Season's Sweetings: A 12-Layer Christmas Cake for Serious Eats

Whoever said that size doesn't matter clearly stuck with cakes that were, like, seven layers or fewer.

But here's a treat to power you through the holiday season: a towering 12-layer red and green Christmas cake. Why twelve layers? Why, one for each day of Christmas, of course!

A riff on Maryland's official state cake, the Smith Island Cake, this red-and-green confection is brimming with holiday cheer, and butter. Serve in slender slivers, because a little goes a long way with this sugary splendor.

Note: To avoid confusion, I should say that though it takes cues from both, this cake is neither a Red Velvet cake (it does not contain cocoa) nor truly a traditional Smith Island cake (the cake part is, but the icing is traditionally chocolate). Consider it a holiday mash-up, with liberties taken on both cakes to make for a festive holiday look.

For the full recipe and writeup, visit Serious Eats!

Comments

[Nicole B.]

YUM.
I cant just imagine the fabulous sensation of pressing a fork through each of those layers. I love-love-love layer cakes for the ideal frosting:cake ratio that they offer.
YUMMMM.
<3

[Caroline]

Being originally from Maryland, I have a soft spot for the Smith Island cake - i Love this holiday twist! One of these days I'm going to have to make one of these cakes!

[Lora]

This looks like a Christmas zebra! It's fantastic. I love it.

[Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy.]

What a festive cake, love all those layers! YUM!

[christine]

That looks unbelievably festive :) Those are some super thin layers! Looks delicious.

[Brandy]

My Mom's Red Velvet cake recipe never called for cocoa. However, I've since discovered it may be a Lady Baltimore cake with red food coloring. Does Red Velvet cake ALWAYS have cocoa?

[Debbie]

What a beautiful cake!! I'm thinking a big glass of milk would go perfect with this!

[Jacqueline]

I think this cake is so adorable and festive! And I bet it's delicious too! I don't understand how the SeriousEats community can hate so much on festive adorable and delicious cakes!

[megbmd]

As a Marylander who makes Smith Island Cakes as my go-to cake, I love this. I may have to mash up this idea with the one on the Dec. Bon Appetit cover and add a chocolate ribbon. Mmmmmm.

[Meg]

As a lifelong Marylander, I give this one my hearty approval! Smith Island Cakes are awesome to look at it and even more enjoyable when consumed. Loving this Christmas version -- so pretty!