The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a show-stopping Christmas ornament cake? This delightful dessert is sure to impress your family and friends, and with these 5 easy ways, you can create a stunning Christmas ornament cake that will be the centerpiece of your holiday gathering.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a Christmas ornament cake, from the basic recipe to the finishing touches. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you'll find these steps easy to follow and the results truly magical.
What is a Christmas Ornament Cake?
A Christmas ornament cake is a type of cake that is designed to look like a Christmas ornament. It's typically a spherical or oval-shaped cake that is decorated with festive colors and designs, such as red and green stripes, holly leaves, or snowflakes. The cake is usually made with a dense, moist batter that is easy to shape and decorate.
Why Make a Christmas Ornament Cake?
There are many reasons why you should make a Christmas ornament cake this holiday season. Here are just a few:
- It's a unique and impressive dessert that will wow your guests.
- It's a great way to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate the season.
- It's a fun and creative project that you can work on with family and friends.
- It's a delicious dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Method 1: Using a Cake Pan
One of the easiest ways to make a Christmas ornament cake is by using a cake pan. You can use a spherical or oval-shaped cake pan to create the perfect shape for your ornament cake.
Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease your cake pan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
Method 2: Using a Ball-Shaped Cake
Another way to make a Christmas ornament cake is by using a ball-shaped cake. You can use a store-bought cake or make your own using a ball-shaped cake pan.
Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease your cake pan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
Method 3: Using Fondant
If you want to create a more realistic Christmas ornament cake, you can use fondant to cover and decorate your cake. Fondant is a type of sugar dough that can be colored and molded into different shapes and designs.
Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons of water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Mix until the fondant is smooth and pliable.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the fondant.
- Knead the fondant until it is smooth and easy to work with.
- Use the fondant to cover and decorate your cake.
Method 4: Using Buttercream Frosting
Another way to decorate your Christmas ornament cake is by using buttercream frosting. You can use a store-bought frosting or make your own using a recipe.
Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the salt and vanilla extract.
- Use the buttercream frosting to decorate your cake.
Method 5: Using Candy Melts
Finally, you can use candy melts to decorate your Christmas ornament cake. Candy melts are a type of candy coating that can be melted and molded into different shapes and designs.
Here's a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of candy melts
- 1 tablespoon of shortening (optional)
Instructions:
- Melt the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each heating.
- If desired, add a tablespoon of shortening to the melted candy melts to thin them out.
- Use the melted candy melts to decorate your cake.
We hope these 5 methods have inspired you to create a stunning Christmas ornament cake this holiday season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, you can use these steps to create a delicious and festive dessert that will wow your family and friends.
What is the best way to decorate a Christmas ornament cake?
+The best way to decorate a Christmas ornament cake is to use a combination of fondant, buttercream frosting, and candy melts. You can use fondant to cover and shape the cake, buttercream frosting to add color and texture, and candy melts to add details and designs.
How do I make a ball-shaped cake?
+To make a ball-shaped cake, you can use a ball-shaped cake pan or carve a spherical shape out of a round cake. You can also use a cake turntable to help you shape and decorate the cake.
What is the best type of cake to use for a Christmas ornament cake?
+The best type of cake to use for a Christmas ornament cake is a dense, moist cake that can hold its shape well. You can use a recipe that includes ingredients like pound cake, fruitcake, or gingerbread.