I promised you yesterday in the Salted Caramel Cake post that I’d be sharing plenty of delicious cake ideas that only take a few steps to throw together. Nothing is worse than having to work extra hard during the holiday season, so quick and easy Christmas cakes are a must… your guests will LOVE this Candy Cane Crunch Cake that, with the help of a cake mix and some pre-crushed candy cane pieces, will only take you a few minutes of hands-on time to create!
Start by whipping up a white cake mix according to package directions, then dividing the mix in half.
Set one bowl aside, and in the other bowl, add a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract and some red food coloring until you get a bright red candy cane color. This will give it that candy cane flavor and color when you cut into the cake.
In two six-inch greased cake pans, alternate white and red cake mix until you fill the pan halfway, with several white and red layers in the pan. The mix you put in the middle will push the other cake mix to the sides, giving your cake a brilliant striped effect when cut into. I like to start each pan with a different color (so if I start one pan white, I’ll start the other pan red) but you do you and start however you like. Bake the cakes according to package directions and let chill.
When your cakes are cooled, level one cake using a cake leveler or knife to give you a flat surface to work with. Leave the other with a slight dome if possible.
Between your two layers, place storebought vanilla frosting, and then use pre-crushed candy cane pieces on top of the vanilla frosting generously. Cover that with more vanilla frosting, then place the next cake tier on top. Frost the outside generously with additional storebought frosting, then pack the candy cane pieces onto the frosting. I found mine pre-crushed in the baking section of my local store, but if you can’t find them precrushed, just place candy canes or peppermints in a bag and whack them with a rolling pin– it’s great stress relief!
Pipe a decorative border around the bottom if you’d like, and then that’s IT! You’re done.
The outside is showstoppingly pretty with the sparkly candy cane pieces, and the inside? It’s whimsical and fun with candy cane stripes! Your guests are going to seriously LOVE this great 6 inch cake!
I just had to share this image of my adorable lighting assistant when I was shooting this post… when I say this cake is super easy, I mean it– he helped to make it! (And of course, helped with lighting).
Of course, he made sure to help with the eating, too…
This candy cane cake is the perfect addition to your Christmas spread, or even just for fun as a family treat!
- 1 box white cake mix, plus ingredients listed on package directions
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- 1-2 cans vanilla frosting
- Crushed candy canes (pre-crushed or DIY)
- Mix cake mix according to package directions, then divide batter into two bowls.
- Set one bowl aside, and to the other bowl, add 1/4 tsp peppermint extract and red food coloring.
- In two 6 inch pans, alternate red and white batter-- red, white, red, white, red, white-- until pan is halfway full.
- Bake according to package directions and let cool completely.
- Level one cake, leaving the other domed.
- Place leveled cake on cake board, then frost top with vanilla frosting. Sprinkle generously with candy cane pieces and then spread on more vanilla frosting. Place second cake on top.
- Frost outside of entire cake with vanilla frosting, then gently press additional candy cane pieces on to cover the outside. Pipe a decorative border around the bottom.
- Serve.
To make it, just remember– divide the batter, tint and flavor half, bake, cool, trim, and top with plenty of candy cane yumminess!
Don’t forget to check out the Salted Caramel Cake I shared yesterday, and be sure to let me know in the comments what dessert you’re making for Christmas! Merry Christmas, everyone!
This is so adorable! I love it. The swirls are the best.
Renee @ Awesome on 20 recently posted…Lycheetini
Thank you! I am ALL about pretty swirls!