23 Christmas Cakes Ideas Perfect for Sharing Once the Gifts Are Wrapped

ByMandy Applegate

A little sweetness can help anchor the pace of a busy Christmas week. You’ll see 23 Christmas cake ideas here that fit everything from relaxed dinners to quick visits with family. Each one brings something different to the table without adding stress to the day. Serving cake after the wrapping paper settles feels like an easy win.

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

A slice of festive Christmas Poke Cake with red swirls and pink frosting, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry, sits elegantly on a plate with a fork.
Sweet Christmas Poke Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of holiday flavor come alive in this Sweet Christmas Poke Cake. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as festive as the season feels. Serve it when guests gather, and watch as everyone talks about how unique it is. Perfect for adding a sweet touch to the end of holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Christmas Poke Cake

Easy Christmas Dump Cake

A plate of fruit crumble topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, accompanied by a spoon.
Easy Christmas Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s no better way to embrace the holidays than with this Easy Christmas Dump Cake that simplifies dessert prep. It’s a breeze to make but still delivers the flavors everyone loves. Perfect for sharing after a big meal or adding to a potluck table, it earns compliments without the complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Easy Christmas Dump Cake

Moist Pumpkin Cake

Close-up of sliced pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon, with plates in the background.
Moist Pumpkin Cake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Warm spices and pumpkin make this Moist Pumpkin Cake feel made for the season. It’s the kind of dessert guests love when cozying up after holiday dinner. With its perfect texture, there’s no excuse not to share. Serve it while enjoying the glow of Christmas lights.
Get the Recipe: Moist Pumpkin Cake

Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

A slice of pineapple cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white surface.
Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet caramelized pineapple takes center stage in this Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Every slice offers a nostalgic twist that feels just right for the holiday season. Whether paired with coffee or enjoyed on its own, it’s the dessert that guests always remember long after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Classic Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Buttery Coffee Cake

Close-up of eight square pieces of crumb cake with a textured, crumbly topping.
Buttery Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Holiday mornings deserve something delicious, and this Buttery Coffee Cake is the perfect choice. It’s soft, rich, and pairs wonderfully with coffee or cocoa. Whether serving it at breakfast or as an afternoon treat, it brings a comforting warmth to your celebrations that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Coffee Cake

Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Rudolph cupcakes featuring swirled frosting, candy eyes, a red candy nose, and pretzel antlers mimic the playful charm of a reindeer.
Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring holiday fun to life with these Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they’re bound to spark smiles and festive joy. They’re as playful to decorate as they are fun to eat. A great option when adding whimsy to your dessert table this Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Rudolph Cupcakes

Easy Apple Dump Cake

Close-up of an apple crumble dessert with a golden crust, topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and a spoon placed inside the dish.
Easy Apple Dump Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Packed with cozy flavors, this Easy Apple Dump Cake is an effortless way to wow your guests. The warm apple-filled dessert feels right at home during winter festivities. Perfect for anyone who craves a simple, satisfying treat after wrapping gifts or sharing holiday stories.
Get the Recipe: Easy Apple Dump Cake

Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Cupcake with green frosting, adorned with red and green candy pieces, resembling a Christmas tree.
Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful and fun, this Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes set the tone for cheerful celebrations. Whether at a kids’ party or a family gathering, they’re easy to love and even easier to share. Decorate them together with loved ones for memories that last long after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Tree Cupcakes

Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Three chocolate cake pops shaped like reindeer, with pretzel antlers and red candy noses, on wooden sticks.
Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Perfect for holiday parties, these Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops combine fun and great flavor into a single bite. Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of their whimsical design and sweet taste. Serve these for a dessert guaranteed to spark festive cheer and plenty of smiles from your guests.
Get the Recipe: Adorable Reindeer Cake Pops

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Three cupcakes topped with swirled frosting, cranberries, rosemary sprigs, pinecones, and powdered sugar, with a small decorative house in the foreground.
Gingerbread Cupcakes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing captures the spirit of winter quite like this Gingerbread Cupcakes. Its warm, spiced flavors fit perfectly into holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Share them with your guests, knowing they’ll appreciate the classic holiday vibe packed into every bite.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes

Rich German Chocolate Cake

A slice of double-layer chocolate cake with a creamy filling and glossy chocolate frosting on top.
Rich German Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For every chocolate lover in your life, this Rich German Chocolate Cake will please in all the right ways. Its deep flavors are a hit at formal dinners or casual holiday gatherings alike. Bring it to the table and watch as guests savor the layers and talk about this timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Rich German Chocolate Cake

Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with white frosting and small pastel-colored marshmallows on top, arranged in a group against a neutral background.
Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Take holiday comfort food to the next level with these Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes. They’re a fun spin on a seasonal drink turned dessert, perfect for everyone gathered by the fire. A great choice for parties or quiet nights, they capture the warmth and coziness of the Christmas season.
Get the Recipe: Rich Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

Dense Fruit Cake

A close-up of a fruitcake with a slice being lifted out, showing its dense texture and pieces of dried fruit inside.
Dense Fruit Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Deck the dessert table with this Dense Fruit Cake that never fails to remind us of tradition. Its rich holiday flavors and hearty texture make it a staple at celebrations. Slice it up alongside coffee or tea, and guests might just sneak back for more, it’s a classic for all the right reasons.
Get the Recipe: Dense Fruit Cake

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

A close-up of a sliced muffin filled with creamy vanilla custard and topped with chocolate glaze.
Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Take the classic dessert and give it a holiday twist with these Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes. Everyone loves the creamy filling and soft cake paired so perfectly together. These handheld treats are fantastic for balancing a hearty holiday menu with light, sweet bites that people always enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Amish Cinnamon Cake

Three pieces of crumbly coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl are stacked on a plate, with two white mugs partially visible around them.
Amish Cinnamon Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm and inviting, this Amish Cinnamon Cake fits seamlessly in any Christmas gathering. Its subtle sweetness and soft texture work beautifully with coffee, tea, or just good company. Share it at your table when you’re looking for something understated yet unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Amish Cinnamon Cake

Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

A stack of pumpkin coffee cake squares with crumb topping and white glaze, arranged on a wooden board.
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Perfectly balanced with warm flavors, this Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake is ideal for post-dinner comfort or morning coffee. A cozy seasonal dessert, it’s just the thing for holiday moments indoors. Guests will appreciate its soft layers with hints of spice, they always do with desserts like these.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Cake

Santa Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes with red frosting swirled to resemble Santa hats, topped with powdered sugar and a small marshmallow, with miniature decorative trees in the foreground.
Santa Cupcakes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Delight guests of all ages with these cute Santa Cupcakes, a fun addition to any holiday celebration. They bring extra cheer to dessert tables and are sure to impress with their playful designs. Share them for smiles, laughter, and sweet bites that perfectly embody the joy of Christmas fun.
Get the Recipe: Santa Cupcakes

Moist Chocolate Cake

A close-up of a slice of chocolate layer cake with chocolate frosting on a plate, with a fork beside it.
Moist Chocolate Cake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Few desserts are as universally loved as this Moist Chocolate Cake that delivers rich flavor and softness in every bite. It’s a reliable favorite that fits seamlessly into any holiday spread. Serve it to friends and family for moments that feel as warm and inviting as the season itself.
Get the Recipe: Moist Chocolate Cake

Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate cake drizzled with caramel sauce on a plate, with more cake in the background.
Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Elegant and indulgent, this Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake pairs smooth sweetness with just a touch of salty magic. Perfect for impressing guests at formal celebrations or simply treating yourself during the holidays. Serve it for moments where the flavors truly take center stage, as they always deserve to.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cake

Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

A close-up of a slice of cheesecake with a caramelized sugar topping, resting on parchment paper with a crumbly base visible.
Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you want a dessert that wows, this Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake is your go-to option. The luscious cheesecake base pairs beautifully with the crisp, caramelized topping. Perfect for formal dinners or casual Christmas moments, it’s a dish that leaves people talking about how special dessert truly felt.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Creme Brûlée Cheesecake

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Several red velvet cupcakes with swirls of cream cheese frosting and sprinkled crumbs on top, arranged on a light-colored surface.
Red Velvet Cupcakes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Velvety and vibrant, these Red Velvet Cupcakes are ideal for festive gatherings. Their rich flavor and holiday-perfect color make them irresistible additions to dessert spreads. Bring them where laughter and conversations fill the air, they’ll leave a lasting impression every time.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Starbucks pink cake pops in a glass on a table.
Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With all the charm of your favorite coffee shop, these Copycat Starbucks Cake Pops are a wonderful Christmas dessert choice. Small, portable, and adored by everyone, they’re perfect for parties or gifting moments. Even better, they offer a sweet touch without overshadowing the rest of your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Starbucks Cake Pop

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

Close-up of a cinnamon roll cake slice topped with icing and sprinkled with cinnamon on a plate.
Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Soft, spiced, and satisfying, this Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake is perfect for cozy moments around the holidays. It’s a dish that brings smiles whenever served, whether as dessert or breakfast. Share it as you celebrate what makes this season so special together.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cinnamon Roll Cake

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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