The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a delicious cake to share with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for something classic, festive, or a bit more adventurous, Christmas cakes come in all flavors and styles. Here are some of the best cakes to bake or buy this holiday season, along with the best places to find them.
1. Traditional Fruitcake
A staple of Christmas baking, fruitcake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often soaked in rum or brandy. It’s a dense, rich cake that’s perfect for those who love a boozy dessert. For a high-quality fruitcake, head to Williams-Sonoma. Their fruitcakes are renowned for their moist texture and deep flavors, and they offer a great selection of options, from classic to gluten-free. See recipe here
2. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)
The Yule Log, or Bûche de Noël, is a stunning rolled sponge cake filled with rich buttercream and covered in chocolate ganache, designed to resemble a log. It’s not only delicious but also a visual centerpiece at holiday gatherings. For the best Yule log cakes, visit Whole Foods. Their version is made with organic ingredients, and you can find both traditional and vegan options. See recipe here
3. Red Velvet Cake
Red velvet cake, with its striking red color and creamy cream cheese frosting, is a favorite for festive occasions. The slightly tangy flavor paired with the richness of the frosting makes it a holiday treat. Magnolia Bakery, known for its decadent red velvet cakes, offers some of the best slices. With locations in several major cities and nationwide delivery, you can enjoy this cake without the baking fuss. See recipe here
4. Gingerbread Cake
Gingerbread cake is full of cozy spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it perfect for the holiday season. It’s often paired with a rich cream cheese frosting. For a high-quality gingerbread cake, check out Baked by Melissa, which offers individual gingerbread cupcakes in fun, mini sizes, making it easy to serve and share. See recipe here
5. Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
A luxurious and indulgent cake, the chocolate hazelnut cake features layers of rich chocolate ganache, hazelnut cream, and a moist chocolate sponge. Eataly offers a stunning chocolate hazelnut cake that brings together premium Italian ingredients. You can find this cake at their stores or online, and it’s perfect for those who enjoy a decadent treat. See recipe here
6. Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is another holiday classic, loved for its spiced flavor and the balance of sweetness from the carrots and raisins. Topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to please any crowd. Sprinkles Cupcakes is a great place to grab a delicious carrot cake, available in both cupcake and full-size cake forms. Their cakes are rich, moist, and always made with fresh ingredients. See recipe here
7. Snowy Coconut Cake
A beautiful cake for Christmas, the snowy coconut cake is made with layers of moist cake and covered in a fluffy coconut frosting, giving it the appearance of fresh snow. For a standout version, visit Milk Bar, known for their playful approach to traditional cakes. Their coconut cakes are sweet, light, and always beautifully presented. See recipe here
These Christmas cakes are guaranteed to bring joy to your holiday table. Whether you decide to bake them yourself or pick up one from these top spots, these cakes will surely create lasting memories for you and your loved ones this season.
