Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe

This fun Ugly Sweater Cake is made with a simple vanilla cake mix, creamy buttercream frosting, and a variety of colorful sprinkles and candies. This recipe creates a perfectly festive and whimsical dessert that is sure to be the centerpiece of any holiday party. It is ideal for a seasonal celebration or a festive family gathering and makes enough cake to serve 12 people.

Ugly Sweater Cake Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Assorted candies and sprinkles for decoration (e.g., mini marshmallows, gumdrops, red and green sprinkles)
• Food coloring (optional, for coloring the frosting)

How To Make Ugly Sweater Cake

1. Bake the cakes: Follow the instructions on the vanilla cake mix box to prepare and bake two 9-inch round cake layers. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the buttercream frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Finish the frosting: Add the milk and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
4. Frost the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of buttercream frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the entire cake. You can make it a crumb coat by applying a thin layer first, chilling it, then applying a final, thick layer.
5. Decorate your ugly sweater: Use a knife or an offset spatula to create a rough sweater-like texture on the cake. Use the assorted candies, sprinkles, and even some piping with colored frosting to decorate the cake in a fun and “ugly” holiday sweater design.

Recipe Tips

• Start with a cooled cake: Make sure your cake layers are completely cooled before you start frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide right off.
• Make a crumb coat: For a smooth, professional-looking cake, apply a very thin layer of frosting to seal in all the crumbs. Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes, then apply a second, thicker layer of frosting.
• Get creative with decorations: There are no rules for an ugly sweater cake! Use whatever candies, pretzels, or sprinkles you have on hand. The more mismatched and colorful, the better.
• Use room temperature butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This will help you get the lightest, fluffiest buttercream frosting.

What To Serve Ugly Sweater Cake

This whimsical cake is a showstopper on its own, especially as the dessert for a festive holiday dinner. To create a full dessert spread, you can serve it alongside other classic holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or peppermint bark. A simple cup of hot cocoa or spiced cider would be the perfect beverage pairing.

How To Store Ugly Sweater Cake Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container or under a cake dome in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help keep the frosting and cake fresh.
• Freeze: To freeze the cake, place it in the freezer uncovered for about an hour to harden the frosting. Then, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Ugly Sweater Cake Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 60g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 45g
• Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can use any flavor you like! A chocolate or red velvet cake mix would also work well and create a festive base for the “ugly sweater” decorations.
• How do I get my frosting to be perfectly fluffy? The key to fluffy frosting is beating the butter and powdered sugar for several minutes at a high speed after adding the liquid. This incorporates air and gives it a light texture. Make sure your butter is soft, but not melted.
• Can I make the cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake and even frost the cake a day or two in advance. Store the undecorated cake in the refrigerator. This can make decorating on the day of the party much easier.

Try More Recipes:

• Very Berry Mug Cake Recipe
• Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
• Zucchini Cake Recipe