Christmas Chaos Cake is the ultimate festive dessert that combines the rich flavors of crunchy pecans, tart cranberry sauce, and creamy ribbons of cream cheese. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. With its joyful mishmash of seasonal flavors and the convenience of a cake mix, this recipe is bound to become a new holiday favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Chaos Cake
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 55 minutes from start to finish.
- A delightful combination of flavors: the crunchiness of pecans with the sweetness of cranberry.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, enhancing your dessert table with its vibrant colors.
- Flexible recipe—you can use either white or yellow cake mix based on your preference.
- Great for family traditions, creating lasting memories as you bake together.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it accessible for various dietary preferences.
- Ideal for potlucks and parties as it serves up to 12 people.
This Christmas Dessert Chaos Recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Christmas Chaos Cake
Gather these items:
- 1 1/2 cups pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
How to Make Christmas Chaos Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Spread chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour batter gently over the pecans in the dish.
- Step 4: In another bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then mix in powdered sugar until well blended.
- Step 5: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and cranberry sauce over the cake batter. Lightly swirl with a butter knife to create a marbled effect.
- Step 6: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean of cake batter.
- Step 7: Let cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Chaos Cake
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smoother blend.
- For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Use high-quality cranberry sauce to enhance the flavor profile of the cake.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Chaos Cake
Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pecans for added texture.
- Present it as a centerpiece at your holiday party to wow your guests.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Chaos Cake
To store your cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This cake is also perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive flavors throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Chaos Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Chaos Cake?
The secret lies in the swirling technique! Lightly swirl the cream cheese and cranberry sauce into the batter for a beautiful marbled effect that enhances the flavor.
Can I make Christmas Chaos Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Chaos Cake?
To avoid overmixing, gently mix the ingredients until just combined. This ensures a fluffy texture and prevents a dense cake.
Variations of Christmas Chaos Cake You Can Try
Get creative with these variations:
- Substitute pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a rich twist.
- Incorporate orange zest into the cream cheese mixture for a citrusy kick.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Chocolate Eclair Cake or Grandma Carter’s Peanut Butter Cookies.
For more tips on baking, you can refer to King Arthur Baking for expert advice.
Print
Christmas Chaos Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and indulgent holiday cake filled with crunchy pecans, swirls of tart cranberry sauce, and rich cream cheese ribbons.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour batter gently over the pecans in the dish.
- In another bowl, mix cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then mix in powdered sugar until well blended.
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and cranberry sauce over the cake batter. Lightly swirl with a butter knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean of cake batter.
- Let cake cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg