Description
The Christmas Damier Cake is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate and vanilla flavors in a festive checkerboard design, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for vanilla sponge)
- 1 tsp baking powder (for vanilla sponge)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for vanilla sponge)
- 2 large eggs (for vanilla sponge)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for vanilla sponge)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for vanilla sponge)
- 1/4 cup milk (for vanilla sponge)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla sponge)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling and frosting)
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese (optional)
- Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- For the Chocolate Sponge Cake: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gently fold in dry ingredients. Pour into one of the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For the Vanilla Sponge Cake: Repeat the steps as for the chocolate sponge, omitting the cocoa powder. Pour into the second pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Damier Cake: Cut each fully cooled cake into 1-inch thick strips. Alternate chocolate and vanilla strips to create a checkerboard pattern in a ring shape.
- Prepare the Filling and Frosting: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone cheese if using. Frost the outside and top of the assembled cake with the whipped cream mixture.
- Decorate the Cake: Sprinkle red and green festive sprinkles on top. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving to allow it to set and chill.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice and serve this beautiful, festive cake alongside hot cocoa or coffee.
Notes
Ensure cakes are completely cool before cutting for clean edges. Use a serrated knife for cutting the cake strips.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Christmas cake, holiday dessert, checkerboard cake, festive cake, chocolate vanilla cake