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Christmas Chaos Cake

Christmas Chaos Cake


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A wildly festive dessert stacked with layers of holiday flavor—dark chocolate sponge, cinnamon buttercream, spiced cranberry compote, and crunchy peppermint shards. It’s Christmas, in cake form—loud, chaotic, and unforgettable.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 batch cinnamon buttercream (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup spiced cranberry compote
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
  • Optional: edible glitter, sugared cranberries, mini candy canes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat together sugars, oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in hot water until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
  6. Spread cinnamon buttercream on the first layer. Top with cranberry compote. Repeat with second layer.
  7. Place the third cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.
  8. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the top. Add garnishes like sugared cranberries or edible glitter if desired.
  9. Chill cake 20 minutes before slicing. Serve with holiday cheer!

Notes

Make the cake layers a day ahead for easier assembly. Use a piping bag for cleaner buttercream layers if you’re feeling fancy.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Holiday Special

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Christmas cake, holiday dessert, chocolate cake, cranberry, peppermint