Name: Holidays Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground ginger; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp orange or lemon zest; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips; Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting, orange glaze, powdered sugar, sugared cranberries, rosemary

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Holidays Cake is a festive, warmly spiced, and beautifully decorated dessert that brings the spirit of the season to the table. Whether it’s layered with frosting, filled with fruit, or simply dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is a centerpiece-worthy treat I love baking when the air turns crisp and celebrations are in full swing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cake because it’s rich, moist, and full of flavor—perfect for any winter gathering. The warm spices, hints of citrus, and optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruit make it taste just like the holidays. It’s also incredibly versatile: I can frost it with cream cheese icing, glaze it with spiced syrup, or keep it simple and elegant with a dusting of sugar. No matter how I dress it up, it always brings joy to the table. Holidays Cake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground ginger
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Unsalted butter (softened)
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Milk
Vanilla extract
Orange zest or lemon zest
Optional: chopped nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips

Optional toppings/frosting:

Cream cheese frosting
Orange glaze
Powdered sugar
Sugared cranberries or rosemary for decoration

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or bundt pan.
I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a bowl.
In another bowl, I cream the butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
I add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in the vanilla and orange zest.
I alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk/yogurt, mixing just until combined.
I fold in any extras like nuts or dried fruit.
I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
I cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
I finish with frosting, glaze, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 10–12.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45 minutes
Cool time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

I make it a layer cake and add spiced buttercream between the layers.
I use a bundt pan and pour over a citrus glaze for a dramatic presentation.
I add chopped apples or pears for extra fruitiness.
I stir in dark chocolate chunks and top with ganache for a richer version.
I substitute almond extract for a subtle twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days (especially if frosted). I bring it to room temperature before serving. If I freeze it, I wrap it tightly and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Individual slices can be microwaved for 10–15 seconds if I like it warm. Holidays Cake

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cake a day or two in advance and frost it the day I plan to serve. The flavor gets even better after resting.

What kind of frosting works best?

I love cream cheese frosting for its tanginess, but buttercream or citrus glaze also work beautifully depending on how sweet or rich I want it.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I make sure to check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Is this cake overly sweet?

Not at all. The warm spices and citrus balance the sweetness perfectly. I can also reduce the sugar slightly if I prefer a more subtly sweet dessert.

How do I decorate it for the holidays?

I like to top it with sugared cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, a drizzle of glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Conclusion

Holidays Cake is the kind of dessert that makes any gathering feel warm, cozy, and complete. I love how the flavors come together to capture the essence of the season—spiced, sweet, and celebratory. Whether I’m baking it for a family dinner, a festive brunch, or a gift, this cake always brings comfort and cheer to the table.

Holidays Cake

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes (including cooling)
Yield: 10–12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Holidays Cake is a warmly spiced, moist cake bursting with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus zest, and optional fruit or nuts. Perfectly festive and versatile, it’s ideal for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange or lemon zest
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips
Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting, orange glaze, powdered sugar, sugared cranberries, rosemary

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or bundt pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In another large bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and citrus zest.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk/yogurt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in optional nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips if using.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Top with frosting, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.