27 Christmas Cakes Recipe Ideas For When You Want a Treat That Looks Festive

ByMandy Applegate

A list featuring 27 Christmas cakes is just what you need for the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a big family event or having a quiet night in, there’s something for every mood. You’ll spot ideas that suit hectic schedules as well as showstoppers that look right at home on a decorated table.

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
Rich German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with cherry sauce, sitting on a beige plate.
Sweet Cherry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright bursts of flavor topped with a creamy layer always create smiles. Serving this Sweet Cherry Cheesecake at gatherings seems to spark curiosity. Every bite brings that familiar bakery goodness most people crave during the holidays. Not everyone expects this cake to be so smooth until they try it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cherry Cheesecake

Moist Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background.
Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

As the aroma fills the kitchen, people start peeking in to see what’s baking. This Moist Pumpkin Cake makes chilly evenings cozier and adds something special to dessert spreads. I always notice the warmth it brings to fall celebrations. A single slice feels like a little seasonal comfort.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible.
Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich, silky layers meet a sweet crackly top, making every forkful feel fancy without all the fuss. I always wonder if guests can tell how easy this Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake is to pull off. It looks like the kind of dessert you’d find at an upscale restaurant. Friends ask for the recipe every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

A close-up of a sliced muffin filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze.
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, bite-sized treats spark the most excitement at dessert tables. The surprise filling inside these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes keeps everyone guessing until that first taste. Each cupcake feels a bit like a party trick. Nobody can resist reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Buttery Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Buttery Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Morning gatherings feel brighter when something sweet pairs with a warm drink. I like how bringing this Buttery Coffee Cake to brunch encourages people to linger just a bit longer. It has a way of turning everyday moments into something memorable. Simple, fragrant, and never dry, this one is a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Three chocolate cake pops shaped like reindeer, with pretzel antlers and red candy noses, on wooden sticks.
Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Festive shapes have a way of lighting up any dessert station, and these treats always get snapped up first. With these Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops, people love how easy they are to share, especially during holiday fun. I find them just right for both kids and adults. The cuteness alone wins over the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Moist Red Velvet Cake

Red Velvet Cake with whipped cream swirls on a cakestand.
Moist Red Velvet Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No holiday dessert lineup feels complete without a bold splash of red. Guests often pause to admire this Moist Red Velvet Cake before even tasting it. It’s rich, dramatic, and somehow feels just right for festive tables. Every bite brings a hint of nostalgia and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Moist Red Velvet Cake

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Three cupcakes topped with swirled frosting, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, pinecones, and powdered sugar, with a small decorative house in the foreground.
Gingerbread Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Aromatic spices fill the air as these treats cool on the counter, sparking childhood memories for many. I’ve brought this Gingerbread Cupcakes recipe to winter gatherings and noticed people ask for the secret behind the flavor. The comforting scents stick around even after the last crumb is gone. Warmth lingers with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes

Easy Apple Dump Cake

Close-up of an apple crumble dessert with a golden crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a spoon placed inside the dish.
Easy Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lazy afternoons call for desserts that come together fast but still impress. When I make this Easy Apple Dump Cake, everyone is surprised at how little effort deliciousness can require. It turns out simple, yet each bite feels homemade. Enjoying the familiar taste always brings a wave of contentment.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dump Cake

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer.
Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Playful treats spark smiles before anyone even tries them. The charm of these Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes makes them a conversation starter at any winter gathering. Serving them is like adding a dash of magic to your party table. Each cupcake brings a cheerful, festive energy to celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm spices and sweet swirls make mornings feel extra cozy. I reach for a slice of this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake when I want to create a bakery-style breakfast at home. Each piece captures the comfort everyone craves on crisp days. Sharing it means sharing a happy moment with those around you.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Classic Strawberry Cheesecake

A slice of strawberry-topped cheesecake is being lifted above the rest of the cake, showing a graham cracker crust and creamy filling.
Classic Strawberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh strawberry garnish always draws a crowd to the dessert table. This Classic Strawberry Cheesecake has that smooth texture and gentle sweetness most people love. Every bite feels creamy and light, perfect for ending a big holiday meal. Familiar flavors never go out of style during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Classic Strawberry Cheesecake

Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

A slice of festive Christmas Poke Cake with red swirls and pink frosting, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry, sits elegantly on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Christmas Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hidden layers give this treat its festive flair, making it an instant favorite at parties. I’ve noticed that Sweet Christmas Poke Cake disappears especially fast at potlucks. Each slice offers a surprise, which everyone seems to enjoy. The colors on the plate feel just right for the season.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Several red velvet cupcakes with swirls of cream cheese frosting and sprinkled crumbs on top, arranged on a light-colored surface.
Red Velvet Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Little bursts of color catch the eye on crowded dessert tables. Friends often reach for this Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe because it seems to signal something special. The mix of rich flavor and a hint of cocoa feels perfect for cold-weather gatherings. Sometimes the simplest treats get the biggest reaction.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Autumn-inspired flavors blend beautifully with a cup of coffee in hand. When I set out this Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake, friends remark on its warm, comforting notes. It’s the type of dessert that makes staying in on chilly evenings appealing. Slices disappear before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background.
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A hint of nostalgia fills the room when these show up after dinner. With Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, each bite reminds you of cozying up by the fireplace. I like how they combine chocolate cake with a bit of whipped topping, all in one treat. People always ask if there will be seconds.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Moist Chocolate Cake

A close-up of a slice of chocolate layer cake with chocolate frosting on a plate, with a fork beside it.
Moist Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Deep chocolate flavor and a tender crumb are the hallmarks of this dessert. Slicing into this Moist Chocolate Cake feels like opening a present you know will please. It’s an easy choice for birthdays or holiday celebrations. Friends often linger by the dessert tray hoping for another serving.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate Cake

Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Cupcake with green frosting, adorned with red and green candy pieces, resembling a Christmas tree.
Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing draws attention quite like whimsical desserts at a holiday party. The colors and decorations on these Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes create instant excitement. I love seeing hands reach for them as soon as the platter appears. Their playful look fits perfectly with joyful gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Dense Fruit Cake

A close-up of a fruitcake with a slice being lifted out, showing its dense texture and pieces of dried fruit inside.
Dense Fruit Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic recipes tend to tell their own stories through tradition and flavor. This Dense Fruit Cake brings back memories of old-fashioned holiday spreads. Its rich texture and fruity bits encourage guests to linger over dessert. Appreciation grows with each bite as nostalgia takes over.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background.
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chocolate and caramel together create an unexpected twist people talk about long after the party ends. Slices of this Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake look as impressive as they taste. I like hearing guests guess what’s in the recipe. The sweet and salty layers always spark interest.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Starbucks pink cake pops in a glass on a table.
Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Small bites with big flavor usually disappear the fastest at gatherings. This Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop reminds everyone of favorite coffee shop treats, but homemade feels even more special. Fun to eat and easy to serve, these pops fit any holiday spread. The charm is in their vibrant, polished look.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Santa Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with red frosting swirled to resemble Santa hats, topped with powdered sugar and a small marshmallow, with miniature decorative trees in the foreground.
Santa Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright red hats and white trim make these treats the talk of the dessert table. I’ve noticed Santa Cupcakes always draw smiles from young and old alike. The playful decorations help set the mood for any winter gathering. Each bite brings a bit of holiday spirit to the party.
Get the Recipe: Santa Cupcakes

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Once the cake is flipped, juicy fruit and caramel colors create a show-stopping reveal. Everyone seems to remember enjoying this Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake at some point. It’s that rare dessert that never goes out of style. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like seeing it glisten under the lights.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Rich Oreo Cheesecake

A slice of cookies and cream cheesecake is being lifted from a plate. The cake has a crumbly cookie crust, creamy filling with cookie pieces, and a topping of crushed cookies.
Rich Oreo Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Oreo-lovers light up when they spot this dessert on the table. The smooth layers in this Rich Oreo Cheesecake bring together two favorites in every slice. I find myself making extra because guests always ask for more. It feels a little like childhood, reimagined for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Rich Oreo Cheesecake

Amish Cinnamon Cake

Three pieces of crumbly coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl are stacked on a plate, with two white mugs partially visible around them.
Amish Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simplicity shines in this old-fashioned recipe, winning over both young and older guests. This Amish Cinnamon Cake pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or just a good conversation. Its cozy flavor brings a sense of comfort to any get-together. Slices vanish quickly, which tells you everything you need to know.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Cake

Easy Christmas Dump Cake

A plate of fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, accompanied by a spoon.
Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Desserts that come together in minutes feel like a holiday miracle when time is tight. With Easy Christmas Dump Cake, you get all the flavors of the season on one cheerful plate. Minimal effort, maximum reward—people always ask how it was made. The colorful topping makes it stand out from the rest.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Rich German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
Rich German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Deep, layered flavors mark a recipe guests love talking about. This Rich German Chocolate Cake adds a bit of drama to dessert tables without any fuss. I’ve brought it to gatherings where people usually ask for the secret behind its texture. Sharing it means giving everyone a small slice of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Rich German Chocolate Cake

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