This delightful Christmas Cake is the perfect festive dessert to bring joy to your holiday table. A soft, fluffy cake topped with fresh cream, juicy strawberries, and a touch of green foliage, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday treat or for a special gathering, this cake is sure to be the star of the dessert spread.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk
Fresh cream
Strawberries
Green foliage (such as mint or holly leaves)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before decorating with fresh cream, strawberries, and green foliage for a festive touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including cooling and decorating)

Variations

Fruit Topping: Instead of strawberries, you can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even citrus slices for a different look and flavor.
Flavoring the Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday spice twist to the cake batter.
Frosting Options: If you prefer something richer than fresh cream, try frosting the cake with whipped cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or chocolate ganache.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fresh cream will need to be kept chilled.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake without the cream and toppings for up to 1 month. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy the cake warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

10 FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, the cake can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for a couple of days before decorating.
Can I use a different type of flour? You can use gluten-free flour blends to make the cake gluten-free. Be sure to also check that the baking powder is gluten-free.
Can I replace butter with oil? Yes, you can replace the butter with an equal amount of vegetable or canola oil for a lighter texture.
Can I use dairy-free milk for this cake? Yes, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can be used as a substitute for regular milk if you need a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the cake is done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the decoration? Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and appearance, but if using frozen strawberries, ensure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of green foliage? You can use mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, or even edible flowers like pansies to give a festive look to your cake.
Can I frost the cake instead of using fresh cream? Yes, feel free to frost the cake with whipped cream, buttercream, or cream cheese frosting for a richer alternative to fresh cream.
Is there an alternative to fresh cream for decoration? If you don’t have fresh cream, you can use whipped topping or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simpler decoration.
Can I make this cake without eggs? Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement such as apple sauce or silken tofu.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and holiday cheer. Its light, airy texture paired with fresh cream and festive toppings makes it a standout dessert for any celebration. Whether you’re baking it for Christmas dinner or a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to delight everyone with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.