This is more than a recipe; it's an invitation to have fun in the kitchen. Embrace the mess, add your own twist, and create a dessert that's as unique and joyful as your holiday!
For the Chaos Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
The Chaos Mix-Ins (Choose one or mix & match!):
½ cup rainbow sprinkles
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup crushed candy canes
¼ cup festive M&Ms or holiday sprinkles
2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce or raspberry jam for swirling
For the Wild & Wonderful Frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Gel food coloring (Red, green, or both for a swirl effect!)
For the Top: The Final Chaos!
More sprinkles!
Crushed candy canes
Chocolate chips
Holiday-themed candies
Drizzles of melted chocolate or caramel
Instructions
1. Create the Cake Base
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Bring it Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or whisk, gently mix just until combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
2. Unleash the Chaos!
This is the fun part! Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins (sprinkles, chocolate chips, etc.). If you're using jam or caramel, don't mix it in fully. Pour half the batter into the pans, dollop the sauce on top, then add the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it for marbled pockets of flavor.
3. Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Whip Up the Vibrant Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract, salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Add Color! Divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint them with your chosen food coloring. You can keep it one color, do two colors, or just swirl them together loosely for a chaotic effect!
5. Assemble Your Masterpiece!
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Now, frost the outside of the cake. Remember the rule: imperfection is the goal! Swirl it, swoop it, don't worry about crumbs or making it neat.
The Grand Finale: Immediately, while the frosting is still sticky, press and sprinkle all your remaining chaotic toppings over the entire cake. Be generous! Drizzle with extra sauces if you like.
Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before slicing. Serve, watch the joy unfold, and enjoy the most deliciously chaotic part of your holiday! 🎅🎄
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