Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy enough to whip up for a crowd yet festive enough to steal the holiday spotlight, I can’t recommend this Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe enough. It’s a tender vanilla sheet cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, then decked out with sprinkles and candy canes to become adorable little Christmas trees that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for holiday parties and cookie trays alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward pantry staples that come together beautifully. The butter and water melt together for the cake base, sour cream adds moistness, and the cream cheese frosting is what seals the deal with its rich tang and silky texture. When buying ingredients, I always look for full-fat cream cheese for the best frosting consistency and flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control your salt levels, and it gives a clean, creamy flavor.
• Water: You’ll boil this with butter for the perfect cake batter texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The classic choice for a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetening the cake evenly.
• Sour Cream: This is the secret to extra moist and tender cake.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and give structure.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Quality vanilla really makes this cake pop.
• Baking Soda: For that little bit of rise and lightness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Softened, so the frosting is smooth and creamy.
• Powdered Sugar: For that perfect sweet and fluffy frosting texture.
• Mini Candy Canes: Crooks removed to decorate the tree bases.
• Round Peppermint Candies: These top your trees like festive stars.
• Assorted Holiday Sprinkles: Adds a fun pop of color and sparkle.

Variations

I’ve found that this Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a great foundation for all kinds of tweaks. I like to encourage you to customize it to your taste — whether that’s swapping flavors or making it fit your dietary needs better.

• Chocolate Twist: I once swapped half the flour for cocoa powder and added mini chocolate chips for a festive chocolate version that was a big hit.
• Gluten-Free: You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture just as tender without gluten worries.
• Spiced Up: Add cinnamon or ginger to the cake batter for a warming holiday spice vibe that’s especially cozy.
• Frosting Flavors: Try adding a little orange zest or a splash of peppermint extract to the cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.

How to Make Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

First things first — get your oven rack in the center and preheat to 375°F. I like to grease my 18×13-inch half sheet pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake slides out easily after baking. Having everything prepped beforehand makes the rest go smoothly.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Boil Water

In a large pot, melt the butter, then add the water and bring it to a gentle boil. This hot mixture is key for creating the right texture and tender crumb in your sheet cake. Once boiling, take it off the heat immediately so you don’t overcook the next ingredients.

Step 3: Stir in Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Quickly and briskly stir in the flour, sugar, and sour cream. The batter will thicken and cool slightly — this is important to avoid scrambling your eggs when you add them next. I always keep stirring until the batter feels just warm to the touch but not hot.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, Baking Soda, and Salt

Now it’s time to beat in the eggs one at a time — this ensures a smooth batter without lumps. Add the vanilla extract, baking soda (make sure to sift it in or dissolve if needed to avoid clumps), and salt. Mix everything until beautifully blended.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Done

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top so it’s even. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes — keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick in the center. When it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Let it cool completely before moving on to frosting; this is crucial so your frosting doesn’t melt into a mess.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth. Then, gradually add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on high until light and fluffy. This frosting is luscious — I sometimes taste a little here and there to make sure the sweetness is just right.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate Your Cake Trees

Spread the frosting evenly over your cooled cake. Before the frosting sets, scatter holiday sprinkles across the surface, pressing lightly to help them stick. Then, carefully cut the cake vertically into four long rows and slice each row into six Christmas tree-shaped triangles.

The best part: using a thin metal spatula, gently remove each tree and place on a serving platter. For the finishing touch, insert a straight mini candy cane piece at the base of each tree and top with a round peppermint candy star for that perfect holiday look.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I love using classic red and green holiday sprinkles because they instantly make the cake feel merry and bright. The mini candy canes are my go-to garnish—they add a little crunch and a peppermint punch that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese frosting. Sometimes, I’ll toss on edible glitter or tiny silver balls for that extra festive sparkle.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea. For a full holiday spread, I recommend serving it alongside a simple fruit salad or a plate of gingerbread cookies for an extra festive treat. It also contrasts nicely with salty snacks like cheese and crackers if you want to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I’ve tried is layering the cut cake trees on tiered dessert stands to create a little “forest” centerpiece that guests love. For kids’ parties, setting up a decorating station where everyone can add their own sprinkles or candy decorations makes serving the cake interactive and memorable. Wrapping individual trees in clear cellophane tied with ribbon also makes for adorable edible gifts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake pieces in a tightly covered container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh. They stay moist and tasty for up to 4 days this way, and since the pieces are individually cut, it’s so easy to grab a festive treat straight from the fridge whenever a sweet tooth strikes.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen individual cake trees wrapped gently in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture and frosting taste just as fantastic as fresh. It’s a lifesaver when you want to make ahead for a big holiday party.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, I don’t reheat it. But if you want the frosting softer, leaving it out for about 30 minutes before serving works perfectly. Avoid microwaving because it can make the frosting melt unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Festive Christmas Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe holds a special spot in my holiday baking rotation because it’s just so easy and crowd-pleasing. I love the way the little Christmas tree shapes bring smiles, and honestly, I find myself sneaking extra pieces while decorating. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do — it’s a festive treat that feels homemade and special without fuss. So grab those candy canes and let’s make this cake your new holiday tradition!

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