This Festive Green Christmas Layer Cake is a striking holiday dessert that combines vibrant colour, rich chocolate frosting, and smooth vanilla icing. With its bold green interior and beautifully decorated exterior, it makes a stunning centrepiece for any Christmas gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake delivers both visual appeal and delicious flavour. Its moist vanilla layers pair wonderfully with creamy frosting, while the chocolate coating adds depth and richness. The decorative sprinkles and cherries give it a festive charm that impresses guests, yet the recipe remains approachable even for novice bakers.
Ingredients
Green cake layers (vanilla or white cake base)
Vegetable oil
Eggs
Sugar
Flour
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
Green food colouring
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting
Chocolate ganache or chocolate frosting
White icing for drizzling
Red and green holiday sprinkles
Maraschino cherries or decorative red candies
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the cake batter according to your preferred vanilla or white cake recipe. Add green food colouring until the colour is bright and even.
- Pour the batter into two greased cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before leveling the tops if necessary.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then stack them carefully.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake, and refrigerate briefly to set.
- Cover the exterior of the cake with chocolate frosting or ganache, smoothing it evenly.
- Drizzle white icing across the surface and decorate with holiday sprinkles.
- Add cherries or festive candies on top before serving.
Servings and Timing
Serves: 10–12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and Decorating Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Use peppermint extract in the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Add crushed candy canes between the layers for texture.
- Swap chocolate frosting for white chocolate ganache to maintain a snowy look.
- Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cakes for a festive flavour contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze undecorated layers for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before frosting.
Do not reheat the finished cake; enjoy it at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I achieve a bright green colour without using too much food colouring?
Gel colouring provides vibrant results with smaller amounts compared to liquid colouring.
Can I make the layers ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day in advance and wrap tightly before assembling.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
A boxed vanilla or white cake mix works perfectly for this recipe.
How can I prevent my cake from drying out?
Do not overbake, and allow the cake to cool before frosting to retain moisture.
What frosting works best for the filling?
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting both complement the flavours well.
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, mini chocolate chips add texture without sinking to the bottom.
Should the cake be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is recommended if the frosting contains cream cheese.
How do I get smooth chocolate frosting on the outside?
Warm the frosting slightly or use ganache for a glossy finish.
Can I use different decorations for other holidays?
Absolutely—change the colours and toppings to match any celebration.
Can the recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use larger pans or make additional layers.
Conclusion
This Festive Green Christmas Layer Cake beautifully combines colour, flavour, and holiday charm. Its impressive appearance and rich, satisfying taste make it an excellent choice for celebrations, whether served after Christmas dinner or presented as a show-stopping dessert at a seasonal event.
Print
Festive Green Christmas Layer Cake with Chocolate and Vanilla Frosting
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive three-layer green Christmas cake featuring moist vanilla layers colored holiday green, filled and frosted with a combination of creamy vanilla buttercream and rich chocolate frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- Green food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for vanilla frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for vanilla frosting)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla frosting)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for vanilla frosting)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (for chocolate frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for chocolate frosting)
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 3–4 tbsp milk (for chocolate frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined. Add green food coloring until a vibrant shade is reached.
- Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the vanilla frosting by beating butter until creamy, then adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Prepare the chocolate frosting by beating butter, then adding powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until creamy.
- Assemble the cake by layering cake rounds with alternating vanilla and chocolate frosting.
- Frost the outside of the cake as desired and decorate with festive sprinkles or chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Gel food coloring provides a richer green without thinning the batter.
- Cakes can be baked a day ahead and chilled for easier assembly.
- Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate frosting flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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