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Berry Merry Christmas Cake

Berry Merry Christmas Cake is a festive and vibrant dessert bursting with fresh berries and layers of fluffy cake. Perfect for the holiday season, this cake combines the sweetness of mixed berries with a light, airy sponge and whipped cream frosting, creating a delightful centerpiece for your Christmas celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Berry Compote:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Frosting:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Additional fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  • Make the Cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Stir in the sour cream until fully combined.
    • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
    • Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Berry Compote:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and let the berry compote cool to room temperature. You can also refrigerate it to speed up the cooling process.
  • Make the Whipped Cream Frosting:
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
  • Assemble the Cake:
    • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of berry compote over the top, then add a generous layer of whipped cream frosting.
    • Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process, spreading more berry compote and whipped cream on top.
    • Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves, if desired.

Notes

  • For a more intense berry flavor, make the berry compote ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight.
  • You can substitute the berries with your favorite fruits, such as blackberries or cherries, depending on availability.
  • If you want to make the cake ahead of time, bake and frost it a day before serving, and keep it refrigerated.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut yogurt.

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