Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake Recipe

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Nothing says holiday joy quite like a show-stopping dessert, and this Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake is truly a festive masterpiece. Imagine biting into the perfect blend of moist, colorful funfetti cake layers paired with a rich, creamy cheesecake center, all wrapped in fluffy, vibrantly red frosting and topped with a luscious white chocolate ganache drip. This Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake brings together everything you love about holiday sweets in one irresistible, celebratory treat that will wow your family, friends, and even your most discerning dessert guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake come together simply but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and festive color. From the creamy richness of the cheesecake layer to the quintessential cake mix with bursts of colorful sprinkles, every component works in harmony to deliver holiday magic in every bite.

• Cream cheese: Provides the smooth, tangy base for the cheesecake layer that balances sweet flavors.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and cake batter perfectly without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: Adds structure and keeps the cheesecake from cracking.
• Eggs and egg yolk: Help bind ingredients together and contribute to luscious texture.
• Sour cream and heavy cream: Give the cheesecake creaminess and a slight tang for richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors for warm, classic sweetness.
• White cake mix: The base for the funfetti cake layers, adding lightness and fluff.
• Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the cake and frosting.
• Red and green jimmies: The festive colored sprinkles that bring joyful pops of color throughout the cake layers.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfectly smooth texture.
• Milk or heavy cream (for frosting): Adjusts frosting consistency for fluffiness and spreadability.
• Cocoa powder and salt: Provide subtle complexity and balance in the frosting.
• Red gel food coloring: Creates the vibrant holiday color that makes this cake so eye-catching.
• White chocolate chips and heavy cream (for ganache): Together, they make a silky, rich drip to decorate and elevate the cake.
• Green gel food coloring: Adds a festive twist to the ganache drip, tying the whole look together.

How to Make Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and prepping an 8-inch round cake pan with cooking spray and parchment paper so the cheesecake will lift out perfectly after baking. Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and flour until silky smooth, then carefully incorporate the eggs one at a time to keep the texture creamy and crack-free. Adding sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla next rounds out the batter for rich flavor. Place the cake pan in a larger roasting pan, pour in water to create a gentle water bath, and bake until the center barely wobbles. This gentle baking method is the key to a luxurious cheesecake texture. After cooling, cover and refrigerate overnight to set.

Step 2: Bake the Funfetti Cake Layers

While the cheesecake chills, prepare the fluffy funfetti cake layers. You’ll mix cake mix with milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla, then incorporate those festive red and green jimmies for that classic Christmas cheer. Divide the batter evenly between two prepared pans and bake at 350 degrees until a tester comes out clean—this ensures perfectly moist and tender layers. Let the cakes cool completely to room temperature before moving on to frosting for the best assembly experience.

Step 3: Whip Up the Vibrant Red Frosting

Next up is the frosting, the alluring “glue” that holds this Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake together. Using unsalted butter as your base, gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt for subtle depth and balance. Beat it until fluffy and light, then introduce just the right amount of no-taste red gel food coloring to achieve a stunning holiday red shade that’s sure to impress. Adjust thickness as needed with more sugar or cream to get that perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble Your Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake

Now comes the fun part—layering all that deliciousness! Start with one funfetti cake layer on your cake stand, add a thin frosting coat, then gently place the chilled cheesecake layer on top. Another thin frosting layer follows before adding the final funfetti cake layer. Finish frosting the entire cake with remaining red frosting, smoothing out all the edges for a festive, polished look. Pop it into the fridge and let those flavors meld for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the cake set beautifully.

Step 5: Create the Stunning Ganache Drip

The final touch is a decadent white chocolate ganache, colored green for that signature Christmas vibe. Heat heavy cream until steaming, pour it over white chocolate chips, and let sit before whisking to silky perfection. Add green gel food coloring to create a festive drip effect around the edges. If it’s too runny or thick, let it rest or warm up slightly until you get the perfect pourable texture. Drip the ganache around the cake’s edge and spread the remaining on top, then refrigerate again until set. This glam finishing touch transforms this Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake from delicious to dazzling.

How to Serve Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, garnish the cake with a sprinkle of additional red and green jimmies or edible glitter right before serving. Fresh cranberries or small mint sprigs make for beautiful, natural accents and add to the holiday spirit without overwhelming the rich flavors of the cake.

Side Dishes

This vibrant cake pairs wonderfully with a light, refreshing side like a simple citrus salad or spiced cranberry compote. These help balance the sweetness and keep your dessert spread feeling bright and festive. A cup of creamy eggnog or a warm cup of spiced tea also complements the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests further? Serve slices of this Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake on decorative holiday plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. For a party, cut the cake into smaller squares and serve on a festive platter for easy sharing. The colorful layers make every slice a picture-perfect celebration bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After indulging in this dessert, wrap any leftover Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it easy to savor every last crumb of your holiday creation.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this festive treat well after the holidays, the cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its creamy texture and vibrant colors.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly and bring out all the rich flavors and creamy textures.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for the funfetti layers?

Yes! While a white cake mix works best to showcase the colorful jimmies, you can substitute with yellow or vanilla cake mix if preferred. Just keep in mind that the cake’s color and flavor will vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. You can use a gluten-free white cake mix and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cheesecake layer with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for the best results.

How important is the water bath for baking the cheesecake?

The water bath is essential for creating a smooth, crack-free cheesecake by providing gentle, even heat. It helps prevent the cheesecake from drying out and cracking during baking, leading to that perfect creamy texture.

Can I skip the ganache drip if I’m short on time?

Definitely! The cake is delicious on its own with the red frosting layers. The ganache drip is a stunning visual touch but completely optional if you’re pressed for time.

How long does the frosting need to beat to become fluffy?

About 4 minutes of high-speed beating will give you the lovely light and airy texture you want. Don’t rush this step, as the fluffiness makes the frosting so easy to spread and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake is truly that special holiday dessert that brings joy, color, and unforgettable flavor all in one slice. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or just treating yourself, I promise it will become a festive favorite year after year. So grab your ingredients, invite some holiday cheer into your kitchen, and enjoy every delightful bite of this dazzling Christmas Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake.

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