Chocolate Christmas Cake is the perfect festive dessert that will surely impress your guests this holiday season. This stunning cake is beautifully adorned with a vibrant cranberry ganache that not only elevates its appearance but also adds a delightful tartness that balances the rich chocolate flavor. Imagine serving this decadent treat at your holiday gatherings; it’s bound to be a showstopper! With its moist layers and luxurious frosting, this cake captures the essence of a traditional Christmas chocolate dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Christmas Cake

This rich chocolate cake for Christmas is not just a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. Here are a few reasons why this cake should be on your holiday table:

It’s a decadent chocolate Christmas cake that satisfies even the most discerning chocoholics.
The cranberry ganache adds a unique twist, making it a standout festive chocolate cake recipe.
This cake is easy to make, perfect for those looking for an easy chocolate cake for the holidays.
Great for any holiday gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
It embodies the spirit of Christmas with its flavors and festive decorations.

Ingredients for Chocolate Christmas Cake

Gather these items:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar

How to Make Chocolate Christmas Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 8: For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling, then pour over the cranberries and powdered sugar in a bowl.
Step 9: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then blend until smooth.
Step 10: Once the cakes are cool, spread the cranberry ganache over the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
Step 11: Decorate with additional cranberries if desired and serve.

Stunning Chocolate Christmas Cake with Cranberry Ganache - Chocolate Christmas Cake - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Christmas Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
For a more festive touch, consider adding peppermint frosting on top.

Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Christmas Cake

This rich chocolate cake can be served in various delightful ways:

Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
Top with whipped cream and sprinkle some festive decorations.
Serve with a side of hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Christmas Cake

To store, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat. This cake is great for meal prep during the busy holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Christmas Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Christmas Cake?

The secret lies in using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh ingredients. This ensures a moist and flavorful chocolate sponge cake for the holidays.

Can I make Chocolate Christmas Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a few days in advance and assemble them on the day you plan to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Christmas Cake?

Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and check for doneness with a toothpick to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry cake.

Variations of Chocolate Christmas Cake You Can Try

Here are a few creative twists on the classic:

Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Try a vegan chocolate Christmas cake recipe using plant-based substitutes.
Incorporate festive flavors like orange zest or cinnamon for a unique taste.
Top with a chocolate ganache instead of cranberry for a different flavor profile.

Stunning Chocolate Christmas Cake with Cranberry Ganache - Chocolate Christmas Cake - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Healthy Sloppy Joes or Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts!

Stunning Chocolate Christmas Cake with Cranberry Ganache

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Author: Margaret
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and visually stunning chocolate cake topped with a vibrant cranberry ganache, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling, then pour over the cranberries and powdered sugar in a bowl.
Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then blend until smooth.
Once the cakes are cool, spread the cranberry ganache over the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
Decorate with additional cranberries if desired and serve.