Experience the magic of the season with our Winter Wonderland Cake, featuring layers of vanilla perfection and adorned with snowy vanilla frosting and exquisite winter-themed decorations, this cake is a showstopper for a winter or holiday gathering.
Step into a world of winter enchantment with our Winter Wonderland Cake recipe.
This great cake captures the essence of the season, offering layers of moist and flavorful vanilla cake and a dreamy buttercream frosting in different shades of blue and silver.
Decorating the Winter Wonderland Cake is where the magic truly happens. Imagine delicate fondant snowflakes gently cascading down the sides, creating a scene straight out of a winter fairy tale. Edible silver and blue accents add a touch of elegance, making this cake not only a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Whether you’re planning a winter wonderland wedding, aiming to craft a stunning winter wonderland birthday cake, or just eager to whip up a magical dessert for your family during the holiday season, this winter wonderland white cake is guaranteed to shine throughout the winter season.
What Flavor is Winter Wonderland Cake?
This elegant winter wonderland cake has a light and moist texture with a classic and comforting vanilla flavor. Serving as a versatile canvas, the time-tested recipe acts as the perfect foundation for seasonal additions, such as spiced gingerbread or cranberry filling, enhancing the overall festive experience.
How to Make a Winter Wonderland Cake
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk
Frosting:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Light Blue frosting color: 1-2 drops of blue food dye.
- Blue frosting color: 6-7 drops of blue food dye.
Decorations:
- 2-3 oz White chocolate bark
- Decoration sugar
- White pearl sprinkles
Instructions:
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and oil. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Add the sour cream and milk to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together well. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Grease two 6 inch pans with oil and pour the batter evenly into each pan.
For convenience, place the cake pans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes. You can check if they are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes and ensuring it comes out clean.
Once cooked, remove the pans from the oven and set them aside to cool completely on a wire rack before removing the cakes from the pans.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, 3 cups of confectioners sugar, and half of the cream and vanilla. Mix until creamy, gradually adding the remaining sugar, cream, and vanilla while alternating.
Increase the mixer’s speed to high and whip the frosting for 5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Divide the frosting in half. Set aside one half. Divide the other half again in 2 equal portions. Use each portion to create the light blue and blue frostings.
To mix the light blue color, add 1 to 2 drops of blue food dye and mix until desired color is reached.
To mix the blue color, add 6 to 7 drops of blue food dye and mix until desired color is reached.
Take the remaining half of the white buttercream frosting and separate one-third of it. Set this portion aside for any touch-ups or corrections.
Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a cake or bread knife to carefully slice off the risen center of each cake, making them flat on top.
This is called leveling and you can find the instructions and more in my cake decorating eBook.
Place the bottom layer on a flat surface. Add a small amount of white frosting and spread it evenly, leaving a layer about 1/2 inch thick.
Add the second layer and place it on top of the frosted layer, making sure it aligns properly.
Apply a thin layer of white buttercream frosting to cover the two cake layers completely. Smooth the frosting as desired while keeping the edges of the cakes intact.
Pipe the blue frosting on top of the cake.
Pipe the blue frosting on the side, top of the 1/3.
Pipe the light blue frosting on the side, middle 2/3.
Pipe the white frosting on the side, bottom of the third.
With a cake scraper, evenly and gently scrape your frosting to create your ombre. Make sure you keep your cake scraper level, and not going up and down as it will damage the ombre effect.
To create the snowflakes, print the snowflake template and lay parchment paper over.
Melt the white chocolate with a splash of oil for 1 minutes. Stir until smooth or continue melting 30 seconds at a time until completely melted. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Add the white chocolate to a piping bag and cut a very fine tip. Trace the snowflakes.
While snowflakes are still wet, sprinkle with decorative sugar and set aside to harden.
Once hardened, carefully lift from paper and allow unstuck sugar to fall. Place on the cake as desired.
Top the cake with more decorative sugar and pearl sprinkles.
Serve this cake at your next winter party!
Relevant Recipes
Winter Wonderland Cakes FAQs
Can I make a Winter Wonderland Cake in advance?
Yes, you can make components of the cake in advance. Bake and freeze the cake layers, and prepare the frosting ahead of time. Assemble and decorate the cake closer to the serving time for the freshest appearance.
How do I prevent my cake layers from drying out?
To prevent dryness, brush each cake layer with a flavored simple syrup before frosting. This adds moisture and enhances the cake’s taste.
How do I store leftovers of a Winter Wonderland Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavors.
Winter Wonderland Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk
- Frosting:
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Light Blue frosting color: 1-2 drops of blue food dye.
- Blue frosting color: 6-7 drops of blue food dye.
- Decorations:
- 2-3 oz White chocolate bark
- Decoration sugar
- White pearl sprinkles
Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F.
In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and oil. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Add the sour cream and milk to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together well. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Grease two 6 inch pans with oil and pour the batter evenly into each pan.
For convenience, place the cake pans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes. You can check if they are fully cooked by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes and ensuring it comes out clean.
Once cooked, remove the pans from the oven and set them aside to cool completely on a wire rack before removing the cakes from the pans.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, 3 cups of confectioners sugar, and half of the cream and vanilla. Mix until creamy, gradually adding the remaining sugar, cream, and vanilla while alternating.
Increase the mixer's speed to high and whip the frosting for 5 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.
Divide the frosting in half. Set aside one half. Divide the other half again in 2 equal portions. Use each portion to create the light blue and blue frostings.
To mix the light blue color, add 1 to 2 drops of blue food dye and mix until desired color is reached.
To mix the blue color, add 6 to 7drops of blue food dye and mix until desired color is reached.
Take the remaining half of the white buttercream frosting and separate one-third of it. Set this portion aside for any touch-ups or corrections.
Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a cake or bread knife to carefully slice off the risen center of each cake, making them flat on top.
Place the bottom layer on a flat surface. Add a small amount of white frosting and spread it evenly, leaving a layer about 1/2 inch thick.
Add the second layer and place it on top of the frosted layer, making sure it aligns properly.
Apply a thin layer of white buttercream frosting to cover the two cake layers completely. Smooth the frosting as desired while keeping the edges of the cakes intact.
Pipe the blue frosting on top of the cake.
Pipe the blue frosting on the side, top of the 1/3.
Pipe the light blue frosting on the side, middle 2/3.
Pipe the white frosting on the side, bottom of the third.
With a cake scraper, evenly and gently scrape your frosting to create your ombre. Make sure you keep your cake scraper level, and not going up and down as it will damage the ombre effect.
To create the snowflakes, print the template and lay parchment paper over.
Melt the white chocolate with a splash of oil for 1 minutes. Stir until smooth or continue melting 30 seconds at a time until completely melted. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Add the white chocolate to a piping bag and cut a very fine tip. Trace the snowflakes.
While snowflakes are still wet, sprinkle with decorative sugar and set aside to harden.
Once hardened, carefully lift from paper and allow unstuck sugar to fall. Place on the cake as desired.
Top the cake with more decorative sugar and pearl sprinkles.
Serve this cake at your next winter party!