Name: Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) butter, softened; 1 tsp McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract; 16 oz confectioners' sugar, sifted; 2 tbsp (2% or whole) milk; Pinch salt

There’s something about a light, fluffy frosting paired with a tender cake that just feels festive and indulgent without being too heavy. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe—it’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort that really makes holiday gatherings feel special.

The image shows a stacked dessert with two pieces placed one on top of the other on a white marbled surface. Each piece has three clear layers inside: the top and bottom layers are bright red and green sponge cake, with a smooth white cream layer in the middle. The outside of the dessert is covered with a shiny dark chocolate coating that looks thick and smooth, especially visible on the sides and top edges. The background is softly blurred with a glass bottle of milk that adds a simple, clean look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely smitten with this Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe because it feels fancy without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those desserts that you can whip up with confidence, knowing it’ll impress both visually and in taste.

Effortlessly Elegant: The whipped frosting is smooth and airy, giving a bakery-level finish with minimal fuss.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry — no specialty items required.
Customizable Flavor: I love adding my favorite extracts or a touch of citrus zest to make it uniquely yours.
Perfect for Gifting: This cake holds up well, making it a thoughtful, homemade Christmas gift that looks stunning.

The image shows four small round cakes covered fully with smooth, dark brown chocolate frosting. Three cakes are stacked in a pyramid on a white cake stand with a short base, while one cake is placed on a white square plate in the front. The chocolate frosting has a soft, glossy texture with visible swirls and slight unevenness, giving a homemade feel. A glass bottle filled with white milk is in the background to the right, all set on a white marbled surface that softly reflects the items. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this whipped frosting plays a key role in making the texture light but sturdy enough to hold its shape. I always recommend using high-quality vanilla—you’ll notice the difference immediately. Also, starting with softened butter makes whipping easier and the final frosting fluffier.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of softened pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white confectioners' sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, and a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals loosely scattered beside the bowls, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using softened butter ensures a creamy base that whips up light and fluffy without lumps.
Pure Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the overall flavor, so don’t skip it.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Since it’s powdered and fine, it dissolves smoothly into the butter without any grit.
Milk (2% or Whole): A splash of milk keeps the frosting spreadable and helps achieve that delicate whipped texture.
Pinch of Salt: This balances the sweetness and brings out the deeper flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want a subtle almond hint or a splash of fresh citrus, feel free to experiment—this frosting is a friendly base for flavors.

Variation: Once, I swapped out vanilla for peppermint extract and sprinkled crushed candy canes on top. It was festive and refreshing—a big hit at our holiday party.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a vegan butter and a plant-based milk to keep it inclusive; just beat a bit longer for the right texture.
Colorful Twist: Add natural food coloring or beet juice to tint the frosting softly pink or green, turning your cake into an instant showstopper.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Butter Until Light and Fluffy

Begin by placing your softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. You’ll see the butter turn paler and take on a silky, airy texture—that’s your cue to move to the next step. This part is key because it sets the stage for the light frosting we want.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Sugar, Milk, and Salt Gradually

Drop in your vanilla extract, then with the mixer running on low, slowly add in the sifted confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt. Scrape the sides and bottom frequently to keep things evenly mixed. This slow incorporation prevents a cloud of sugar from puffing out and keeps the frosting silky smooth.

Step 3: Whip Until Fluffy and Spreadable

Once all ingredients are combined, crank up the mixer to medium-high or high speed and whip for at least 3 minutes—the longer, the fluffier. I usually go around 7 minutes because it makes a noticeable difference in volume. If your frosting feels too stiff, gently beat in more milk a teaspoon at a time until it's just right for spreading.

Top Tip

I’ve learned from multiple holiday seasons that the secret to a flawless whipped frosting is patience and temperature control. Rushing or working with cold butter makes the texture dense, so here are some insights to steer you right.

Softening Butter Properly: Let butter sit out for at least 30 minutes before whipping so it's soft but not melted or greasy.
Whipping Time Matters: Don’t stop whipping too early—this frosting gets lighter and more voluminous the longer you whisk (up to a point!)
Scrape the Bowl Often: This ensures no pockets of sugar or butter remain unmixed and keeps the frosting consistent.
Adjust Consistency With Milk: If your frosting is on the thick side, add milk bit by bit rather than all at once—that way it's easier to control texture.

How to Serve Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

For an inviting, festive look, I like to add fresh cranberries and a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios on top. The bright red and vivid green pop against the white frosting, making the cake look joyfully Christmas-ready. You can also try edible gold leaf or delicate snowflake sprinkles for a wintry feel.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a cozy holiday vibe, serve it alongside mulled wine or a cup of spiced chai tea—the warmth balances the sweet, airy cake wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking layers with a thin spread of raspberry jam between them for a surprise burst of tartness. You can also pipe the whipped frosting in elegant swirls or rosettes using a star tip—it instantly upgrades the look without added effort. Wrapping slices individually with decorative parchment and twine makes for charming edible gifts as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cake tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and honestly, that whipped frosting tastes even better after chilling a bit. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this cake freezes beautifully. I freeze it un-frosted in layers, then thaw and assemble with freshly whipped frosting right before your celebration. This prevents the frosting texture from changing during freezing, which I’ve found preserves that lovely fluffiness.

Reheating

For any leftover slices, I gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to take the chill off without melting the frosting. This little trick revives the soft crumb and brings out the flavors—definitely a warming treat on a cold winter evening.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the whipped frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the whipped frosting up to two weeks in advance. Just store it tightly covered in the refrigerator and re-whip it briefly before spreading to restore its fluffiness.

What kind of cake pairs best with this whipped frosting?

This whipped frosting shines best with light, tender cakes like white cake, sponge cake, or even a delicate chiffon. Heavy fruitcakes or dense chocolate cakes might overpower the airy frosting.

Can I add other flavors to the frosting?

Definitely! You can swap vanilla extract for almond, peppermint, or citrus extracts. You can also fold in zest or finely ground spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive touch.

How do I fix frosting that’s too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, gradually add milk by the teaspoon and whip until you get a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more sifted confectioners’ sugar and whip again to thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

This Elegant Christmas Cake with Whipped Frosting Recipe has become my go-to when I want my holiday dessert to feel both special and approachable. I love how it invites creativity but always delivers a soft, dreamy frosting that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Give it a try, and I think you’ll find it’s one you’ll reach for every festive season.