Can you believe this year comes to an end? Soon, it will be Christmas. Honestly, I am happy. It has been an extremely difficult year for so many people. I am looking forward to Christmas, although we won’t have many family visits. The Christmas decorations and the kids’ excitement over Santa kinda help keep the mood positive.
Why make this wreath cake
What sets this recipe apart is the careful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and the vibrant decorations colors make this cake a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Each bite is a delightful harmony of sweetness and richness, creating a truly memorable dessert experience. Additionally, this recipe is designed to be approachable for all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice baker or have years of experience, the step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process with ease. Our goal is to empower you to bring your creative vision to life, offering expert tips along the way to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time. Furthermore, this recipe allows for personalization and creativity. While we provide a suggested list of ingredients and decorations, you have the flexibility to customize your wreath cake to reflect your own style and preferences. Add your favorite holiday flavors, experiment with different decorations, or even invite your family to join in the fun and contribute their own ideas. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to infuse your own unique touch into this festive dessert.
Ingredients and substitutes
All-Purpose flour – Regular all-purpose flour works great. No need to look for anything else. And, if you have only self-raising flour, use it but reduce the baking powder by half. Unsalted Butter – I always use unsalted so I can control the amount of salt. But, if salted butter is all you have, use it and omit salt in the recipe. Sugar – I have used white sugar today but this works just as well with brown sugar. However, the color of the cake is a bit darker with brown sugar. Vanilla extract – A good quality vanilla extract goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your baked goods. Eggs – Use fresh large eggs. Large eggs are about 60 grams each. Sour cream – Gives the cake that nice soft tender crumb. Yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. But, you can also make your own sour cream at home.
Step-by-step: How to make a Christmas wreath cake
Cake
Preheat the oven to 325F/ 165 C/ Gas Mark 3 Grease and flour 2 x 7-inch donut pans or one 9-cup bundt pan.Pro tip – I used one silicon donut pan. This dough can be left out and baked one at a time. In a bowl, combine flour with baking powder, baking soda, chai spice mix, and salt – and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Next, add the flour mixture and buttermilk in three additions. Divide batter equally between the prepared baking pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes clean. Then, cool in the baking pan for 5 minutes. Invert and cool on a wire rack completely before you decorate.
Buttercream
In a bowl of a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth. Next, add salt, fresh cream, and vanilla – mix a minute longer, until well combined. Then, add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Once all the powder sugar has been incorporated, set aside until ready to use. Continue to mix on medium-high for 2 minutes more until you have a light and fluffy buttercream. But, since we need to pipe this buttercream do not over-whip or you will have too many air pockets when piping.
Assemble
Prepare simple syrup – cool completely before using.Pro tip – Simple syrup is just sugar water that has been boiled and cooled. Used to keep cake layers moist. Next, using a bread knife or cake leveler, cut the domes off the cake layers. Then, brush each layer with the cooled simple syrup. Place a cake layer on the cake board or cake stand. Top with a big dollop of buttercream – spread evenly using a straight-edge spatula. Then, top the second cake layer. Place the cake in the fridge to chill for 10 to 15 minutes.Pro tip – Chilling the cake at this point will ensure the layers don’t move when you frost the outside. However, if you leave the cake uncovered in the fridge for too long it can dry out. So, 10 minutes is all you need. Spread the remaining buttercream around and on top of the cake.Pro tip – A straight-edge spatula for the top, an offset spatula, and soft acrylic smother for the sides work better.
Pipe
Dye the remaining buttercream – make about 1 cup a cherry red color and the remaining a garden green color. Next, place the green buttercream in a piping bag with a leaf piping tip and the red in a piping bag with a small round tip no.3 or 4. Then, pipe three holly leaves and berries as shown in the video. The piping is very easy and you do not need any special skills. But, you do need patience because it is lots of leave and lots of berries.Pro tip – I covered the whole cake with holly leaves and berries but you can certainly do just the top half. Enjoy.
Tip for success
First and foremost, make sure to thoroughly read the recipe before you begin. Familiarize yourself with each step and gather all the necessary tools and equipment. This will help you avoid any surprises or last-minute rushes to the store. Additionally, taking the time to organize your ingredients in advance will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. When it comes to baking the perfect Christmas wreath cake, accuracy is key. Take precise measurements and follow the instructions carefully. Baking is a science, and even the smallest deviation can affect the outcome. Remember to use a reliable oven thermometer to ensure your cake bakes at the correct temperature, resulting in even cooking and a moist, tender texture. As you assemble your Christmas wreath cake, pay attention to the details. Take the time to evenly spread the batter in the bundt pan, ensuring no air pockets or gaps remain. This will result in a beautifully shaped cake that is uniform in texture. And when transferring your cake from the baking pan to the cooling rack, do so gently to avoid any mishaps. Once your cake is baked and cooled, it’s time for the fun part: decorating. But, before you do make sure the cake is completely cool otherwise the frosting will melt. Start by preparing a smooth and sturdy base for your wreath cake, either by using a cake stand or creating one with a sturdy plate and some frosting. This will provide stability as you work your creative magic. When it comes to the design of your wreath cake, let your imagination run wild. Experiment with different piping techniques, using green frosting to create realistic leaves and holly berries for a festive touch. Consider adding edible ornaments, such as sugared cranberries or miniature gingerbread cookies, to give your wreath cake extra sparkle and charm. Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t meet your expectations. Baking is a skill that develops over time, and each cake you make is an opportunity to learn and improve. So keep experimenting, have fun, and soon you’ll be creating Christmas wreath cakes that will leave everyone in awe.
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Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
One creative variation is to infuse your cake with different flavors. While the traditional Christmas wreath cake is often made with vanilla or chocolate, why not experiment with other flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, or even eggnog? By adding a touch of these seasonal flavors to your cake batter, you’ll bring a new dimension to the taste and make it truly festive. Another way to put a unique spin on your Christmas wreath cake is by experimenting with different fillings. Instead of the typical buttercream or cream cheese filling, consider using a homemade cranberry compote, a decadent chocolate ganache, or even a fluffy marshmallow filling. These unexpected fillings will surprise and delight your guests, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to your cake. Additionally, you can play with the presentation of your Christmas wreath cake by incorporating different decorating techniques. Instead of using traditional frosting, try using a delicate drizzle of white chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic a snowy effect. You can also decorate your cake with edible ornaments, such as sugared cranberries, chocolate-covered strawberries, or fondant holly leaves, to give it a festive and eye-catching appearance. Furthermore, don’t limit yourself to the circular shape of a traditional wreath cake. Let your imagination run wild and experiment with different shapes and sizes. You can create individual mini wreath cakes, tiered wreath cakes, or even sculpt a large wreath-shaped cake using a bundt pan. These unconventional shapes will make your cake stand out and add a touch of novelty to your holiday celebration.
Creative ways to serve Christmas cake
One creative way to serve your Christmas cake is by incorporating other festive elements into your presentation. Consider placing your cake on a bed of faux snow or crushed candy canes for a whimsical touch. You can also use holiday-themed cake stands or platters, such as those shaped like snowflakes or Santa’s sleigh, to add an extra festive flair. Another idea is to pair your Christmas cake with complementary flavors and textures. Serve it with a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream or a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce. The contrasting tastes and textures will enhance the overall dining experience and make your cake even more delicious. If you want to create a visually stunning display, consider adding edible decorations to your Christmas cake. Sprinkle festive colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the cake for a sparkling effect. You can also adorn it with fresh berries, mint leaves, or edible flowers to create a vibrant and Instagram-worthy dessert. For a unique twist, you can also transform your Christmas cake into an interactive dessert. Set up a DIY decorating station where guests can customize their own slices with a variety of toppings, such as crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or whipped cream. This not only adds an element of fun but also encourages your guests to engage and interact with your creation.
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