Christmas Wreath Cake – A Festive Showstopper for Your Holiday Table

Bring the holiday spirit to your dessert table with this beautiful Christmas Wreath Cake! This cake is not just visually stunning, but it also boasts a moist, tender crumb with the rich taste of sour cream and vanilla. Topped with a simple glaze and decorated with festive rosemary sprigs and cranberries, this cake captures the charm of the season in every slice. Imagine the looks on your guests’ faces when you present this masterpiece—it’s a holiday showstopper that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Wreath Cake

This Christmas Wreath Cake is not only gorgeous to look at, but it’s also incredibly satisfying to make. Here’s why it’ll become a holiday favorite in your home:

• Simple yet elegant: With its wreath-inspired decoration, this cake brings elegance to your table with minimal effort.
• Perfectly moist: Thanks to sour cream, this cake is incredibly moist with a soft, tender crumb.
• Versatile decoration: Rosemary and cranberries create a natural festive look, but feel free to add other favorite decorations for a personal touch.
• Crowd-pleaser: This cake is ideal for Christmas parties or family gatherings, adding a touch of festive charm that everyone will appreciate.

The Taste of Christmas in Every Bite

This cake is delightfully simple yet packed with flavor. The vanilla-infused batter is rich and buttery, with just a hint of tang from the sour cream. The glaze adds a sweet touch without overwhelming the cake, and the combination of fresh rosemary and cranberries gives a hint of festive herbaceousness and tartness. Dust it all with powdered sugar, and you have a cake that looks and tastes like Christmas magic.

Ingredients for Christmas Wreath Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

And Decoration:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Fresh cranberries (and other festive berries like green grapes)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Essential Tools for Preparation

• Bundt or round cake pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand)
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Christmas Wreath Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or round cake pan to prevent sticking.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, and then add the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake dense.

2. Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if necessary to reach a pourable consistency.

4. Decorate the Cake

• Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it flow down the sides for a natural look.
• Arrange the rosemary sprigs and cranberries on top to form a wreath shape. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, adding an extra touch of holiday charm.

Serving Suggestions

This cake shines as a centerpiece at any holiday party. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or even a glass of holiday punch. For added richness, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Perfect Christmas Wreath Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for the smoothest batter.
• Grease the pan well: Especially if using a bundt pan, thoroughly grease and flour it to ensure the cake releases easily.
• Cooling completely: Letting the cake cool fully before adding the glaze is essential. Otherwise, the glaze may melt too quickly.

Storing Your Christmas Wreath Cake

If you have leftovers (though it might be hard to resist eating it all!), here’s how to store your cake:

• At room temperature: The cake can be kept at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days.
• In the refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unglazed cake for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature, then add the glaze and decorations just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cake may be slightly denser, but it should still hold its shape and taste delicious.

Q: Can I add flavors like almond or lemon to the cake?
A: Absolutely! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of lemon zest can elevate the flavor profile. Just make sure the additions complement the festive decorations.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Fresh cranberries work best for decoration as they’re firmer and hold their shape. Frozen cranberries may bleed and could soften too much as they thaw.

Celebrate the Season with this Festive Dessert

This Christmas Wreath Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of the holiday season. It’s simple yet sophisticated, capturing the essence of Christmas in each bite and adding a festive centerpiece to your table. With its moist crumb and classic glaze, this cake is sure to bring joy and delicious cheer to your festivities.

For more holiday-inspired recipes, don’t forget to check out these festive treats:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies: Delightfully decorated cookies to bring a sweet touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations.
• Gingerbread Cake: A warm and spiced classic that embodies the cozy flavors of Christmas.
• Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece: An unforgettable holiday cake packed with fruits and spices, perfect for Christmas feasts.

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