Festive Christmas Chocolate Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic

Sweet memories often swirl around a delightful christmas chocolate cake that sparks joy at holiday gatherings.

Festive aromas of rich cocoa and warm spices drift through kitchens, promising delectable moments.

Chocolate becomes the star ingredient, melting hearts and creating connections between loved ones.

Families cherish traditions where each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration.

Bakers delight in crafting something magical that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences.

Every crumb carries the spirit of togetherness, inviting you to create something truly special.

Let this recipe be your guide to spreading winter cheer with an irresistible dessert that will make everyone smile.

Chocolate Cake That Brings Rich Flavor to Every Holiday Bite

• Create Festive Magic: Transform your holiday dessert table with this decadent chocolate cake that captures the spirit of Christmas in every delectable bite.
• Impress Without Stress: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that looks and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Wow with Presentation: Dress up this stunning cake with elegant garnishes like fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, making it a showstopping centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
• Embrace Seasonal Comfort: Indulge in rich, moist chocolate layers that provide warm, cozy feelings during the festive season, bringing joy and deliciousness to every celebration.

Christmas Chocolate Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
• Milk: Creates tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor.
• Boiling Water, Coffee: Deepens chocolate intensity.

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth ganache base.
• Chocolate: Provides rich, glossy coating.
• Butter: Adds shine to ganache.
• Cranberries, Rosemary Sprigs: Festive holiday garnish.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates snowy decorative effect.

Crafting a Christmas Chocolate Cake with Rich Layers

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven toasty at 350°F. Grab three 8-inch round cake pans and give them a loving coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Dry Powder Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Rich cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Introduce Moisture Warriors

• Whole milk
• Vegetable oil
• Pure vanilla extract

Blend everything with an electric mixer until the batter looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Add Liquid Surprise

Pour in hot coffee or boiling water slowly. Mix gently until the batter becomes wonderfully thin and silky.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Craft Luxurious Ganache

Heat heavy cream until it’s simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for a moment. Stir in butter until the mixture becomes glossy and irresistible.

Step 7: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on a beautiful serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache. Repeat with remaining layers, leaving the sides delightfully exposed.

Step 8: Festive Final Touches

• Fresh cranberries
• Delicate rosemary sprigs
• Soft dusting of powdered sugar

Create a winter wonderland right on your cake plate!

Cake Tips That Max Out Holiday Chocolate Bliss

• Boost Moisture Magic: Replace milk with buttermilk for an extra tender, rich cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Temperature Trick: Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more even baking results.
• Depth of Flavor Hack: Add a splash of espresso or strong coffee to enhance the chocolate's deep, intense taste without making it taste like coffee.
• Holiday Decoration Pro: Use a stencil or fine mesh sieve for creating a perfect, delicate powdered sugar snowfall effect on top of the cake.
• Make-Ahead Mastermind: Bake cake layers in advance and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to reduce holiday stress.

Best Method to Keep Christmas Chocolate Cake Moist

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep at cool temperature away from direct sunlight.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Store frozen slices up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm single slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let cake sit at room temperature 15 minutes before serving to restore moisture and soft consistency.

Christmas Chocolate Cake Dessert Ideas

• Pair Festive Wines: Select a rich port wine or sweet Moscato to complement the cake's deep chocolate flavors, enhancing the holiday spirit with each delightful sip.
• Craft Creamy Accompaniments: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cream to balance the intense chocolate and add a luxurious cold contrast.
• Match Warming Beverages: Brew a dark roast coffee or spiced chai tea to echo the cake's rich chocolate notes and provide a cozy holiday drinking experience.
• Explore Liqueur Options: Add a splash of Irish cream or amaretto to your drink, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the cake's decadent chocolate profile.

Christmas Chocolate Cake Dessert Versions

• Gluten-Free Christmas Chocolate Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Holiday Chocolate Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based festive treat.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Christmas Cake: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's decadent chocolate essence.
• Dairy-Free Festive Chocolate Cake: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of dairy milk, and swap heavy cream with coconut cream for the ganache, creating a creamy alternative for lactose-intolerant guests.

FAQs

• Why does the recipe use boiling water or coffee?

The hot liquid helps activate the cocoa powder, making the chocolate flavor deeper and creating a ultra-moist cake texture that’s rich and tender.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers 1-2 days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature, then assemble and decorate when ready to serve.

• What makes the ganache so special?

The ganache uses a simple method of pouring hot cream over chocolate, which creates a smooth, silky coating that hardens slightly when cooled, giving the cake a luxurious finish.

• Is this cake good for people who aren't expert bakers?

Absolutely! The recipe is straightforward, with clear steps and basic ingredients. Even beginner bakers can create a stunning holiday dessert with this foolproof method.

Christmas Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive Christmas chocolate cake brings holiday cheer with its rich, moist layers of cocoa-infused delight. Delicate ganache and seasonal sprinkles crown this indulgent dessert, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas celebration.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Leavening and Seasoning Agents:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Liquid:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water or hot coffee

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by coating three 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, then set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base for the chocolate cake mixture.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, whisking thoroughly until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Gently introduce boiling water or coffee to the batter, stirring until fully integrated – the mixture will appear thin and liquid.
5. Distribute the chocolate batter evenly among the prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
6. Transfer pans to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
7. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on wire cooling racks, preventing moisture accumulation.
8. Create luxurious ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer, then pouring over finely chopped chocolate.
9. Allow the chocolate and cream to meld, then incorporate butter to enhance the ganache’s glossy appearance and rich flavor.
10. Carefully position the first cake layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of ganache between each subsequent layer.
11. Leave the cake’s sides exposed to showcase the beautiful layered interior.
12. Embellish the cake’s surface with festive cranberries, delicate rosemary sprigs, and a light dusting of powdered sugar, creating a wintry, elegant presentation.

Notes

• Swap milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free version that’s equally creamy and delicious.
• Add a splash of peppermint extract to the ganache for a festive holiday flavor boost that’ll wow your guests.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Reduce sugar by using dark cocoa powder and adding a touch of maple syrup for a more complex, less sweet chocolate experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg