The holidays are a time for warmth, togetherness, and of course, delicious food! This year, ditch the store-bought treats and impress your loved ones with this stunning White Christmas Cake. It's a beautiful, delicious, and surprisingly easy recipe perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. This moist and fluffy cake, adorned with a delicate white frosting and festive sprinkles, is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday celebrations. It's the perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, proving that homemade cooking can be both quick and impressive.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers bake evenly and release easily from the pans.
Making the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is a simple step, but crucial for even leavening.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer for a smooth, airy texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
Baking the Cake Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Frosting:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from crumbling.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Once the frosting is ready, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Frost the top of the first layer evenly.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular butter in both the cake and frosting.
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter for a subtle nutty flavor.
- Substitute the buttermilk with whole milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar for a tangier cake.
- Get creative with your decorations! Use different colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even fresh berries.
- This cake recipe is perfect for making ahead. It can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the exact ingredients and portion size. For a precise calculation, use an online nutritional calculator and input your specific ingredients.
This White Christmas Cake is a delicious and impressive dessert that’s sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating something special for your loved ones. This recipe offers a blend of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas, ideal for busy holiday schedules. It’s one of the best recipes for creating a memorable holiday experience.