A festive three-layer green Christmas cake featuring moist vanilla layers colored holiday green, filled and frosted with a combination of creamy vanilla buttercream and rich chocolate frosting.
Author:Emma Harper
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:28 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups whole milk
Green food coloring (gel preferred)
1 cup unsalted butter (for vanilla frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar (for vanilla frosting)
2 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla frosting)
2–3 tbsp milk (for vanilla frosting)
1 cup unsalted butter (for chocolate frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar (for chocolate frosting)
¾ cup cocoa powder
3–4 tbsp milk (for chocolate frosting)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined. Add green food coloring until a vibrant shade is reached.
Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Prepare the vanilla frosting by beating butter until creamy, then adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
Prepare the chocolate frosting by beating butter, then adding powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk until creamy.
Assemble the cake by layering cake rounds with alternating vanilla and chocolate frosting.
Frost the outside of the cake as desired and decorate with festive sprinkles or chocolate shavings.
Refrigerate 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
Gel food coloring provides a richer green without thinning the batter.
Cakes can be baked a day ahead and chilled for easier assembly.
Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate frosting flavor.