Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that combines nostalgia, festive cheer, and irresistibly creamy frosting, you’ve got to try my Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This isn’t just any sheet cake—it’s like your favorite holiday memories baked into one delightfully tender vanilla cake, topped with that dreamy cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with all the holiday magic. Trust me, once you make this, your Christmas parties will never be the same!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients working together for a perfectly balanced cake. I recommend using fresh sour cream and good-quality unsalted butter—small details that really up the flavor and texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted gives you control over the saltiness; also soften the frosting butter for easier mixing.
• Water: Helps melt the butter and bring ingredients together for that moist crumb.
• All-Purpose Flour: Basic and versatile, just be sure to measure properly to keep the cake light.
• Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness—opt for granulated for the cake, powdered for the frosting.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and moisture; a heaping half cup works wonders here.
• Eggs: Eggs enrich and bind the batter; I always use large eggs straight from the fridge.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, inviting flavor twist.
• Baking Soda: Ensures the cake rises perfectly—make sure it’s fresh!
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors; remember just a pinch for balance.
• Cream Cheese (for frosting): Softened cream cheese gives the frosting its signature tang and creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: For creamy, smooth frosting. Adjust quantity to your sweetness preference.
• Mini Candy Canes: For decorating—break off the crooks to make straight trunks!
• Round Peppermint Candies: Creates cute “stars” atop your Christmas tree slices.
• Assorted Holiday Sprinkles: Adds color and that festive sparkle; choose your favorites!

Variations

I love how versatile this Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is—you can customize it to suit your style or the occasion. Over the years, I’ve played around with flavors and toppings to keep things exciting.

• Add Spices: I sometimes add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the batter to give the cake a warm holiday scent—it’s a cozy twist everyone appreciates.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well, just keep an eye on texture and maybe reduce baking time slightly.
• Fruity Upgrade: Adding finely chopped dried cranberries or even a handful of mini chocolate chips in the batter adds a nice surprise inside.
• Different Frosting: Though cream cheese is classic here, I’ve occasionally swapped in whipped vanilla frosting for a lighter finish that still pairs beautifully.

How to Make Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the center and preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, grease an 18×13-inch rimmed half sheet pan really well with butter or non-stick spray—that ensures your cake lifts easily after baking. I like using butter because it adds a touch of extra flavor to the crust.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Batter

In a large pot, melt the 1¼ cups of butter together with the water, then bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the flour, sugar, and sour cream. This paste-like batter should cool down fast enough so you can add the eggs without scrambling them—if it’s still too hot, let it sit for a couple minutes. Then mix in the eggs, vanilla, baking soda (make sure it’s lumpy-free), and salt until everything’s smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, but don’t just rely on timing—insert a toothpick in the center after 15 minutes. If it comes out clean, your cake is done! It’s important not to overbake or the cake will dry out. Let the cake cool completely before frosting, or you’ll risk melting that luscious cream cheese frosting.

Step 4: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla, beating on high until the frosting is perfectly fluffy and creamy. I like to start with 3½ cups of powdered sugar, then add more if I want a thicker or sweeter frosting—taste as you go!

Step 5: Assemble and Decorate

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top and smooth it out. Immediately sprinkle the whole surface with your holiday sprinkles and press them gently into the frosting so they stick. Now comes the fun part: stand your pan vertically and cut three vertical lines to make four rows, then slice six Christmas tree–shaped triangles per row. Carefully remove each triangle with a thin spatula and arrange them on a serving platter.

For the final flourish, insert a straight mini candy cane piece at the base of each tree as the trunk and press a round peppermint candy onto the top like a shining star. These little touches are what make this cake so festive and charming!

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this sheet cake not just with sprinkles and peppermint candies, but sometimes I’ll add crushed candy canes or edible glitter for that extra sparkle. Fresh cranberries can also make a beautiful contrast and fresh pop of flavor if you want to get creative.

Side Dishes

Since this cake is sweet and rich, I like serving it with light sides like a warm spiced tea or fresh citrus fruit salad to cut through the sweetness. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or even a glass of cold milk—classic combo!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange the triangular cake “trees” clustered like a miniature Christmas forest on a festive platter, adding sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine needles around them for an aromatic touch. Sometimes I place each tree on a small decorative cupcake liner for easy serving and pretty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, store any leftover cake trees in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. This keeps the frosting fresh and the cake moist for up to 5 days. I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cake trees before for future parties. Freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture holds up surprisingly nicely!

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds—the frosting will soften but still taste delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it blends holiday tradition with a bit of whimsy that delights everyone. Whenever I bring this cake out, the smiles and compliments remind me why I keep returning to it year after year. I promise you’ll enjoy making and sharing this festive treat just as much as eating it. So dust off your mixing bowls and get ready to impress your holiday guests with a slice of pure joy!

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