Christmas Cheer Cake
My husband grew up watching the movie Elf with Will Ferrell, and it’s his absolute favorite holiday movie. When December rolls around each year, we play this movie on repeat and spread Christmas cheer for all to hear. “It’s just nice to meet another human who shares my affinity for elf culture,” if you know what I mean. So, for his milestone 40th birthday I wanted to surprise him with a cake that I knew he’d adore. “I planned out our whole day. First we make snow angels for 2 hours, and then we’ll go ice skating, and then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we’ll snuggle.” – Buddy
For those of you who may not know, my husband has been performing as a Standup Comedian for over 20 years. He is hilarious and has been making me laugh since the day we met. Check his YouTube Channel for some funny clips and his latest project, The Jerf D’Salsa Podcast available wherever you listen to podcasts (this is a shameless plug, wink wink). Better yet, if you are out this way check out one of his many live performances around town. Anyways, He has a long list of favorites, but Will Ferrell is definitely near the top when it comes to his all time favorite Comedians.
“Elf,” is a heartwarming holiday classic about a human named Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, who was raised by elves in the North Pole. Early on in the film, Buddy discovers that he’s actually human and embarks on a journey to New York City in search of finding his biological father. His childlike enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to spread holiday cheer make Buddy a character that resonates with audiences of all ages. Ferrell’s comedic timing, physical comedy, and genuine warmth contribute to this films timeless appeal.
My Holiday Cheer cake is definitely over the top, in true Buddy fashion. “We elves try to stick to four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup,” and this cake is loaded with all four. This 3 layered eggnog spiced cake is rich and moist with Rum Simple Syrup, spread with my festive Cream Cheese Frosting (Christmas Cheer), sprinkled with crushed Peppermint Candy Cane, filled with candy and candy corn, snow covered with powdered sugar, and topped with Buddy the Elf. It’s everything you could want in a festive delight, and so much more.
Nearly two decades after its release, “Elf” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers worldwide. It’s more than just a holiday movie, it’s a celebration of joy, family and the magic of Christmas. So gather your loved ones, eat some Holiday Cheer Cake, and let the infectious spirit of Buddy the Elf fill your home with laughter and warmth this holiday season. Even though this cake recipe is a tad bit naughty, in the words of Buddy “there’s room for everyone on the Nice List!”
Christmas Cheer Cake
Course: DessertDifficulty: Medium40
minutesIngredients
4 1/2 Cups Flour
4 1/2 Cups Baking Powder
1 1/2 Tsp. Salt
1 1/2 Tsp. Nutmeg
1 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1 1/2 Cups Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)
1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
1 1/2 Cups Light Brown Sugar (Packed)
6 Large Eggs
3 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 1/2 Eggnog
Food Color: Red, Green, Yellow
1/2 Cup Holiday M&Ms
1/2 Cup Holiday Candy Corn (Red, Green & White)
6 Candy Canes (Smashed)
Fondant
Fine Point Edible Markers (Black, Blue, Brown, Red)
- Rum Simple Syrup:
1/2 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 Tsp. Rum Extract
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 Cup Unsalted Salted Butter (Room Temperature)
2 Cups Cream Cheese (2 Blocks)
8 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
2 Tsp. Nutmeg
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 9″ round cake pans, and line with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl, and set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitter with a paddle, beat butter until smooth. Add granulated and light brown sugar and beat together until light and fluffy.
- Reduce speed and add eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Add Vanilla, and continue mixing.
- Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the bowl followed by half of the eggnog. Alternate remaining 2/3 flour and eggnog, and continue mixing until incorporated. Do not over mix.
- Divide batter equally into 3 separate bowls. Add red and food color into separate bowls, and mix until incorporated. Leave the third bowl without food color. Spread batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for approx. 30-35 minutes or until the center springs back when gently pressed. Let cakes cool completely before icing them.
- Rum Simple Syrup
- Pour water and sugar unto a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar is dissolved completely. Add Rum Extract, and stir until combined. Cool in fridge for a short time before pouring evenly over top of cake rounds (bottom side up to absorb).
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, and mix until incorporated.
- Add vanilla and nutmeg and continue beating until smooth.
- Assembly:
- Using a 88mm Round Cookie Cutter, cut out the center of the white cake round.
- Add a spoonful of Cream Cheese Frosting to center of Cake Base and pace the green cake layer on top. Frost the top of the cake round. Using crushed up candy cane pieces, spread an even layer.
- Add white layer with hole in the center on top of green cake. Fill the hole with M&M’s and Candy Corn. Frost the top of the white cake before adding the red layer on top. Frost the remainder of the cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Frost with a final coat of Cream Cheese frosting until perfectly smooth with clean edges.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top. Using a large metal icing tip, roll out a snow angel into the sugar.
- Using fondant, mold the shape of Buddy the Elf. Color in the eyes and add details using edible markers. Once complete, gently lay on top of the snow angel.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Save the center of white cake round, and allow your kids to decorate it with leftover icing and candies as a festive holiday treat, and a fun little activity.
