Chaos Cake Christmas Swirls (Print Version)

Vibrant layers and festive buttercream swirls create a playful centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

# Components:

→ Cake Layers

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - Gel food coloring (green, red, yellow, blue)

→ Buttercream

10 - 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
11 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 1/4 cup whole milk
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Gel food coloring (green, red, yellow, blue)

→ Decoration

16 - Edible glitter
17 - Gold stars
18 - Christmas sprinkles
19 - Assorted candies (gumdrops, mini chocolate balls)
20 - Pretzel sticks (optional, for tree trunk)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 6-inch, two 4-inch, and one 3-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them. Bake in batches if necessary.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and airy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually add the large eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract.
04 - Add the prepared flour mixture to the creamed butter in three separate additions, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and conclude with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
05 - Divide the cake batter equally into four separate bowls. Tint each portion with gel food coloring to achieve vibrant hues. Pour each colored batter into the prepared cake pans. Use a skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
06 - Bake the cakes for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. Divide the buttercream into portions and tint each with gel food coloring.
08 - Level each cake layer if required. Stack the cooled cake layers from largest to smallest, spreading a layer of buttercream between each tier. Offset the placement of each layer to create a whimsical, crooked Christmas tree silhouette.
09 - Using a star or round piping tip, pipe decorative buttercream branches in swirling patterns around the stacked cake layers, alternating the vibrant colors. Adorn the finished tree with edible glitter, assorted candies, and Christmas sprinkles.
10 - If desired, insert a pretzel stick at the base of the cake to serve as the tree trunk.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Brings a whimsical wow factor to any holiday party
  • Uses basic cake and buttercream ingredients found in most kitchens
  • Completely customizable with whatever candies or colors you love
  • Great for involving little helpers in decorating
  • Ready in about an hour and fifteen minutes with showstopping results
02 -
  • High in festive fun and perfect for group decorating
  • Flexible for gluten free diets when using alternate flour
  • Easily adapts to any color theme or seasonal decor

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