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Writer's pictureAlice Pearson

Festive Fun: Christmas Cake Decorating Ideas for 2024

Updated: Jan 8

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace the festive spirit than by being creative in the kitchen? Whether you're eager to impress your guests with a stunning dessert centrepiece or seeking a joyful activity for the family, Christmas cake decorating is the ideal way to celebrate the holiday season.


In this blog, we'll explore some of my favourite Christmas cake decorating ideas that will surely inspire and add an extra sprinkle of magic to your festive celebrations.


Festive Colour Palette

The colours of Christmas, such as red, green, gold, and silver, are the perfect palette to start with for your cake decorations. Whether you choose to incorporate these shades into your buttercream, fondant or cake toppers, you can't go wrong with the classic Christmas hues. Here are some perfect examples of colourful and festive Christmas cake designs!


festive coloured buttercream cake by Copper Spoon Cakery

festive coloured buttercream cake by Copper Spoon Cakery

Burgundy buttercream cake with gold festive wreath decoration by Sweet Homemade by KB

Festive themed piped buttercream cake by Miss Biscuit

Image via @miss_biscuit_


Festive coloured cake with Merry Christmas in fondant by Candy Mallet

Image via @candymallet


Winter Wonderland Cake Decorating


If you prefer a more neutral palette, why not create a winter wonderland on your Christmas cake with snowy accents, sparkling sugar, and icy details. Snowflakes, stars and a touch of edible glitter can transform your cake into a magical Christmas scene.


White and gold snowflake decorated festive cake by Chemilys Cakes

Image via @chemilyscakes


Festive tree and snowflake white cake by Caxap Bakery

Cake topper from @ne_caxap_bakery


Blue and silver ombre festive tree and snowflake cake by montezoolandes

Image via @montezoolandes


Blue and white ombre buttercream cake decorated with snowflakes by jankimgrumbles


White festive snowflake drip cake with macaron decorations by Fun Cakes

Image via @funcakes


Santa Claus and Reindeer Cake Decorations


Santa Claus and his trusty reindeer are iconic figures of the Christmas season. You can create Santa's jolly face, his reindeer, and their sleigh using buttercream, fondant, chocolate, or even with the help of cake toppers.


Small santa and christmas tree themed cakes with buttercream piping by Cakes by Bobs

Image via @cakesbybobs

Brown buttercream cake with Rudolf the reindeer decorations and cake topper antlers

Colourful festive cake with Rudolf the reindeer theme and cake topper gold antlers, piping and sprinkles

Image via @sprinklestory.id


Mini buttercream cakes with santa and Rudolf the reindeer themes piped

Red buttercream cake with upside down santa cookie on top




Gingerbread House Cake Decorating


Gingerbread houses are synonymous with the holidays. Recreate the charm of these sweet abodes on your cake with gingerbread decorations, candy canes, and a sprinkle of snow with icing sugar or royal icing.


Gingerbread house cake using Nordic Ware mould and decorated with icing sugar

Winter festive cake decorated with gingerbread cookie houses

Image via @dear.lucee


White cake with winter Christmas scene, trees and gingerbread cookie houses

Image via @womanandhome



Buttercream cakes decorated with gingerbread cookie houses and snowflakes

Image via @afternooncrumbs



Christmas cake decorated with white coated gingerbread cookie houses

Image via @cookietownuk



Pink themed gingerbread house cake with pink sprinkles

Image via @joyciecakes


Christmas Tree Cake Decorations


A Christmas tree is a focal point in every home during the holidays. Create edible Christmas trees using piped buttercream, royal icing, fondant, or even cookie decorations. For an extra touch of magic, you can even adorn your cake with mini baubles and a sprinkle of snow!


Yellow buttercream cake with piped buttercream Christmas tree and star on top
Christmas cake with piped meringue buttercream christmas trees on top of sledge

Two festive christmas tree cakes with piped buttercream decorations, edible baubles and stars on top

Image via @kathychoffe


Modern Christmas tree cake design with gold painted design and edible baubles

Green cake with festive scene of woman decorating a Christmas tree


Wreath Cake Decorating Ideas


Wreaths are a symbol of warmth and welcome during the holiday season, making them a perfect choice for your Christmas cake decoration. Create wreaths using fondant, royal icing, buttercream or edible greenery such as rosemary to encircle your cake in a ring of holiday cheer. Adorn them with edible berries, tiny ornaments, or even miniature bows for an extra festive flair. Whether you opt for a traditional holly wreath or a modern, minimalist design, wreath cake decorating is a beautiful way to capture the spirit of Christmas.



Candy striped cake with buttercream piped wreath and edible baubles
Buttercream piping into a wreath and holly berries

Cable knit white cake with wreath design on top with pine cones, roses and holly berries

Pink buttercream cake with teal green wreath design, silk ribbon bow and edible baubles

Image via @mlcbakery


Traditional style christmas cake with Merry Christmas piped and buttercream wreath design

Image via @stacibakesalot


How to Decorate Your Christmas Cake

Achieving a professional finish for your Christmas cake project is easier than you might think. Here are some expert tips:

  1. Plan Ahead: Before you start decorating, plan your design and gather all necessary supplies. Download our FREE cake decorating tool guide for a list of essential equipment.

  2. Level Your Cake: Ensure your cake is level before decorating. Use a cake leveler or a long serrated knife to trim any uneven parts.

  3. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of buttercream or ganache (a crumb coat) to prevent crumbs from mixing into the final layer.

  4. Texture Play: Experiment with various piping tips, textures, and techniques to create unique designs and depth on your cake.

  5. Moderation: Remember, simplicity can be stunning. Don't overdo it with too many colours or decorations.

  6. Chill Your Cake: Refrigerate your cake for at least 30 minutes before final decorations to set the buttercream and prevent melting.

  7. Creativity: Let your imagination run wild. Cake decorating is all about experimentation and having fun.

Recipes for Christmas Cakes


There are a few of my recipes that work perfectly for the festive season! Think winter spices, indulgent chocolate and classic holiday flavours.


Extra Special Gingerbread Houses

Learn how to make my Extra Special Gingerbread Houses; the cutest addition to your festive celebrations! Made with medjool dates, fresh ginger, a kick of brandy and lots of winter spices, they taste like Christmas in a cake!

£10 - Buy Here


Carrot Cake Sponge

The classic spiced cake perfect to celebrate Christmas! Made with grated carrots, walnuts and seasonal spices.

£10 - Buy Here


Rich Chocolate Sponge

The perfect accompaniment to so many festive flavours such as mint, orange, hazelnut (Nutella!), and speculoos! A great all-rounder and super easy chocolate cake recipe to treat friends and family this Christmas.

£10 - Buy Here


Vanilla Bean Sponge

A great recipe for the beginner baker! Delicious and super soft vanilla bean sponge, which would work well with a variety of festive flavour fillings and toppings.

£10 - Buy Here


Sticky Toffee Pudding Bundt Cakes

These sticky toffee pudding bundts are my favourite dessert to make for dinner parties or a special hot treat after a Christmas dinner!


They are rich and indulgent and covered in lashings of sticky toffee sauce. You can either serve these cold with a set sticky toffee drip, or serve hot as a dessert with freshly made hot sticky toffee sauce. You could even convert this into a layer cake, using the sticky toffee sauce to flavour your buttercream and drizzle between layers!

£10 - Buy Here


Pumpkin & Maple Spice Bundts with Cinnamon Streusel

It's PSL (pumpkin spiced latte) season again! Get your PSL fix in cake form with these delicious Pumpkin & Maple Spice Bundts with Cinnamon Streusel.


The pumpkin spice sponge is super soft, with a maple browned butter glaze and topped with cinnamon streusel. I'm convinced they'll convert even the most skeptical of pumpkin flavoured desserts! You could even convert this into a layer cake, replacing the maple glaze with a maple flavoured buttercream and sprinkling the cinnamon streusel between layers.

£10 - Buy Here


Our Best Christmas Cake Decorating Ideas


Christmas cake decorating is the perfect way to spread festive cheer with your friends and family and get into the spirit whilst doing something creative! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these Christmas cake decorating ideas are bound to impress your loved ones.


If you're new to cake decorating, or want to learn how to create celebration cakes with a smooth, sharp finish, why not check out our online cake decorating courses where you can learn all the key techniques and trick from the comfort of your home!


You can also find a handy FREE cake decorating tool guide on our website which talks you through all the tools and equipment you may need for decorating with Swiss meringue buttercream.


Don't hesitate to experiment, and remember that the key is to have fun and get into the festive spirit! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas with lots of delicious cake!

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