13 Fun and Simple Christmas Cake Recipes to Bake with Kids!

Christmas is the perfect time to get into the kitchen with your kids and whip up some festive treats. The holiday season brings back warm memories of baking with family, and what better way to share that joy than by creating special Christmas cakes together? This post is designed for families looking to bond over baking while sharing some delicious recipes.

If you’re a parent or caregiver who wants to spark your kids’ creativity, this is the perfect guide for you. With these 13 fun and simple Christmas cake recipes, you can turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland. Each recipe is easy to follow, ensuring that even the youngest bakers can join in the fun without feeling overwhelmed.

What can you expect? You’ll find a delightful mix of simple Christmas cake designs that will make your holiday baking a breeze. From adorable Gingerbread Cakes topped with fluffy whipped cream to festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes, these recipes are all about creativity and enjoyment. They’ll help you create lasting memories and delicious treats that everyone will love. So grab your aprons, preheat that oven, and let’s dive into the world of holiday baking fun!

Key Takeaways

– Discover 13 easy-to-follow Christmas cake recipes that are perfect for baking with kids.

– Each recipe features simple Christmas cake designs, making it manageable for young bakers.

– Create memorable holiday moments and delicious treats without the stress of complicated techniques.

– Recipes include festive favorites like Gingerbread Cake and Santa Hat Brownies that will delight the entire family.

– Engage your children in a fun and creative activity that fosters teamwork and joy in the kitchen.

1. Gingerbread Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Gingerbread cake is a holiday favorite that kids will love to create. The warm scents of ginger and cinnamon fill the kitchen, instantly setting a festive mood. This cake is topped with fluffy whipped cream, making it not just tasty but also fun to decorate. Kids can go wild with colorful candies and sprinkles for a festive touch!

Baking this cake together can be a delightful way to bond during the holidays. You can share laughs and stories while mixing the ingredients and waiting for the cake to bake. Plus, the finished product looks beautiful on any dessert table!

Let’s get started on this delicious treat!

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup molasses
1 cup whipped cream for frosting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs and molasses until well mixed.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Once cooled, top with whipped cream frosting and let the kids decorate!

Tips: For extra fun, add crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings on top for decoration!

FAQs:
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and frosted when ready to serve.

2. Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Make your cupcakes look like Christmas trees! These delightful treats are perfect for kids to decorate with colorful icing and fun toppings. Begin with a basic vanilla or chocolate cupcake as your base. Then, pipe green frosting to create a tree shape. Kids can have a blast adding sprinkles, marshmallows for snow, and chocolate chips for ornaments!

This activity not only encourages creativity but also teaches kids about measuring and decorating. Watching their cupcakes transform into festive trees will surely bring smiles all around!

Let’s dive into the recipe for these fun cupcakes!

Ingredients:
1 box chocolate or vanilla cake mix
3 eggs
1 cup water or milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Green frosting or icing
Edible decorations (sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, star-shaped candies)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
3. Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
6. Pipe green frosting onto the cupcakes in a spiral shape to resemble a tree.
7. Let the kids decorate with their favorite toppings!

Tips: Using a star tip for the frosting will make the trees look even more realistic!

FAQs:
Can these be made gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free cake mix for an allergy-friendly option.

3. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Red velvet cake is a showstopper! This rich dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and brings a festive pop of color to your table. Pair it with creamy cream cheese frosting for that delicious finish. Kids will love helping to spread the frosting and decorating with chocolate shavings or edible glitter!

Baking this cake can be a fun family activity, teaching kids about mixing flavors and cake decoration. The vibrant color and smooth frosting make it an eye-catching treat that everyone will enjoy.

Here’s how to whip up this delightful cake!

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup cream cheese, softened for frosting
1 cup powdered sugar for frosting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In another bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, and vanilla.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until fully combined.
5. Divide the batter between the two pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool before frosting with the cream cheese mixture — whip the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

Tips: For a fun touch, use festive cookie cutters to shape the cake into holiday-themed pieces!

FAQs:
How can I store leftover cake? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

4. Snowman Cake Pops

Snowman cake pops are both fun and tasty! These cute treats are perfect for the holiday season. Use leftover cake or a simple cake mix to create cake balls. Dip them in white chocolate and decorate to make adorable snowmen. Kids will enjoy rolling the cake balls and getting creative with decorations!

This activity can spark imagination as kids visualize how their snowmen will look. Plus, they’re a sweet treat that everyone will love.

Let’s check out how to make these fun cake pops!

Ingredients:
1 box cake mix (any flavor)
1 container frosting (any flavor)
1 lb white chocolate or candy melts
Lollipop sticks
Edible decorations (chocolate chips, orange candy for noses, edible markers)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
2. After baking, let the cake cool completely before crumbling it into a large bowl.
3. Mix in frosting until the mixture holds together.
4. Roll the mixture into balls and insert lollipop sticks.
5. Melt the white chocolate or candy melts and dip each cake pop, letting the excess drip off.
6. Decorate with chocolate chips for eyes and an orange candy for the nose!

Tips: Use edible markers to draw on scarves or smiles for extra fun!

FAQs:
How do I keep them from falling off the sticks? Make sure the cake pops are cold before dipping them in chocolate.

5. Chocolate Peppermint Layer Cake

Chocolate peppermint layer cake is a festive treat! This dessert combines rich chocolate cake with a hint of peppermint, topped with creamy peppermint frosting. It’s a great choice for kids who love chocolate and mint together!

Baking this cake can be a fantastic way to introduce kids to layering techniques in baking. The combination of flavors and textures will surely make this cake a holiday favorite.

Ready to make this delicious cake? Here’s how!

Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups heavy whipped cream for frosting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Cool completely, then frost with whipped cream mixed with a splash of peppermint extract.
7. Garnish with crushed peppermint candies!

Tips: For a fun touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes between the layers!

FAQs:
Can I use store-bought frosting? Yes, but homemade frosting adds a special touch!

Did you know kids remember recipes better after 15 minutes of layering? Chocolate peppermint cake teaches patience in 3 simple steps: bake, layer, frost. Involve them in counting ingredients and timers—it’s tasty math and a lesson in simple christmas cake designs.

6. Festive Fruitcake

Let’s put a twist on traditional fruitcake! This festive dessert can be made with your choice of dried fruits and nuts. It’s a wonderful way for kids to learn about measuring and mixing ingredients. The bright colors of the fruits make this fruitcake visually appealing and perfect for the holidays!

Making this cake can be a fun activity to share with your little ones, allowing them to experiment with different flavors and textures. Plus, it offers a chance to get creative with decorations.

Here’s how to whip up this delightful cake!

Ingredients:
2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well mixed.
4. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
5. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool and optionally glaze with a mix of powdered sugar and water.

Tips: For extra flavor, soak the dried fruits in juice or alcohol overnight!

FAQs:
Can I skip the nuts? Yes, customize the ingredients as per your preference!

7. Santa Hat Brownies

These Santa hat brownies are super cute! Bake a batch of fudgy brownies and top them with whipped cream and strawberries to create Santa’s hat. This fun dessert is easy to make and brings joy to the holiday season!

Kids will enjoy helping with the decorating process, making it a fun family activity. Plus, this treat is quick to prepare, so you can enjoy it with your loved ones right away!

Ready to make these adorable brownies? Here’s how!

Ingredients:
1 box brownie mix
Eggs, oil, and water as per box instructions
Whipped cream or whipped topping
Strawberries (fresh)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven according to brownie mix instructions and grease a baking pan.
2. Prepare the brownie batter as instructed on the box and bake.
3. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and top each with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
4. Place a strawberry upside down on top of each brownie for the Santa hat!

Tips: Use mini marshmallows to create a pom-pom at the top of the hat!

FAQs:
Can these be made ahead of time? Yes, prepare and store in the fridge for a couple of days!

8. Nutcracker Cookie Cake

This nutcracker cookie cake is a fun project! Bake a giant cookie and let kids decorate it with icing, candies, and sprinkles to create a nutcracker theme. It’s not only delicious but also a creative outlet for everyone involved!

This activity sparks creativity and brings everyone together for a fun baking session. Kids can express themselves through decorating while enjoying a sweet treat.

Let’s get started on this fun cookie cake!

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
Edible decorations (colored icing, candies, sprinkles)

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large round pizza pan.
2. In a bowl, cream butter with both sugars until fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla until well mixed.
4. Gradually incorporate flour and baking soda until smooth.
5. Spread the dough on the pizza pan and bake for 20 minutes or until golden.
6. Cool completely, then let kids decorate as they like!

Tips: Use edible markers for added details on the nutcracker face!

FAQs:
How do I store leftover cookie cake? Keep it covered at room temperature for up to three days.

9. Candy Cane Cheesecake

This no-bake candy cane cheesecake is a festive favorite! It’s easy to make and perfect for your holiday dessert table. The creamy texture combined with the crunch of crushed candy canes gives it a delightful twist. Kids can help mix and layer the ingredients for this fun treat!

Making this cheesecake can be a fun way to involve kids in the kitchen, allowing them to learn about layering and presentation. Plus, it’s a delicious dessert that everyone will love!

Here’s how to make this scrumptious cheesecake!

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers for crust
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
2. Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form the crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Fold in the crushed candy canes and pour over the crust.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Tips: Top with whipped cream and additional crushed candy canes for a festive touch!

FAQs:
Can I make it the day before? Yes, it stores well overnight!

No-bake candy cane cheesecake is a kid-friendly win: easy to assemble, quick to chill, and endlessly shareable. Pro tip: let kids crush the candy canes and layer the cream cheese—practical, festive, and delicious—perfect for simple christmas cake designs.

10. Holiday Spiced Apple Cake

Warm up with this holiday spiced apple cake! Packed with chunks of fresh apples and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect winter dessert. Kids will love helping peel and chop the apples, and the delightful aroma will fill your home with festive cheer. Top it with a simple glaze or serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a special treat!

This cake is a wonderful way to get kids involved in cooking, teaching them about flavors and textures. Plus, it makes a lovely dessert for family gatherings.

Let’s get started on baking this delicious cake!

Ingredients:
2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze ingredients (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add the chopped apples to the wet ingredients.
4. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet until just mixed.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes.
6. Optionally, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and water.

Tips: Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts can provide an extra crunch!

FAQs:
How do I know when it’s done? A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

11. Reindeer Cupcakes

These reindeer cupcakes are sure to be a hit! Start with a chocolate cupcake base and top it with brown frosting. Use pretzel sticks for antlers, candy eyes, and a red candy nose to create adorable reindeer faces! This simple design is not only fun to make but also a treat to eat!

Kids will enjoy assembling these cupcakes, making it a fun family activity during the holidays. It’s a great way to combine baking and crafting into one delicious project.

Here’s how to bring these festive cupcakes to life!

Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
Eggs, water, and oil as per box instructions
Brown frosting
Pretzel sticks for antlers
Candy eyes and red M&M for nose

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven and prepare cupcakes according to package instructions.
2. Once cooled, frost each cupcake with brown frosting.
3. Insert pretzel sticks into the frosting as antlers.
4. Add candy eyes and M&M nose to complete the look!

Tips: Use mini pretzels if regular ones are too big for the antlers!

FAQs:
Can I use a different type of frosting? Yes, feel free to get creative with flavors!

12. Christmas Pudding Cake

This Christmas pudding cake is a fun dessert! It combines chocolate cake with layers of rich pudding, whipped cream, and festive decorations. Kids can help layer the ingredients and come up with creative topping ideas!

This cake is a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen, making it a fun family project. Plus, it’s a delicious treat that’s sure to impress your guests during the holidays!

Let’s get started on making this delightful dessert!

Ingredients:
1 box chocolate cake mix
Ingredients as per box instructions
2 cups chocolate pudding mix (instant)
1 cup whipped cream for layering
Edible decorations (sprinkles, chocolate shavings)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and let cool.
2. Bake in a round cake pan and cool completely.
3. Layer the cake with chocolate pudding and whipped cream in between layers.
4. Garnish with festive decorations!

Tips: Use a piping bag to create fun designs with the whipped cream!

FAQs:
How long can I store leftovers? It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days!

Getting kids involved turns Christmas pudding cake into a memory you bake together, not just a dessert. Simple christmas cake designs become a playful family project: layer chocolate cake with pudding, whip cream, and fun toppings.

13. Snowflake Bundt Cake

This elegant snowflake bundt cake shines! With a moist vanilla or lemon flavor and a beautiful glaze, it makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table. Kids can help drizzle icing and sprinkle powdered sugar to mimic falling snowflakes!

This cake is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to engage kids in the baking process. They’ll love getting creative with decorations and seeing their masterpiece come to life.

Ready to bake this beautiful cake? Here’s how!

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
6 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and milk.
4. Gradually add the flour until combined.
5. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Cool before removing from the pan.
7. Drizzle with icing and dust with powdered sugar for a snowy look!

Tips: Use a citrus glaze for an extra zesty flavor!

FAQs:
Can I use a different flavor? Yes, feel free to experiment with different extracts!

Conclusion

Baking together during the holiday season brings families closer, creating sweet memories and delicious treats to enjoy. The above recipes offer a variety of fun and simple Christmas cake designs, perfect for involving kids in the festive spirit. From gingerbread to chocolate delights, there’s something here for every taste and skill level. So, gather your ingredients, invite the kids into the kitchen, and let the holiday baking begin!

Happy Holidays and happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Simple Christmas Cake Designs That Kids Can Help With?

Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and when it comes to simple Christmas cake designs, there are plenty of fun options! Think about decorating with colorful icing, festive sprinkles, or even edible glitter. You can create snowmen, Christmas trees, or gingerbread houses using basic shapes.

Let the kids unleash their creativity, and remember that the process is just as important as the final product!

How Can I Make Baking Christmas Cakes Fun for Kids?

To make baking Christmas cakes fun for kids, turn it into a festive activity! Play some holiday music, set up a decorating station with all sorts of toppings, and encourage them to express their creativity. Consider having a friendly competition to see who can create the most festive cake design. The laughter and joy will make it a memorable experience for everyone involved!

What Ingredients Are Best for Simple Christmas Cake Recipes With Kids?

For simple Christmas cake recipes that kids can help with, stick to basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. You can add fun flavors like vanilla or chocolate, and don’t forget the festive touches like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips! Look for recipes that use fewer ingredients to keep it easy and enjoyable for little bakers to follow along.

How Do I Ensure Baking is Safe and Enjoyable for Kids?

Safety first! To ensure baking is safe and enjoyable for kids, supervise closely while they use knives or the oven. Set clear boundaries and ensure they understand kitchen safety rules. Use kid-friendly tools like silicone baking mats and plastic measuring cups. Most importantly, keep the atmosphere light and fun—encourage them to ask questions and celebrate their baking successes together!

Can You Share Some Easy Decorating Tips for Christmas Cakes Made with Kids?

Absolutely! When it comes to decorating Christmas cakes, simplicity is key. Use store-bought frosting for quick application, and let the kids use their imagination with toppings like candies, fruit, or chocolate shavings. Pipe simple designs using a zip-top bag with the corner cut off for easy control. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let the kids take the lead in their cake creations!