As the holiday season rolls in, the scent of fresh-baked goodies fills the air, creating a warmth that’s hard to resist. One standout treat that never fails to impress is my Christmas Tree Sheet Cake—an enchanting centerpiece that brings festive cheer to any gathering. This cake not only dazzles with its vibrant buttercream frosting but also delights with a moist, fluffy vanilla confetti base.
I love how effortlessly this cake combines simplicity with eye-catching presentation, making it the perfect solution for potlucks or family celebrations without the need for any special tools. Whether you’re drawn in by the joyful splashes of holiday colors or the promise of a deliciously sweet bite, this beauty checks all the boxes. Get ready to slice and serve up some holiday magic that will have your friends and family buzzing around the dessert table!
Why is the Christmas Sheet Cake a must-make?
Visual Delight: This cake’s eye-catching design mimics a festive Christmas tree, instantly elevating your holiday table.
Easy Preparation: With no special tools required, baking this cake is as simple as it gets—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
Crowd Pleaser: Its creamy buttercream and moist cake guarantee smiles all around, making it a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
Versatile Design: Customize the decoration with your favorite candies and sprinkles for a personal touch.
Festive Flaire: Its vibrant colors and charming appearance make it a delightful centerpiece that captures the spirit of the season.
Get ready to impress and bring joy to your celebrations with this enchanting dessert!
Christmas Sheet Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- Nonstick baking spray with flour – Prevents sticking to the pan; use greased parchment paper for easy removal.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups) – Provides the essential structure for the cake.
- Baking powder (2 tsp.) – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise perfectly.
- Baking soda (1/4 tsp.) – Enhances browning and gives a slight lift for a fluffy texture.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp.) – Balances sweetness and amplifies the cake’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the cake; can substitute with a sugar alternative for a lighter option.
- Large eggs (3, at room temperature) – Binds the ingredients and adds necessary moisture.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup) – Keeps the cake moist; can be swapped out with melted butter if preferred.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp.) – Lends a delightful fragrance and depth of flavor to the cake.
- Buttermilk (1 cup, at room temperature) – Contributes to the cake’s moistness; substitute with milk plus vinegar if needed.
For the Frosting
- Salted butter (1 1/2 cups or 3 sticks, at room temperature) – The creamy base for the frosting, ensuring rich texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 lbs or 6 cups) – Sweetens the frosting; sifting helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Milk (1/4 cup) – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading.
- Vanilla extract (1 Tbsp. for frosting) – Enhances the frosting flavor, bringing everything together.
- Forest green gel food coloring – Provides vibrant color for the tree frosting, adding festive visuals.
- Blue gel food coloring (optional) – Use this to adjust the shade of green if desired for a unique touch.
For Decoration
- Holiday sprinkles (1/2 cup red, green, and white) – Perfect for adding a festive touch to the cake’s appearance.
- Mini candy-coated chocolates (various colors) – Use these colorful candies to decorate the tree; they add a fun contrast.
How to Make Christmas Sheet Cake
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing it with nonstick baking spray. This ensures an easy release of the cake once baked.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is essential for a well-risen cake—keep whisking until everything is evenly blended.
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Combine wet ingredients: In another mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until you have a smooth, combined mixture. This will be the flavorful base of your cake.
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Incorporate dry mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This will keep your cake light and fluffy.
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Pour and smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth out the top. A neat surface will make for a lovely cake.
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Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. The cake should be lightly golden.
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Cool completely: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
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Add color to frosting: Use forest green gel food coloring to tint most of the frosting. Reserve a small amount of plain frosting for decorative accents, if desired.
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Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the green frosting evenly on top. Use piping techniques to create a tree shape if you wish to get creative.
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Decorate festively: Finally, sprinkle on the holiday sprinkles and candy-coated chocolates to finish off your cake, giving it a charming, festive look.
Optional: For an extra touch, add edible glitter on top for a sparkling effect!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Christmas Sheet Cake
Room Temperature: Cover the cake with an upside-down baking sheet and wrap it in plastic wrap to keep fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Fridge: If you want to extend its life, store the frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure it’s well covered to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic followed by aluminum foil.
Reheating: If refrigerated, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost before serving.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Sheet Cake?
As you gather around the table, the festive spirit calls for delicious accompaniments that complement the joy of the season.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the sweet cake, enhancing its festive flavors.
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Hot Chocolate: Rich and indulgent, a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream makes the perfect cozy pairing for a winter treat.
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Spiced Apple Cider: The warmth of spiced apple cider complements the cake’s sweetness while adding a comforting holiday aroma to your gathering.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh bowl of mixed fruit balances the sweetness of the cake with a refreshing burst, making for a lighter option alongside.
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Coffee or Tea: Offering a warm beverage helps guests savor every bite, making it perfect for winding down after festive meals.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over each slice brings a luscious richness that transforms your cake into a decadent experience.
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Pecan Pie Bars: These buttery, nutty bars bring a delightful crunch that matches the holiday theme beautifully, inviting perfect bites together.
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Holiday Cheesecake Bites: These mini cheesecake delights are rich yet light, making them a delightful complement to your cake’s festive nature.
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Candy Cane Crumble: Sprinkle over slices for a festive crunch, adding a hint of mint that pairs beautifully with vanilla flavors for a new twist.
Christmas Sheet Cake Variations
Feel free to make this delightful festive treat your own with these fun and creative twists!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a cake that’s just as fluffy and delicious—no one will know the difference!
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Sugar-Free: Use a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol to sweeten the cake without the calories. It’s perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
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Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with almond or oat milk mixed with a splash of vinegar. Use vegan butter for the frosting to keep it dairy-free.
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Flavor Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cake batter for a refreshing holiday twist. It pairs fabulously with vanilla frosting!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for delightful crunch and flavor. They add a lovely texture and nutty warmth.
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Frosting Flavor: Mix in cocoa powder or espresso powder to the frosting for a chocolate or coffee-flavored twist. This will elevate the cake and create a sophisticated flavor profile.
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Layered Delight: Make it a layered cake by doubling the recipe and stacking two sheet cakes with frosting in between. It will be a showstopper at any gathering!
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Spiced Variation: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a comforting, holiday warmth. These spices enhance the cake’s aroma and flavor profile for a cozy feel.
Embrace your creativity and enjoy making this cake uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Christmas Sheet Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and buttermilk at room temperature for better mixing; this leads to a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
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Check for Doneness: Test the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean. If there’s batter on the toothpick, bake a few extra minutes.
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Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt the buttercream and create a mess.
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Storage Solutions: Keep your Christmas Sheet Cake fresh by storing it covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Sheet Cakes are the perfect solution for busy holiday planners! You can prepare the cake itself up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to focus on other festive tasks. Once baked and cooled, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to maintain its moistness. You can also make the buttercream frosting ahead of time, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cooled cake and decorate it with your desired sprinkles and candies for that magical holiday touch. This way, you can enjoy the holiday festivities without the last-minute rush!
Christmas Sheet Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for my Christmas Sheet Cake?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, it’s essential to use fresh, high-quality items for the best flavor. Make sure eggs are at room temperature, as this enhances the batter’s texture. For flour, opt for all-purpose for the best structure; it should be fresh and free of lumps. Check that your baking powder and soda are within their expiration dates for optimal rising!
How should I store my Christmas Sheet Cake?
For short-term storage, cover the cake with an upside-down baking sheet and wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, store the frosted cake in the refrigerator, where it can stay good for up to 1 week. Just ensure it’s well covered to keep it moist!
Can I freeze my Christmas Sheet Cake for later use?
Yes, you can! For freezing, I recommend wrapping the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight and frost it once it’s at room temperature.
What should I do if my cake is dry or dense?
Very! If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or baking it for too long. For a fluffy texture, gently incorporate the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. If you notice your cake has dense pockets, it might be beneficial to sift the dry ingredients before combining to aerate them.
Is this Christmas Sheet Cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re catering to gluten-free needs, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend without losing too much texture. For egg-free options, flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer work well. Additionally, keep in mind any allergies by carefully selecting candies and sprinkles that meet your guests’ dietary preferences!
Delicious Christmas Sheet Cake Perfect for Festive Celebrations
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking pan by greasing it with nonstick baking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Tint most of the frosting with forest green gel food coloring.
- Once the cake is cooled, spread the green frosting evenly on top.
- Sprinkle on holiday sprinkles and candy-coated chocolates for decoration.