Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe

If you’re anything like me, holiday baking is one of the best parts of the season — and this Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe is an absolute showstopper! It’s fun, festive, and surprisingly easy to pull off, even if you don’t consider yourself a cake-decorating pro. This cake combines that cozy, cheerful vibe of the holiday season with a playful twist that makes every slice a conversation starter. So grab your spatula and candy stash, and let’s dive into the magic of creating your very own ugly sweater masterpiece!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe, I stick with a simple yellow cake mix because it’s reliable and pairs beautifully with the rich holiday frosting. You’ll find these ingredients easy to grab, and it lets you focus more on the fun decorating part!

• Yellow cake mix: A classic choice — easy to prepare and holds up well under the frosting and decorations.
• Ingredients on cake mix box: Usually eggs, oil, and water; don’t skip these or your cake won’t come together properly!
• Holiday red frosting: I love using Pillsbury’s holiday red frosting because it’s festive and creamy—perfect for that sweater look.
• White icing tube: This is your “knitting” and “pattern” helper—great for piping on sweater designs.
• Candy decorations: M&M’s or any colorful candies work like magic for buttons and extra sparkle.

Variations

One of the best things about the Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. I enjoy switching up the cake base or trying different candy decorations depending on the party vibe—and you should totally do the same!

• From Scratch Cake: I’ve made this with a homemade yellow or vanilla cake, and honestly, it feels so rewarding. If you want to skip the mix, give it a try – just bake as usual!
• Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or orange zest to the batter to give it a holiday kick that’s a little unexpected but wonderful.
• Allergy-Friendly: Use vegan or gluten-free cake mix versions if needed—I’ve had success with almond flour mixes and coconut-based frostings.
• Decoration Themes: Instead of a classic sweater, try making it into a holiday cardigan or even a funny “ugly” Christmas vest with mismatched candy buttons and patterns.

How to Make Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Base

Start by lining a 13×9 baking dish with parchment paper—this really makes it easier to remove your cake without it breaking apart (I learned this the hard way!). Then, prepare your yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 24 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before moving on! This cool-down period is key to keeping your frosting smooth and the decorations intact.

Step 2: Move and Frost the Cake

Once the cake is cooled, gently lift it out of the dish using the edges of parchment paper. Slide it onto your serving plate or cutting board. This step is so satisfying because you’ll see that perfectly rectangular canvas ready for decorating. Next, spread your holiday red frosting evenly over the top and sides using an offset spatula if you have one. I love how the bright red looks so festive and sets the perfect backdrop for your sweater design.

Step 3: Decorate Your Ugly Sweater

Here’s the fun part: using your white icing tube, pipe on sweater patterns like zigzags, snowflakes, or any quirky details you want. Then press on your candy decorations as “buttons” or fun accents. I’ve used M&M’s before, and they add such a cheerful pop of color. Get creative—this cake’s charm is all in its “ugly” uniqueness! Don’t worry about it being perfect; the more playful, the better.

How to Serve Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple since the cake itself is such a showstopper. A sprinkle of festive colored sugar or edible glitter adds a little extra sparkle without overpowering the design. You can also add a few candy canes or mini peppermints scattered around the plate for an extra Christmas vibe.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa or spiced coffee. I’ve served it alongside a platter of fresh fruit or holiday cookies to balance out the sweetness and keep things lively at the dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve experimented with serving this cake on rustic wooden boards or colorful trays lined with holiday napkins to amp up the cozy factor. Another fun idea: cut the cake into sweater-shaped pieces using a cookie cutter for individual servings that your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cake has been decorated, I store it in an airtight cake keeper or container at room temperature. This keeps the cake moist and the frosting fresh. It’s best enjoyed within one week, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake and freeze the cooled cake layers before frosting. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. When it’s time to decorate, thaw overnight in the fridge and then frost as usual—you won’t even notice the difference!

Reheating

This cake is best served at room temperature, so if refrigerated, I typically let it sit out for about 30 minutes before slicing. I don’t recommend microwaving since it can melt the frosting and ruin the design, but if you’re in a rush, a few seconds on low power might help soften the cake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ugly Sweater Cake Recipe holds a special place in my holiday heart—not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings everyone together to laugh, decorate, and celebrate. I love how imperfect and joyful it looks, a perfect reflection of the holiday spirit. I hope you’ll give it a try this season and make your own fun, festive memories with it. Trust me, once you see the smiles it brings, this cake will be a holiday tradition in your house too!

Print