5 Cakes Perfect for Breakfast or Festive Celebrations

Breakfast during the holidays can be as magical as Christmas dinner, especially when you include cakes that are both satisfying and festive.

These trendy cakes are not just perfect for the dessert table but also serve as delightful breakfast treats, bringing holiday cheer to your mornings. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast or hosting a holiday brunch, these cakes are sure to impress.

Let’s explore five irresistible cakes that will sweeten your Christmas and beyond!

Red Velvet Christmas Layer Cake

The rich red hue of this cake perfectly matches the festive season, making it a visual and culinary delight. With its velvety texture and tangy cream cheese frosting, this classic cake has become a Christmas favorite worldwide.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well blended.
4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
6. Once cooled, frost the cake with cream cheese frosting, layering as you go.

Chocolate Peppermint Drip Cake

This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! Featuring a refreshing peppermint twist and a glossy ganache drip, it’s both decadent and holiday-ready.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• Chocolate ganache (for dripping)
• Crushed candy canes (for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
3. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry mixture, then pour in the boiling water and stir until smooth.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, then let the layers cool.
5. Stack the layers with peppermint frosting in between, and pour the ganache over the top to create the drip effect.
6. Top with crushed candy canes to add a festive touch.

Eggnog Cheesecake

Eggnog lovers rejoice! This creamy, spiced cheesecake captures the essence of the season and is guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 3 packs (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup eggnog
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a springform pan.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the bottom of the pan.
3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in the eggnog, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
6. Cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and top with whipped cream before serving.

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

This spiced cake brings the warm flavors of gingerbread into a moist, easy-to-make Bundt cake. It’s perfect for those who love a traditional holiday treat with a modern twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon cloves
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the molasses, hot water, and butter until well blended.
4. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake for 50–60 minutes.
6. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cake

This stunning cake combines tart cranberries with sweet white chocolate for a sophisticated holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• White chocolate ganache (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round pans.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk. Fold in the cranberries.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes and cool before layering with frosting and topping with ganache.

These cakes are versatile enough to be enjoyed as part of a festive breakfast or as showstopping desserts. From the rich red velvet to the heartwarming gingerbread, they bring a touch of Christmas magic to any meal.

For more holiday breakfast ideas and recipes, explore the Breakfast Recipes category on my blog, or visit my Pinterest page for creative holiday inspiration.

Wishing you a deliciously festive season!