🎄✨ Noël Celebration Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• ½–1 tsp almond extract (optional but very “holiday”)

Cranberry Cream Filling

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

• ¼ cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce

• Zest of 1 orange (optional, adds brightness)

Snowy Whipped Frosting

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Decorations

• Sugared cranberries

• Sprigs of rosemary

• White chocolate curls

• Powdered sugar “snow”

Instructions

1. Make the cake layers

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time.

5. Mix in vanilla and almond extract.

6. Add dry ingredients and milk alternately, mixing gently until smooth.

7. Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool completely.

2. Make the cranberry cream filling

1. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

2. Fold in cranberry sauce and orange zest.

3. Chill until ready to assemble.

3. Make the whipped frosting

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until firm and fluffy. Keep chilled.

4. Assemble the cake

1. Place first cake layer on a plate.

2. Spread cranberry cream filling over the top.

3. Add second cake layer.

4. Frost entire cake with the whipped frosting for a soft, snowy look.

5. Decorate

• Add sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a wintery touch.

• Dust with powdered sugar for “fresh snow.”

• Add white chocolate curls for elegance.