There does not exist a more satisfying way to end your holiday meal than with a showstopping, decadent cake. So, make every occasion, especially holidays, extra special with our list of easy holiday cake recipes that are sure to wow your family and guests. These offer absolute joyous delight and make a gorgeous table centerpiece, too. Yaaay!
We are so swamped during the holidays, so that means we need melt-in-your-mouth desserts that are not complicated. I came up with this list of super-easy holiday cake recipes that deliver a beautiful, tasty cake that won’t have you pulling your hair out. These holiday cakes are all simple to make, even if making dessert is not your forté. Trust me on this one. 😉
So let’s get going and make the holiday season even more sumptuous with these out-of-this-world, indulgent yet easy cake recipes.
FAQs
Fruit cake is popular and is often associated with Christmas all over the world. It has dried fruits, like currants, raisins, apricots, and pears soaked in brandy, rum, or whisky. And it may contain nuts, too. Other countries have their own traditional Christmas cakes. Take, for example, Yule log or bûche de Noël from France, Panettone from Italy, Galette des Rois from Mexico, and Gâteau des Rois from Spain, to name just a few.
A naked cake is basically a layer cake with filling between the layers and no frosting at all (thus the term naked). You can see all the beautiful layers, and it’s typically decorated with flowers and powdered sugar. It has been a trend in wedding cakes since 2010.
There’s not much difference except for the shape and the frosting. Bundt cakes don’t usually have frosting; just a glaze drizzled over the top. Also, they only have one layer that is taller and has a big hole in the center.
On the other hand, a regular cake can be in single or multiple layers, comes in various shapes, and, of course, is decorated with frosting. Although they are different shapes, you can use the same batter for a bundt cake or regular cake.
Layer Cakes
1. Italian Cream Cake
This one is a basic, moist white cake with character – coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Oh yes! The lovely texture is spot on. And, of course, every layer is filled and covered with decadent cream cheese frosting to complete this perfect indulgence. It may look complicated but worry not because even a beginner can easily pull this off. 😉
2. Caramel Cake
Its caramel frosting — the star of this show — is quite easy to prep, actually. And you don’t need eggs, cream, and no need for a candy thermometer, either. And, of course, it perfectly complements our moist and tender white cake with its real gooey caramel goodness. You’ll fall in love instantly with the balanced sweet saltiness of this holiday cake recipe.
3. Hummingbird Cake
If you want some fruity and tropical flavors in your cake, then this easy holiday Hummingbird Cake is the one for you. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas and crushed pineapple adds depth of flavor without being too sweet and fatty. You can even whip this up without using a mixer. Totally irresistible with every slice!
4. Carrot Pineapple Cake
This insanely delicious and moist cake is loaded with freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple. Then topped with silky smooth cream cheese frosting and the delectable crunch of toasted coconut flakes. You’ll also love the hint of grated orange zest and vanilla, making it extra bright and refreshing. Your taste buds are going to sing for joy!
5. Red Velvet Cake
Not only is this cake screaming pure elegance, but it’s also as delicious as it looks, especially with its sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting. Hidden within this vibrant red cake is a wonderful ensemble of chocolate and vanilla flavors that are sure to satisfy all your dessert fantasies. Aah! Simply indulging, indeed!
6. Spice Cake
If you’re a fan of spices, then this cake is for you! You’re definitely gonna love the complex combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all happening in this amazing cake. It may not be as sweet as your traditional cake, but it is sure to bring fun and exciting new flavors to your palate. And it lets you sing… People of the world! Spice up your life! 😜
Fruity Cakes
7. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
The combination of juicy tart pineapple paired up with the sweet caramel and buttery flavor explosion is a temptation waiting just for you. Even though this one is made entirely from scratch, it’s super easy and bursting with tropical flavors from spiced with rum, nutmeg, and bulked up with ground almonds. Indeed a delightful and beautiful cake to serve up during the holidays!
8. Light Fruit Cake
You’ll never look back once you try this rich and luscious Madeira cake. It’s so fluffy and moist with a wonderful buttery taste. This fabulous fruit cake is loaded with candied fruits and rum-macerated raisins just like the rest, BUT it’s lighter and not too sweet. In fact, it’s light enough to make a drool-worthy breakfast or brunch. Awesome!
9. No-Bake Key Lime Mango Coconut Cheesecake Pie
Switch things around with this luscious cake full of amazing lime and coconut flavor! It’s moist, creamy, and oh so heavenly! Don’t let all those layers fool you because it’s actually super easy to make, and no baking is required! Yaaay! This delicious cake pie may look “summery,” but you can definitely enjoy this all year round, especially this time of the year.
10. Malva Pudding Chocolate Cake
You’ll go wild over its caramelized exterior and baked spongy interior. And when soaked in a warm chocolate butter sauce served with whipped cream or ice cream, you’ll be over the moon! It’s super easy to make with its no-fuss baking steps. If you want chocolate goodness with a fruity twist for the holidays, I highly recommend this one. 😉
Creamy Cake Recipes
11. New York Cheesecake
Oh, how I live for my precious cheesecake! If you feel the same way, this one is for you, with its decadent perfection due to its rich and dense cheesecake filling and buttery graham crust. Aah! So sinfully addicting! It’s pretty customizable, too. Add your favorite toppings, like Cranberry Sauce, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, or Candied Pecans. But, of course, you can enjoy it plain as well. 👌
12. Milk Cake
This humble cake is not only easy to make, but it only needs a few basic baking staples such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and condensed milk. It’s incredibly moist, dense, and buttery like pound cake, only lighter and creamier. Although it’s already perfect on its own, you can top it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce to make it even more delightful. ❤
13. Tres Leches
Prepare to taste a glimpse of heaven with every bite of this creamy and milky Mexican delight, Tres Leches Cake. It’s a light, spongy vanilla cake soaked in a special Tres Leches Milk mixture – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and coconut cream. And it’s even more special with my rum-infused whipped cream toppings. Aaah! What’s not to love?
14. Chocoflan
Yet another Mexican delight to enjoy this holiday. It’s absolutely magical with its 2-in-1 dessert featuring creamy custard and moist chocolate cake. And it gets even better with cajeta; a Mexican caramel sauce poured on top to complete this indulgent perfection. I bet you’ll make this often once you try it. 😉
Pound Cakes
15. Sour Cream Pound Cake
Nothing beats a moist, dense, and buttery pound cake paired with a cup of coffee or tea. I enjoy it plain, but I also love adding mixed berries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream on top to make it more indulging. You can also try this Lemon Sour Cream Pound Cake here if you want to add some refreshing and bright flavors to your pound cake. 😉
If you enjoyed my Sweet Potato Casserole, then you’re gonna love this sweet potato pound cake, as well. It’s brimming with warm, comforting flavors from the cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. This cake will give you something new to try this holiday. And if you love this one, try classic favorites, such as Strawberry Pound Cake and Peach Cobbler Pound Cake. (Recipe coming soon!😉)
17. Rum Cake with Rum Butter Sauce
This baked-from-scratch cake is a total keeper because of its buttery and dense texture, perfect for soaking up the butter rum sauce. It’s such a fun and exciting boozy treat to make with your holiday rum. Oh yes! You can also try this Chocolate Rum Marble Cake here to repurpose your leftover holiday rum. Yay for the double win!
Happy holidays, everyone! I hope this list of holiday easy cake recipes will help you decide which one to bake. What’s your favorite holiday cake so far?
Leanna says
Hello,
I just found you site yesterday so I haven’t had a chance to try anything yet but can I tell you how excited I am to find you! I too am hooked and I can’t wait to try everything! Thank you sooo much and keep up the fantabulous job!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Leanna! Welcome aboard :)! I am so thrilled to have you here. I cannot wait for you to start trying out the recipes. Do let me know how they work out for you.
xo Imma.
Onyinye says
Nice recipes!! Please can I substitue pecan for cashew nuts?
Pecan isn’t a common nut here.
ImmaculateBites says
Yes you can. Thanks!
Michael says
If she had ate probably wouldn’t have been able to od