The holidays are a perfect time to bake and share delicious treats with family and friends. Holiday Cakes bring joy to any celebration, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner. These cakes are simple to make, incredibly tasty, and can be customized to suit your loved ones’ tastes. From Chocolate to Pineapple variations, there’s something for everyone in this delightful collection of Holiday Cakes.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 200mg
Why Make Holiday Cakes
Holiday Cakes are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be adapted to include seasonal ingredients or cater to specific dietary preferences. Baking these cakes is a great way to connect with loved ones during the busy holiday season. Plus, they make for beautiful table centerpieces that are sure to impress your guests.
How to Make Holiday Cakes Step by Step
Ingredients
10 ounces maraschino cherries, 1 box Devil’s food chocolate cake mix, 1 1/2 cups cherry Dr Pepper, 1 cup butter, softened, maraschino cherry juice, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup chocolate shavings, 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup raisins, 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1/2 cup butter, softened, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups cinnamon applesauce, 1 cup walnuts, chopped, 8 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup unsweetened Hershey’s cocoa powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup boiling water, 1 cup salted sweet cream butter, softened, 1/4 cup whole milk, 20 ounces crushed pineapple, 3 medium-sized bananas, 5.1 ounces vanilla instant pudding, 8 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping, 1/2 cup sweet shredded coconut, 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Directions
- For the Cherry Dr Pepper Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cake ingredients in a bowl, pour into a greased 9×13 inch pan, and bake as directed on the cake mix box. Let cool and frost with cream made from butter, cherry juice, and powdered sugar, topped with chocolate shavings.
- For the Applesauce Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all cake ingredients, pour into a greased pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. For frosting, mix cream cheese and butter until smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and spices. Frost the cooled cake.
- For Hershey’s Chocolate Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients and then add wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Pour into a greased pan and bake. For frosting, cream butter and cocoa, then mix in milk and powdered sugar. Frost the cooled cake.
- For Hawaiian Wedding Cake: Prepare cake mix as per instructions, then fold in pineapple, bananas, and sugar. Bake as directed. Once cooled, top with prepared pudding and Cool Whip, and sprinkle with coconut and walnuts.
How to Serve Holiday Cakes
Serve these Holiday Cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider pairing them with seasonal fruits like berries or pears. They also deliciously complement a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them a perfect treat for winter gatherings.
How to Store Holiday Cakes
To keep your Holiday Cakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to extend their life, they can also be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat in the oven if desired.
Expert Tips for Cooking Holiday Cakes
- Experiment with different flavors by adding extracts such as almond or peppermint to the batter.
- For added moisture, consider using buttermilk or sour cream in your cake recipes.
- To make these cakes even more festive, decorate with edible glitter or seasonal sprinkles.
Delicious Variations of Holiday Cakes
- Spiced Pumpkin Cake: Substitute some of the cake mix with pumpkin puree and add more spices for a fall twist.
- Coconut Lime Cake: Infuse the batter with lime zest and replace some liquid with coconut milk for a tropical vibe.
- Nutty Banana Cake: Include crushed bananas and various nuts to add flavor and texture to your cake.
Holiday Cakes are a wonderful way to celebrate the season, bringing delightful flavors and the warmth of home baking to your gatherings. These cakes are easy to prepare, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Whether you choose a rich chocolate cake or a fruity Hawaiian treat, each bite will be a reminder of the joy of the holidays. Don’t wait—start baking your Holiday Cakes today!
