16 Christmas Cakes That Steal the Show

These festive cakes are all about bringing big holiday flavor to your dessert table with minimal stress. From spiced gingerbread to colorful poke cakes and eggnog-inspired bakes, each recipe adds something special to your seasonal spread. There are layered showstoppers, quick single-serves, and rich loaf-style cakes that travel well. Whether you’re baking for a party or just want something sweet to enjoy by the tree, this list has something for every kind of celebration.

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

This dense loaf combines tart cranberries with a sweet, buttery pound cake base. The contrast makes each bite bright and rich. A simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar adds the final touch. Perfect for slicing and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

Christmas Funfetti Cake

Loaded with festive sprinkles, this vanilla cake brings color and cheer to any gathering. The crumb is soft, and the frosting is usually a classic buttercream. Great for kids or parties. You can use holiday-themed sprinkles for extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Funfetti Cake

Christmas Mug Cake

This single-serve cake comes together in the microwave in just a few minutes. It’s soft, sweet, and ideal for when you want something festive without baking a full cake. Add chocolate chips, cinnamon, or crushed candy canes. Serve warm straight from the mug.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Mug Cake

Christmas Poke Cake

A baked cake is poked with holes and filled with pudding, jello, or flavored syrup for extra moisture and color. Topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it’s a fun and festive dessert. Serve chilled. Great for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Poke Cake

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake Recipe

This spiced cake is soft, molasses-rich, and filled with warmth from cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Serve with whipped cream or lemon sauce. It’s a holiday classic that never goes out of style. Keeps well for a few days.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

All the cozy flavor of gingerbread in a bundt form with a crisp edge and tender interior. A glaze or dusting of powdered sugar finishes it nicely. The shape makes it look fancy without extra work. Easy to slice and serve.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Red Velvet Christmas Cake

This rich red cake is layered with cream cheese frosting and sometimes decorated with green or gold accents. It’s moist with a hint of cocoa and plenty of color. Great for centerpieces or potlucks. Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Italian Christmas zuccotto cake

A dome-shaped dessert filled with whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit inside a sponge cake shell. It looks impressive but is easy to assemble with a bowl. The layers blend after chilling. Slice to show the colorful interior.
Get the Recipe: Italian Christmas zuccotto cake

Mini Christmas Cakes

These individual cakes are baked in small tins or molds, often decorated with icing or fondant. Perfect for gifts or single servings. Flavors range from fruitcake to spice cake. Wrap them in parchment or festive paper for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Mini Christmas Cakes

Gingerbread Layer Cake

This stacked version adds extra elegance to the classic gingerbread flavor. Layers are filled with frosting or cream cheese icing. Great for holiday parties. A sprinkle of cinnamon or candied ginger on top makes it stand out.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Layer Cake

Christmas Jello Poke Cake

This bright and bouncy cake uses red and green jello for a fun, colorful look inside. Topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, it’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults. Best served cold. Each slice shows off the festive colors.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Jello Poke Cake

Bacardi Rum Cake

A moist bundt cake soaked in a buttery rum glaze for rich flavor and a bit of boozy warmth. The texture is dense and soft. It keeps well and tastes even better the next day. Often made in advance and wrapped as a gift.
Get the Recipe: Bacardi Rum Cake

Cranberry Loaf Cake

Tart cranberries add bursts of flavor to a sweet loaf-style cake. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting. A glaze of orange or lemon adds brightness. Easy to slice and serve.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Loaf Cake

Christmas Cookie Cake

This giant cookie is baked like a cake and topped with frosting and decorations. It has the texture of a soft cookie with festive flair. Great for cutting into wedges. Add sprinkles or crushed candy canes on top.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookie Cake

Eggnog Poke Cake

This cake is soaked with an eggnog-infused mixture for moisture and flavor. Whipped topping and nutmeg finish it off. Serve chilled for best texture. Great for eggnog lovers looking for a unique twist.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Poke Cake

Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

A holiday version of the classic Latin American dessert, this one uses eggnog as part of the three-milk soak. It’s creamy, spiced, and full of holiday flavor. Chill thoroughly before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Tres Leches Cake