Christmas Jelly Cake: A Festive Treat
Christmas Jelly Cake is a delightful and colorful dessert that adds a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. This layered cake features fluffy sponge cake, creamy filling, and vibrant jelly, making it a visually stunning and delicious treat. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients List
For the Sponge Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Jelly Layer:
- 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (such as raspberry or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Jelly Layer
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Add 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture. Allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating until it begins to set but is not fully firm (about 30 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Once the sponge cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Add Cream Filling: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream filling on top.
- Add Jelly Layer: Carefully pour the partially set jelly over the whipped cream layer, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Second Layer: Place the second layer of sponge cake on top and repeat the process with the remaining whipped cream and jelly, if desired. You can create multiple layers depending on how much jelly and cream you have.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the jelly to set completely.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves, if desired.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut into slices and serve chilled. Enjoy the festive flavors of this beautiful Christmas Jelly Cake!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per slice (based on 12 slices):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 15g |
Nutritional Insights:
- Christmas Jelly Cake is a light and refreshing dessert that provides a delightful balance of sweetness and fruity flavors, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking to make your Christmas Jelly Cake a bit healthier, consider these modifications:
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Low-Fat Whipped Cream: Use a low-fat whipped topping or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Natural Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup (adjust liquid ingredients accordingly).
Serving Suggestions
Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your Christmas Jelly Cake experience:
- Pair with Tea or Coffee: Serve alongside festive beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Add a Fruit Sauce: Drizzle with a berry sauce for extra flavor and presentation.
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or berry ice cream complements the cake beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Christmas Jelly Cake turns out perfectly, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Underbaking the Cake: Make sure the cake is fully baked and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Not Allowing to Cool Completely: Ensure the sponge cake is completely cool before adding the cream and jelly layers to prevent melting.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense cake.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Christmas Jelly Cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this cake, as the jelly and cream may change texture upon thawing.
Conclusion
In summary, Christmas Jelly Cake is a festive and delightful dessert that combines the lightness of sponge cake with the vibrant flavors of jelly and cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings and will surely impress your guests. We invite you to try this recipe, share your feedback in the comments below, and subscribe for more delightful updates!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use different flavors of jelly?
A1: Yes! You can experiment with different flavors of gelatin to suit your taste.
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the sponge cake and jelly in advance, then assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Q3: How do I know when the jelly is set?
A3: The jelly is set when it has thickened enough to hold its shape but is still slightly wobbly.
Christmas Jelly Cake
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Sponge Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- For the Jelly Layer:
- 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (such as raspberry or strawberry)
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish:
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Jelly Layer
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a bowl, dissolve the flavored gelatin in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add Cold Water: Add 1 cup of cold water to the gelatin mixture. Allow it to cool slightly before refrigerating until it begins to set but is not fully firm (about 30 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Cream Filling
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Once the sponge cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers.
- Add Cream Filling: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream filling on top.
- Add Jelly Layer: Carefully pour the partially set jelly over the whipped cream layer, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Second Layer: Place the second layer of sponge cake on top and repeat the process with the remaining whipped cream and jelly, if desired. You can create multiple layers depending on how much jelly and cream you have.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the jelly to set completely.
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves, if desired.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut into slices and serve chilled. Enjoy the festive flavors of this beautiful Christmas Jelly Cake!