White Christmas Cranberry Cake with Festive Layered Flavors

Why You’ll Love This White Christmas Cake

As the holidays approach, nothing beats pulling a White Christmas Cake out of the oven to share with family and friends. This festive treat combines a moist base with rich flavors that make every bite feel special. You’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up, even if you’re new to baking, and howUniversal it can be for different tastes and diets.

One reason this recipe stands out is its simplicity, perfect for busy days. The straightforward steps mean you can get a delicious dessert ready without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, the blend of ingredients like fresh cranberries and white Holiday touches adds a unique twist that elevates White Christmas Cake above typical sweets.

Beyond ease, this cake offers health perks from natural elements. Fresh cranberries bring antioxidants that support heart health, as noted in health benefits of cranberries. It’s a smart choice for those watching what they eat, with options to tweak for lighter versions.

The versatility really seals the deal. You can adapt White Christmas Cake for vegan needs or make it gluten-free without losing that festive charm. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, this recipe inspires joy around the table. Imagine the smiles as everyone digs in during holiday gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for White Christmas Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a standout White Christmas Cake. This recipe pulls together simple items that create layers of flavor and texture. Below, you’ll find a complete list pulled straight from the details, organized for easy shopping and prep.

Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 large eggs at room temperature
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut rum (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups eggnog or buttermilk
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Cranberry Jam Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

White Chocolate Buttercream Ingredients

• 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) salted butter at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces melted and cooled white chocolate
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

Optional Decorations

• 2 cups fresh cranberries (for sugared cranberries)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (for sugared cranberries)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for sugared cranberries)
• Shredded coconut
• Rosemary sprigs

This structured list ensures you have everything needed for a full White Christmas Cake. For more ideas on using fresh cranberries, check out our cranberry recipes guide on the blog.

How to Prepare the Perfect White Christmas Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a White Christmas Cake starts with simple steps that build layers of flavor. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans for even baking. This sets the stage for a moist cake that’s full of holiday spirit.

Mix the wet ingredients first by combining 1 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 2 cups brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups eggnog or buttermilk in a bowl. Once blended, add the dry ingredients: 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. While the cake cools, prepare the cranberry jam by boiling 4 cups cranberries with 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup orange juice, then stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

For the buttercream, beat 3 sticks of salted butter with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until fluffy, then mix in 8 ounces melted and cooled white chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract. Once the cake layers are cool, slice each horizontally into two. Assemble by spreading buttercream and about one-third cup of cranberry jam between layers, then lightly frost the outside.

Chill the cake for 30 minutes before adding decorations like sugared cranberries, which you make by tossing 2 cups fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup maple syrup, letting them sit, then coating in 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and drying. The whole process takes about 3 hours, yielding around 24 servings at 437 calories each.

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your White Christmas Cake

Making White Christmas Cake work for everyone is easy with a few swaps. For vegan options, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use homemade coconut nog in place of eggnog or buttermilk as noted in our tips.

Consider using plant-based milk for the base, or swap butter in the buttercream for coconut oil. If you’re aiming for gluten-free, trade all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to keep the texture light and airy.

Low-calorie changes might include reducing sugar or using stevia, ensuring the cake stays moist and flavorful. These tweaks let you enjoy White Christmas Cake no matter your dietary needs, making it a flexible favorite for holiday meals.

Mastering White Christmas Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

To get the best from your White Christmas Cake, focus on technique and creativity. Sift the dry ingredients before adding them to keep the batter airy and prevent lumps for a perfect crumb.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with additions like citrus zest or crushed nuts to give your cake a personal touch. Spices such as ginger or cinnamon can amplify that festive vibe we love in White Christmas Cake.

Presentation Tips

Make layers ahead by freezing them, then assemble fresh for serving. As one baker shared, “I wasn’t sure this recipe would turn out quite the way I imagined, but honestly, sometimes the little imperfections make the best memories and the cake tastes just right anyway.”

How to Store White Christmas Cake: Best Practices

Keeping your White Christmas Cake fresh is simple with the right methods. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to hold onto that moist texture.

• Freeze wrapped layers for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Slice portions ahead for easy holiday snacking.

These steps help maintain the cake’s flavors, making it a go-to for busy seasons. Always check for freshness before enjoying a slice of White Christmas Cake.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About White Christmas Cake

White Christmas Cake

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

🎂 Experience the festive and rich layers of the White Christmas Cranberry Cake, combining moist cake, tangy cranberry jam, and creamy white chocolate buttercream.
❄️ This elegant dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors with a beautiful presentation.

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 24 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup canola oil

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

3 large eggs at room temperature

2 cups brown sugar

2 tablespoons coconut rum (optional)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups eggnog or buttermilk

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) salted butter at room temperature

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

8 ounces melted and cooled white chocolate

1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

2 cups fresh cranberries for sugared cranberries

1/2 cup maple syrup for sugared cranberries

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for sugared cranberries

Shredded coconut

Rosemary sprigs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-How to Prepare the Perfect White Christmas Cake: Creating a White Christmas Cake starts with simple steps that build layers of flavor. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans for even baking. This sets the stage for a moist cake that’s full of holiday spirit.

2-Mix the wet ingredients: Mix the wet ingredients first by combining 1 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 2 cups brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 cups eggnog or buttermilk in a bowl. Once blended, add the dry ingredients: 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.

3-Bake the cake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. While the cake cools, prepare the cranberry jam by boiling 4 cups cranberries with 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup orange juice, then stir in 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

4-Prepare the buttercream and assemble: For the buttercream, beat 3 sticks of salted butter with 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar until fluffy, then mix in 8 ounces melted and cooled white chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract. Once the cake layers are cool, slice each horizontally into two. Assemble by spreading buttercream and about one-third cup of cranberry jam between layers, then lightly frost the outside.

5-Chill and decorate: Chill the cake for 30 minutes before adding decorations like sugared cranberries, which you make by tossing 2 cups fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup maple syrup, letting them sit, then coating in 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar and drying. The whole process takes about 3 hours, yielding around 24 servings at 437 calories each.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🔪 Use a serrated bread knife to slice cake layers evenly.
❄️ Cool cake completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
🍓 Use jam sparingly between layers to maintain clean slices and avoid difficulty cutting.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking and assembling
• Cuisine: Christmas/Western

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 437 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg