There’s just something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The smell of warm vanilla wafting through the house, the cheerful chatter as family gathers in the kitchen, and the excitement of creating something truly special! That’s why I absolutely adore making this *christmas cupcake cake*! It’s the best of both worlds—delightfully festive cupcakes that you can decorate as a cake! Each bite is a whimsical explosion of flavor and joy, topped with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles. My kids can’t get enough of it, and neither can I! Trust me, this holiday treat will become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it has in mine.
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles
- Cream cheese frosting for decoration
How to Prepare the Christmas Cupcake Cake
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cupcakes rise beautifully and bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk works, too! You want to mix until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this step is key to getting that perfect texture!
Mixing the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now that your butter and sugar are ready, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that everything is evenly distributed. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. I usually do a third of the dry, then half the milk, and repeat. This method keeps your batter from getting too dense and ensures a lovely, airy cake. Finally, gently fold in those festive holiday sprinkles to give it that cheerful pop of color!
Baking and Cooling
Time to pour your batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin—fill them about two-thirds full for the best results. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial because it helps prevent the frosting from melting when you add that delicious cream cheese topping. Patience is key here, but oh boy, is it worth it!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *christmas cupcake cake* turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, if you’re out of unsalted butter, feel free to use margarine or even coconut oil—just remember to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly. Also, if you want to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce. It works wonders!
For storage, keep those delightful cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re even great to freeze! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them for up to two months. When it comes to decorating, let your creativity shine! Use different colored sprinkles, or even mini marshmallows and edible glitter for that extra festive flair. Trust me, everyone will be wowed!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information for this *christmas cupcake cake* can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some general values, keep in mind that precise numbers may differ. So, if you’re counting calories or keeping an eye on sugar intake, it’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake your cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, frost them with the cream cheese frosting, and they’ll be as delightful as ever!
What other decorations can I use?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides holiday sprinkles, you could use crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit like berries for a pop of color. Drizzling some melted chocolate on top can also add a delicious touch!
Can I use a different frosting?
Definitely! While cream cheese frosting is my personal favorite for its tangy sweetness, you could use buttercream, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache. Just pick what you love best!
What if I don’t have cupcake liners?
No problem! You can lightly grease your muffin tin with butter or cooking spray and pour the batter directly into the tin. Just be sure to let them cool a bit longer before trying to remove them.
Can I make mini versions of these cupcakes?
Yes! Just use a mini muffin tin instead. They’ll bake faster, so keep an eye on them—about 10-15 minutes should do the trick!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The best way to check is with a toothpick. Insert it into the center of a cupcake, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready to come out of the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun: The *christmas cupcake cake* brings a joyful holiday spirit to any gathering!
- Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip this up with confidence.
- Perfect for sharing: Yields 24 delightful cupcakes, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or potlucks.
- Customizable: You can decorate with different sprinkles or frosting flavors to match your holiday theme.
- Deliciously moist: The combination of butter, eggs, and milk creates a tender cake that everyone will love.
- Kid-friendly: Kids adore the festive sprinkles and fun shapes, making it a hit with the little ones.
- Great make-ahead option: Bake in advance and frost just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
- Leftover friendly: These cupcakes stay fresh and tasty for days, so you can enjoy them long after the party!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *christmas cupcake cake*, the options are as delightful as the cake itself! I love pairing these festive treats with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or a classic eggnog—both add a warm, holiday touch that everyone adores. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a refreshing glass of peppermint-infused iced tea can be a lovely option, too!
For a complete holiday spread, consider serving them alongside some homemade gingerbread cookies or a plate of festive sugar cookies. The combination of flavors really brings the spirit of the season to life! And don’t forget about a fruit platter—think strawberries, blueberries, and even some clementines—to add a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the sweetness. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this spread!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas cupcake cake* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay good at room temperature for up to three days, or you can pop them in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw the cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat—just frost them with that lovely cream cheese frosting and they’re good to go! If you prefer a slightly warm treat, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a gooey mess instead of a delightful cupcake!
Print
Christmas Cupcake Cake: 8 Reasons to Bake Joyfully
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive Christmas cupcake cake that combines the joy of cupcakes with the fun of a cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup holiday sprinkles
- Cream cheese frosting for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in holiday sprinkles.
- Pour batter into cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use any sprinkles you like for decoration.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas cupcake cake, holiday desserts, festive baking
