter, 360 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 5 ml peppermint extract, and 240 ml milk. Divide batter, color half red with food coloring. Bake in two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans for 30 minutes. Frost with white buttercream (240 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 30 ml milk).
11. Spiced Rum Cake
A boozy cake with warm spices for adult gatherings.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml cinnamon, 5 ml baking powder, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 60 ml dark rum, and 120 ml milk. Pour into a greased 9-inch (23 cm) round pan. Bake for 40 minutes. Glaze with rum syrup (60 ml butter, 60 ml rum, 120 ml sugar, boiled until syrupy).
12. White Chocolate Snowflake Cake
A delicate white cake with snowflake decorations.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 2.5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml melted white chocolate, and 120 ml milk. Bake in two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans for 35 minutes. Frost with white icing (240 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 30 ml milk) and pipe snowflake designs.
13. Chestnut Praline Cake
A nutty, rich cake with a praline crunch.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml chestnut puree, and 120 ml milk. Bake in two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans for 35 minutes. Top with praline frosting (240 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 60 ml crushed pralines, 30 ml milk).
14. Christmas Tree Cake
A green-tinted cake shaped like a Christmas tree.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 2.5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml milk, and green food coloring. Bake in two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans for 30 minutes. Cool, cut into a tree shape, and frost with green icing (240 ml butter, 960 ml powdered sugar, 30 ml milk, green food coloring). Add sprinkle ornaments.
15. Cinnamon Roll Cake
A cake inspired by gooey cinnamon rolls.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 600 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 2.5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 180 ml milk. Swirl in a mix of 60 ml brown sugar and 15 ml cinnamon. Bake in a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) pan for 35 minutes. Glaze with icing (240 ml powdered sugar, 30 ml milk).
16. Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
A rich chocolate cake with a peppermint glaze.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 180 ml cocoa powder, 7.5 ml baking powder, 5 ml baking soda, 240 ml granulated sugar, 120 ml unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, and 180 ml milk. Pour into a greased 10-inch (25 cm) Bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes. Glaze with peppermint icing (240 ml powdered sugar, 5 ml peppermint extract, 30 ml milk).
17. Almond Amaretto Cake
A nutty cake with a hint of amaretto for sophistication.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 60 ml amaretto liqueur, and 120 ml ground almonds. Bake in a 9-inch (23 cm) round pan for 40 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar.
18. Snow Globe Cake
A dome-shaped cake mimicking a snow globe.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 2.5 ml baking soda, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml milk, and 5 ml vanilla extract. Bake in a 9-inch (23 cm) round pan for 30 minutes. Cool, cover with white fondant, and sprinkle edible glitter for a snowy effect.
19. Fig and Honey Cake
A rustic cake with sweet fig and honey flavors.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine 480 ml all-purpose flour, 5 ml baking powder, 180 ml unsalted butter, 240 ml granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 120 ml chopped dried figs, 60 ml honey, and 120 ml milk. Bake in a 9-inch (23 cm) round pan for 35 minutes. Drizzle with honey glaze (30 ml honey, 15 ml water).
20. Chocolate Orange Cake
A decadent cake blending chocolate and citrus.
- Recipe: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix 480 ml all-purpose flour, 180 ml cocoa powder, 7.5 ml baking powder, 240 ml granulated sugar, 120 ml unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, 60 ml fresh orange juice, 15 ml orange zest, and 120 ml milk. Bake in two 8-inch (20 cm) round pans for 35 minutes. Frost with chocolate-orange ganache (120 ml cream, 240 ml chocolate chips, 5 ml orange zest).
Enhancing Your Holiday with PatPat's Christmas Outfits
Make your holiday baking and celebrations even more special with themed outfits from PatPat. Their newborn Christmas PJs, featuring adorable Santa or snowflake prints, are perfect for keeping babies cozy during family gatherings. Pair your baking apron with baby Christmas pajamas for a heartwarming holiday photoshoot, or opt for infant Christmas pajamas to dress up the little ones for a festive cake-decorating party.
Conclusion
These 20 Christmas cake ideas with recipes bring sweetness and style to your 2025 holiday celebrations. From classic fruitcakes to whimsical snowman designs, there’s a cake for every festive occasion. Dress your little ones in PatPat’s baby Christmas pajamas for a joyful, coordinated holiday baking experience.
