Oh, the magic of Christmas baking! There’s nothing quite like the scent of vanilla and butter wafting through the house while snow falls outside. This simple yet stunning Christmas dessert has been my go-to for years—ever since my Aunt Margie showed me how to make it during my first holiday season as a newlywed. I was terrified of ruining it (those sprinkles went everywhere!), but now it’s become our family’s most requested treat. The best part? You probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. In under an hour, you’ll have a festive cake that looks like you spent all day baking, with that perfect balance of sweetness and holiday cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Dessert
Trust me, this isn’t just another holiday recipe—it’s the kind of dessert that disappears before you can say “Santa’s coming!” Here’s why:
- Effortless elegance: Looks fancy but takes less effort than wrapping presents
- Holiday magic: That snowy glaze and festive sprinkles scream Christmas cheer
- Play with it: Swap vanilla for peppermint extract or add orange zest—it’s your canvas!
- Crowd pleaser: Kids adore the sweetness, adults appreciate the homemade charm
My neighbor Linda calls it “the dessert that got me invited to three cookie exchanges”—need I say more?
Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Dessert
Here’s the beautiful part – you likely have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now! But let me tell you exactly what you’ll need to make this holiday magic happen:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level it – don’t scoop! That little trick makes all the difference.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Regular white sugar works perfectly, though I sometimes swap half with brown sugar for extra warmth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This means left out for about 30 minutes – soft enough your finger leaves an indent but not melted.
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better – just set them out with the butter.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Pure vanilla if you have it – that rich flavor shines through.
- 1 tsp baking powder & 1/2 tsp salt: The dynamic duo that gives our cake lift and balance.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk makes it richest, but any kind works in a pinch.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar (packed lightly) + 2 tbsp milk – plus those festive sprinkles!
See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something magical.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this Christmas dessert! Just grab:
- A large mixing bowl (my favorite is the chipped blue one Grandma gave me)
- A sturdy whisk or wooden spoon
- 9×9 inch baking pan (or whatever festive shape you’ve got)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A small bowl for the glaze
That’s it! Now let’s get baking – the holiday magic awaits.
How to Make This Christmas Dessert
Preparing the Batter
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step! While it’s heating up, grab your mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Don’t overmix—just until they’re friends in the bowl. Next, add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Now, here’s where you really get to work: mix it all until it’s smooth and just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable—like a cozy holiday blanket, not too stiff, not too runny. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they’ll bake out beautifully.
Baking the Christmas Dessert
Pour that gorgeous batter into your greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and let the magic happen for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter). Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but patience pays off here!
Adding the Festive Glaze
While your cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk for the glaze. You want it to be smooth and pourable—not too thick, not too thin. Think of it like melted snow! Drizzle it over the cake while it’s still slightly warm so it soaks in just a little. Now comes the fun part: sprinkle on those red and green sprinkles. Go wild—this is Christmas, after all! Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice and serve. I promise, the oohs and ahhs will be worth it.
Tips for the Best Christmas Dessert
After making this dessert every holiday season for the past decade, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to “Santa-worthy!” First, don’t overmix the batter—a few lumps are totally fine. Second, taste your glaze as you go—add more milk or sugar until it’s just right for your sweet tooth. And those sprinkles? Go heavy! They make every slice look like a holiday party. My secret? I always make a double batch of glaze—somehow it disappears faster than the cookies left out for Rudolph!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This Christmas dessert keeps beautifully! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!). For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in parchment paper—they thaw perfectly overnight. Want that fresh-baked warmth? A quick 10-second microwave zap brings back that just-baked magic. Pro tip: Add fresh sprinkles after reheating for extra holiday cheer!
Christmas Dessert Variations
Feel like mixing it up? This recipe is super flexible! Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy spice vibes, or throw in some orange zest for a citrusy twist. Chopped nuts or dried cranberries make it extra festive. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap the vanilla for almond extract—it’s like a holiday hug in every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do believe in balance—especially during the holidays! While this Christmas dessert is absolutely meant to be enjoyed (it’s the season of indulgence, after all), here’s what you should know. The nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands you use. For example, swapping whole milk for almond milk or using a sugar substitute will change things up. The glaze and sprinkles add extra sweetness, so if you’re watching your intake, you might skip those or try a lighter dusting of powdered sugar instead. Remember, holiday treats are about joy first—nutrition labels second!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this Christmas dessert?
Absolutely! This cake freezes like a dream. Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or give them a quick 10-second microwave zap when the holiday cravings hit!
How can I make this gluten-free?
I’ve had great success swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. My friend Sarah (who’s celiac) says it tastes just as magical! Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too – some brands sneak in wheat starch.
Can I make this Christmas dessert ahead of time?
You bet! The flavors actually deepen overnight. Bake it the day before, then add the glaze and sprinkles right before serving. The cake stays moist for days – if it lasts that long in your house (it never does in mine!).
What if I don’t have sprinkles?
No sprinkles? No problem! Crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or even a dusting of cocoa powder make gorgeous alternatives. One year I used dried cranberries arranged in a tree shape – got more compliments than the year I bought an expensive bakery cake!
Share Your Christmas Dessert
Did you make this holiday treat? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos, tips, or creative twists in the comments below—let’s spread some Christmas baking cheer together!
Print
55-Minute Christmas Dessert That Steals the Holiday Show
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- Red and green sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Pour batter into the greased pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and milk for glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over cake and add sprinkles if desired.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Adjust sugar based on preference.
- Use festive sprinkles for decoration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: christmas dessert, festive cake, holiday baking