Chef Mitchell preparing Festive Holiday Cream Cake
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered the perfect combination of flavors for this Festive Holiday Cream Cake during a family gathering. After trying various cream cake recipes, I finally perfected this one, ensuring it would be both festive and flavorful. The rich cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the light cake, making this dessert a family favorite. It has since become a staple on our holiday table, bringing smiles and sweet memories every year."

Chef Mitchell has over a decade of experience in creating delightful desserts, specializing in American cuisine. With a passion for baking, he has crafted more than a thousand recipes, each designed to bring joy and satisfaction. A graduate of a prestigious culinary school, Chef Mitchell is known for his innovative twists on classic desserts.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Festive Holiday Cream Cake served on a plate

Why This Festive Holiday Cream Cake Recipe Works

This Festive Holiday Cream Cake recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of fluffy cake and rich cream cheese frosting creates a delightful contrast that is both satisfying and indulgent. Each slice is adorned with fresh berries, adding a burst of flavor and color that enhances the overall presentation. This cake not only looks stunning but also offers a taste that is sure to impress any crowd.

The technique used in this recipe is essential to achieving a light and airy cake. Properly creaming the butter and sugar creates the necessary air pockets that result in a fluffy texture. Additionally, the gradual addition of dry ingredients and cream ensures a smooth batter. This method guarantees that every bite of the cake is moist and flavorful, making it a perfect centerpiece for any festive occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a smoother batter and better incorporation of air during the mixing process. Also, don’t skip the resting time for the cake; allowing it to cool completely before frosting will prevent the frosting from melting and ensure a beautiful finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make the Festive Holiday Cream Cake ahead of time. It can be baked a day or two in advance and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese frosting. This way, you can enjoy more time with your guests without the stress of last-minute baking.

If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with butter. For every cup of heavy cream, mix ¾ cup of half-and-half with ¼ cup of melted butter. This alternative won’t provide the same richness but works well in baking. Coconut cream is another great dairy-free option that offers a creamy texture.

You can tell the Festive Holiday Cream Cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached. The top should also spring back when gently pressed. If the edges start to pull away from the pan, it’s a sign that it’s ready to be removed from the oven.

Yes, you can freeze the Festive Holiday Cream Cake. It's best to freeze it before frosting. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

The Festive Holiday Cream Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A side of fresh fruit, like berries or slices of citrus, complements the flavors nicely. For added indulgence, serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a delightful twist.

The Festive Holiday Cream Cake will last in the fridge for about 3-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container. To maintain its freshness, it's best to keep the frosting separate until you're ready to serve. If it starts to dry out, you can revive it by adding a bit of milk to the frosting before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake layers in advance and freeze them as mentioned earlier. Frost the cake just before serving to ensure it looks fresh and appealing. You can also prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

To reheat the Festive Holiday Cream Cake, slice individual pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave until warm, but be careful not to overdo it as it can dry out quickly. Alternatively, you can warm slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your cake turns out too dry, it can be disappointing.

Solution: Make sure to measure your flour correctly and avoid overmixing the batter. Adding a little more cream can also help retain moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: Sometimes the top of the cake may not have the desired crunch.

Solution: Ensure that your oven is preheated properly and consider baking the cake a little longer. A sprinkle of sugar on top before baking can also help achieve a crispy texture.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the cake is overcooked, it might be dry and crumbly.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, start checking the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can lead to a soggy texture.

Recovery: If you find that the center is undercooked after removing it from the oven, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, covering the top with foil to prevent burning.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: A burnt exterior can ruin the appearance of your cake.

Prevention: Reduce the oven temperature slightly and make sure to rotate the cake halfway through the baking time for even cooking. Using the right size of pan can also help.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the cake is too sweet, a pinch of salt in the frosting can help balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the cake tastes too salty, try balancing it with a sweet topping or additional frosting.

Bland: For a bland cake, consider adding citrus zest or a splash of vanilla to enhance the flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients for Festive Holiday Cream Cake

Essential Ingredients for Festive Holiday Cream Cake

The key ingredients in this Festive Holiday Cream Cake include high-quality butter and fresh cream, which are crucial for achieving a rich flavor and velvety texture. Using fresh eggs also contributes to the fluffiness of the cake, while quality vanilla extract enhances the overall taste. Additionally, incorporating seasonal fresh berries adds a delightful touch and a burst of color to the cake.

Investing in good quality ingredients ensures that your cake not only tastes amazing but also has a beautiful presentation. Organic flour and sugar can elevate the flavor profile, while using farm-fresh eggs can significantly improve texture. For the topping, opt for ripe, seasonal berries for the best flavor and appearance.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • All-Purpose Flour: Using all-purpose flour gives the cake structure without making it too dense. Make sure to sift the flour before measuring to aerate it, which helps in achieving a lighter cake.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for both the cake and the frosting. It adds richness and moisture. Make sure to use cold heavy cream for whipping to achieve the best volume.
  • Mixed Berries: Fresh mixed berries not only enhance the flavor of the cake but also provide a beautiful presentation. Choose a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful topping. Rinse them just before use to keep them fresh.
Cooking process for Festive Holiday Cream Cake

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for the Festive Holiday Cream Cake is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pan with grease and flour. The mixing process involves creaming the butter and sugar, which is key to achieving a light texture. By following the instructions carefully, you’ll create a rich batter that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.

As you bake the cake, keep an eye on the time to ensure it doesn't overcook. Once baked, allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential for a perfect finish. The final assembly, where you add the cream cheese frosting and top with berries, is where the cake truly comes to life.

Key Technique for Perfect Festive Holiday Cream Cake

The key technique for this Festive Holiday Cream Cake is the creaming method. This involves beating the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which incorporates air and results in a tender, fluffy cake. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, as this can lead to a dense texture. Proper mixing will yield a perfect balance of moistness and fluffiness.

Festive Holiday Cream Cake

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For the sauce
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla
  • 2 tbsp flour
    For thickening
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
    Optional

For the Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    For the cake
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
    Softened
  • 2 large eggs
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For the batter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Pure vanilla
  • 1 tsp baking powder
    For leavening
  • ½ tsp baking soda
    For lightness
  • ¼ tsp salt
    For flavor
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
    For frosting
  • ½ cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 2 tbsp milk
    For adjusting frosting

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, and mix until combined.

  5. Combine Mixtures

    Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the heavy cream until the batter is smooth.

  6. Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  7. Prepare the Frosting

    In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar, adding milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

  8. Assemble the Cake

    Once the cake is cooled, frost the top and sides with the cream cheese frosting.

  9. Garnish and Serve

    Top with mixed berries, mint leaves, and sprinkle with edible glitter if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store the Festive Holiday Cream Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing the individual slices for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Festive Holiday Cream Cake chilled or at room temperature. It's perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra treat, and garnish with fresh mint for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Variations

For a chocolate twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder. You can also add flavors like almond or lemon zest to the batter for a unique taste. Experimenting with different fruits for topping can also give this cake a fun variation.