Elegant Christmas Cake Designs – Holiday Centerpiece Recipe

Ingredients

• • 3 (24-ounce) boxes white cake mix
• • 6 ⅞ large eggs
• • 1 ⅞ cup vegetable oil
• • 1-1/2 cups water
• • 3 ⅞ cups white buttercream frosting
• • ⅞ cup powdered sugar for royal icing
• • ⅞ cup meringue powder
• • ⅞ cup hot water for royal icing
• • Gold leaf sheets (edible or non-edible for decoration)
• • Fresh pine sprigs
• • Red cranberries
• • Fondant gold ornament spheres
• • Metallic pearls
• • Gold star cake topper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Mix cake batter according to package instructions with eggs, oil, and water. Divide batter evenly among pans.

2. 2

   Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely in pans on wire racks before removing.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, beat buttercream frosting until smooth. For royal icing, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and hot water until glossy. Let rest for 30 minutes before piping.

4. 4

   Place first cake layer on a vintage marble cake stand. Spread a thin layer of buttercream, then top with a second layer. Repeat with remaining layers.

5. 5

   Apply a thin layer of buttercream (crumb coat) to cover crumbs. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

6. 6

   Apply final layer of buttercream with an offset spatula. Use a bench scraper to create smooth sides.

7. 7

   Transfer royal icing to piping bag with a small star tip. Pipe snowflake patterns on each tier. Let dry completely before adding other decorations.

8. 8

   Carefully place edible gold leaf sheets on cake. Add gold ornament spheres to each tier. Attach metallic pearls for added sparkle.

9. 9

   Arrange fresh pine sprigs around the base of the cake. Place red cranberries at the base for a pop of color. Add a gold star topper on top.