28 Scrumptious Christmas Cake Recipes to Impress Your Guests

There’s nothing quite like the glow of Christmas lights and the scent of freshly baked cakes filling your home during the holiday season. The festive vibes and the warmth that a beautiful Christmas cake brings can make your gatherings all the more special.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these 28 scrumptious Christmas cake recipes to impress your guests will ensure your holiday is both delicious and memorable. From classic fruit cakes to innovative new twists, there's something here for everyone to enjoy.

Let’s dive into these mouth-watering recipes that will get you and your loved ones into the Christmas spirit.

1. Classic Christmas Fruit Cake

This traditional favorite is a must-have during the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Soak mixed fruits in brandy overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 320°F.
3. Sift flour, baking powder, and spices.
4. Cream butter and brown sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Fold in flour mixture, soaked fruits, and nuts.
6. Pour into a greased cake pan and bake for 2 hours.

2. Gingerbread Cake

Spicy and sweet, this is perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup butter
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour and spices together.
3. Cream molasses, brown sugar, and butter.
4. Mix in eggs, then add buttermilk and baking soda.
5. Gradually add flour mixture.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 40-45 minutes.

3. Chocolate Yule Log

This rich dessert looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.
5. Pour into a jelly roll pan and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
7. Spread whipped cream on the cooled cake, roll up, and decorate.

4. Eggnog Cake

Pairing your favorite holiday drink with cake makes for a festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Add vanilla extract and eggnog, then mix in dry ingredients.
5. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

5. Peppermint Chocolate Cake

Minty fresh and chocolatey rich, this cake is a showstopper.

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa.
3. Beat sugar, oil, and eggs until creamy.
4. Add buttermilk and peppermint extract.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

6. Red Velvet Christmas Cake

A vibrant red cake that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, and salt.
3. Mix eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients.
5. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.

7. Cranberry Orange Cake

This delightful cake merges tangy cranberries with zesty orange.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup yogurt
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1 cup cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in yogurt, orange zest, and juice.
5. Fold in cranberries and dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

8. Almond Ricotta Cake

Light, fluffy, and incredibly moist thanks to the ricotta.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add ricotta cheese and beat until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then almond extract.
5. Combine with dry ingredients and pour into a greased pan.
6. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and bake for 35-40 minutes.

9. Pecan Pie Cake

Combines the best elements of pecan pie with a moist cake.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in vanilla extract and pecans.
5. Combine with dry ingredients and pour into a greased pan.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

10. Spiced Carrot Cake

A moist cake with the perfect level of spice and sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
3. Mix sugars, oil, and eggs.
4. Fold in grated carrots.
5. Combine with dry ingredients and pour into a greased pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

11. Amaretto Raisin Cake

This cake brings a nutty, almond flavor paired with juicy raisins.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3/4 cup amaretto
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Soak raisins in amaretto overnight.
3. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
5. Fold in flour mixture and soaked raisins.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

12. Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

Creamy and rich, with the unmistakable taste of vanilla bean.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean
• 4 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean and mix in.
6. Add eggs one at a time.
7. Pour mixture over crust and bake for 55-60 minutes.

13. Coconut Snowball Cake

Soft, fluffy, and coated in coconut, this cake screams festive fun.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in coconut milk and then gradually add flour mixture.
5. Fold in shredded coconut.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

14. Pumpkin Spice Cake

Infused with the flavors of fall, perfect for a cozy Christmas.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in pumpkin puree.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

15. Toffee Caramel Cake

This cake is layered with rich toffee and caramel, making every bite a delight.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup toffee bits
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Blend in sour cream.
5. Fold in dry ingredients and toffee bits.
6. Pour into a greased pan, drizzle caramel sauce on top, and bake for 35-40 minutes.

16. Italian Panettone Cake

This classic Italian Christmas cake is light and airy.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup mixed candied peel

Instructions:

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast mixture, eggs, and butter.
4. Knead until smooth, then add raisins and candied peel.
5. Let rise for 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F.
7. Form dough into a round shape, place in a panettone mold, and bake for 40-45 minutes.

17. Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Tangy lemon flavor combined with poppy seeds makes this cake refreshing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in lemon juice and buttermilk.
5. Fold in dry ingredients and poppy seeds.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

18. Maple Walnut Cake

Rich and nutty with the sweet flavor of maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream maple syrup and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Blend in milk and dry ingredients.
5. Fold in walnuts.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

19. Orange Spice Cake

Flavored with the zest and juice of fresh oranges, this cake is vibrant and aromatic.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup orange juice
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cloves.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in orange juice and zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.

20. Mocha Chiffon Cake

Delicately flavored with coffee and chocolate, this cake is incredibly airy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 5 eggs
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp instant coffee granules

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, water, oil, cocoa powder, and coffee.
4. Blend the wet and dry ingredients.
5. In another bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold egg whites into the batter.
7. Pour into an ungreased tube pan and bake for 60-65 minutes.

21. Apple Cinnamon Cake

Warm apple and cinnamon flavors make this cake deliciously comforting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped apples

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Blend in applesauce.
5. Fold in dry ingredients and chopped apples.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

22. Cherry Almond Cake

A delightful combination of cherries and almonds for a festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in milk and almond extract.
5. Fold in dry ingredients and cherries.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

23. Chai Spiced Cake

Infused with the flavors of chai tea, this cake is aromatic and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brewed chai tea, cooled
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cardamom
• 1/4 tsp cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in chai tea.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

24. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake

Decadent with layers of salted caramel and rich chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in buttermilk.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.

25. White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

The sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with tangy raspberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup raspberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in milk.
5. Fold in white chocolate chips and raspberries.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

26. Hazelnut Praline Cake

Nutty and rich with a crunchy praline topping.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup praline pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in milk.
5. Fold in chopped hazelnuts and praline pieces.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

27. Matcha Green Tea Cake

Unique and flavorful with the earthy taste of matcha.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in buttermilk.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

28. Irish Cream Cake

Lusciously flavored with Irish cream, perfect for an adult audience.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream sugar and butter, then add eggs one at a time.
4. Mix in Irish cream liqueur and milk.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients.
6. Pour into a greased pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Conclusion

So there you have it—28 scrumptious Christmas cake recipes to impress your guests and make your holiday gatherings extra special. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or want to try something new, these cakes are sure to bring joy and festive cheer to your celebrations. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!