Celebrate the holiday season with this delightful Christmas Sheet Cake recipe! It’s perfect for any holiday gathering, combining the festive spirit with a delicious, moist cake that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to create this holiday favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Holiday sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13Ă—9 inch baking pan and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Heat Wet Ingredients:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter with the water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Combine:
- Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until smooth.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Preparing the Frosting:
- Heat Butter and Buttermilk:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the buttermilk and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Mix:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Frost:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Decorate with holiday sprinkles.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Sheet Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Hot Beverage: Serve your Christmas Sheet Cake with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat.
- Decorate Creatively: Get creative with your decorations. Use different colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even holiday-themed cake toppers.
Storing and Freezing
- Storing: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
This Christmas Sheet Cake recipe is an easy, festive dessert that will become a holiday tradition in your home. Its moist, tender crumb paired with the sweet, creamy frosting and holiday sprinkles make it a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Enjoy this delicious treat and spread the holiday cheer with every bite!
Remember to share your creations and holiday moments with friends and family. Happy baking and happy holidays!