The Holiday Snowflake Cake is a stunning centerpiece for your festive celebrations, combining a moist and tender cake with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or an elegant white icing to resemble a snow-covered winter wonderland. This cake is not only visually striking but also packed with warm holiday flavors like vanilla, almond, or even a hint of spice. Perfect for Christmas or any winter gathering, the Holiday Snowflake Cake captures the magic of the season and is sure to impress your guests with its intricate design and delightful taste.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk
- For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- White sanding sugar or edible glitter (for decoration)
- For the Decoration:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Snowflake-shaped sprinkles or sugar decorations (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a snowflake-shaped cake pan or a regular 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Decorate the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top, letting it flow down the sides.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar to create a snow-like effect. Sprinkle with white sanding sugar or edible glitter for extra sparkle. Add snowflake-shaped sprinkles or sugar decorations if desired.
- Serve:
- Let the icing set for a few minutes before slicing. Serve your Holiday Snowflake Cake on a festive platter and enjoy!
This beautiful and festive Holiday Snowflake Cake is sure to be the star of your dessert table, bringing both flavor and holiday cheer to your celebrations!
