Holiday Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

A Holiday Spice Cake to Remember

There’s something magical about a Holiday Spice Cake that fills the room with warmth and joy. This delightful recipe, which combines the sweet and spicy flavors of the season, is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply treating yourself. My first experience with this cake was during a holiday celebration, where the scent of cinnamon and cream cheese frosting wafted through the air, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this cake is sure to become a cherished tradition.

Why you’ll love this dish

This Holiday Spice Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. Imagine indulging in a moist, spiced cake layered with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting – it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to whip up this recipe:

• Quick to make: Using boxed spice cake mix simplifies the process while still delivering phenomenal flavor.
• Budget-friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy on your wallet.
• Kid-approved: The sweet taste and festive appearance are bound to impress children and adults alike.

"This Holiday Spice Cake was the highlight of our family gathering. Everyone came back for seconds – it was simply heavenly!” – Emily R.

Preparing Holiday Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Ready to step into the world of delightful baking? This recipe comes together in simple steps, ensuring you know exactly what to expect as you create this holiday masterpiece. Let’s break it down.

1. Prepare the Cake: Start by mixing two boxes of spice cake mix with eggs, canola oil, and water. You’re looking for a smooth batter that will rise beautifully.
2. Make the Frosting: Blend softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. As you beat it, add heavy cream to achieve the perfect consistency.
3. Sugared Cranberries: These lovely gems add a festive touch. Create a simple syrup to coat the fresh cranberries for that sparkling finish.
4. Assemble the Cake: Layer the cakes with frosting in between, and then finish the entire masterpiece with frosting on the outside. Top with sugared cranberries and a drizzle of caramel syrup.

What you’ll need

Gather these items to create your delightful Holiday Spice Cake:

• Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 Boxes of Spice Cake Mix
  • 6 Eggs
  • 1 Cup Canola Oil
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 3 9-inch Round Cake Pans
  • 1 10-inch Round Cake Board

• Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (softened)
  • 6 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 3-6 Tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream

• Sugared Cranberries:

  • 1 12 oz Bag of Fresh Cranberries
  • 2 Cups Sugar (divided)
  • 1/2 Cup Water

• For Decoration:

  • Piping bag with star tip
  • Caramel Syrup

Feel free to experiment with different brands of cake mix or make your own from scratch for an even more personalized touch.

Step-by-step instructions

Holiday Spice Cake Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, canola oil, and water. Beat until smooth.
3. Divide the batter evenly among the three greased 9-inch round cake pans.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Add heavy whipping cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Sugared Cranberries Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves.
2. Toss fresh cranberries in the syrup and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Roll the cranberries in the remaining sugar and set aside to dry.

Building the Cake Directions:

1. Place one layer of the spice cake on the cake board. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and repeat with more frosting.
3. Top with the final cake layer and frost the entire cake.
4. Decorate the top with sugared cranberries and drizzle caramel syrup as desired.

Best ways to enjoy it

This holiday cake is a showstopper on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to maximize your enjoyment:

• Pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee to complement the cake’s flavors.
• For a festive presentation, place edible greenery around your cake on the serving platter.

Keeping leftovers fresh

After the festivities, you might have leftovers – and that’s a good thing! Here’s how to store your Holiday Spice Cake:

• Cover the cake well and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Extra advice

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Holiday Spice Cake turns out perfectly:

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements lead to better results.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Make Ahead: Bake your cake layers a day ahead. Just wrap them tightly and frost on the day of serving.

Creative twists

Want to switch things up? Here are a few creative variations to consider:

• Change the Frosting: Swap out the cinnamon cream cheese frosting for a maple buttercream for a unique flavor.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans in the batter for added texture.
• Spice it Up: Experiment by adding different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a layered flavor experience.

Your questions answered

Can I use a different size cake pan?

Absolutely! If you only have an 8-inch or a different size pan, adjust the baking time, checking for doneness frequently.

How long does the cake take to cool before decorating?

Allow your cake layers to cool for at least 30 minutes in the pans, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Are there any gluten-free options?

Yes! Look for gluten-free spice cake mixes, which can easily substitute for regular cake mix in this recipe.

This Holiday Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a treat; it’s an experience that will fill your home with the scents and flavors of the season! Enjoy baking and sharing this special dessert with your loved ones.

Holiday Spice Cake

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A delightful holiday spice cake layered with rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake Ingredients

• 2 boxes Spice Cake Mix You can use boxed spice cake mix to simplify the process.
• 6 pieces Eggs
• 1 cup Canola Oil
• 2 cups Water
• 3 9-inch round cake pans 9-inch Round Cake Pans For baking the layers.
• 1 10-inch round cake board 10-inch Round Cake Board For assembling the cake.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 3 cups Unsalted Sweet Cream Butter (softened)
• 6 cups Powdered Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 3-6 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream Adjust to achieve the perfect consistency.

Sugared Cranberries

• 1 12 oz bag Fresh Cranberries Use fresh cranberries for decoration.
• 2 cups Sugar (divided) One cup for simple syrup, one for rolling cranberries.
• 1/2 cup Water For making the simple syrup.

For Decoration

• 1 piece Piping bag with star tip For decorating the cake.
• to taste Caramel Syrup For drizzling on top.

Method

 

Holiday Spice Cake Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, canola oil, and water. Beat until smooth.
3. Divide the batter evenly among the three greased 9-inch round cake pans.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by ground cinnamon and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Add heavy whipping cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Sugared Cranberries Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer until the sugar dissolves.
2. Toss fresh cranberries in the syrup and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Roll the cranberries in the remaining sugar and set aside to dry.

Building the Cake Directions

1. Place one layer of the spice cake on the cake board. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and repeat with more frosting.
3. Top with the final cake layer and frost the entire cake.
4. Decorate the top with sugared cranberries and drizzle caramel syrup as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30g

Notes

Measure ingredients accurately for best results. You can also bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost on the day of serving. Experiment with different spices or frosting for unique flavors.

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