Why Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes Are the Ultimate Festive Dessert: This is the season to indulge in decadent desserts that not only taste amazing but also look like works of art. Imagine a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also serves as a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table. Get ready to elevate your Christmas celebrations with the ultimate festive dessert – cranberry orange Christmas candle cakes. In this article, we will explore the perfect combination of flavors, as well as tips for creating the iconic candle shape, decorating like a pro, adding a delicious cranberry sauce center, and setting up a stunning Christmas dessert table. Impress your guests this holiday season with these show-stopping treats that are sure to spread festive cheer and delight taste buds.

Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes: These are the most delicious cranberry orange cakes you’ll ever have. They have a cranberry sauce filling wrapped in orange frosting and dripping with white chocolate ganache. If you like cranberry orange scones, you are going to LOVE these mini cakes! Oh, and they look like candles! Don’t worry—it’s super easy, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks along the way.

THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF FLAVORS

When it comes to the perfect combination of flavors, cranberry and orange are a match made in dessert heaven. The tartness of the cranberries complements the citrusy brightness of the orange, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Each bite of these Christmas candle cakes is a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, making them a truly irresistible treat for the holiday season.

Serving Ideas for Mini Candle Cakes

Have you ever seen anything so cool? These edible Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes are very versatile and can be enjoyed at any celebration. This particular candle cake set was designed to be a centerpiece on a holiday party dessert table.

SETTING UP A STUNNING CHRISTMAS DESSERT TABLE

To complement the delicious Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes, it’s essential to create a visually appealing dessert table that will impress your guests. Start by choosing a festive tablecloth or runner that complements the colors of your cakes. Consider adding some greenery or small Christmas decorations to add a touch of holiday charm.

Next, select serving platters and cake stands of varying heights to create visual interest on the table. Place the Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes on the stands to showcase them as the centerpiece of your dessert spread. Don’t forget to provide small dessert plates, napkins, and utensils so your guests can enjoy the treats.

To elevate the presentation even further, incorporate some candles or twinkle lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere around the dessert table. Consider adding a small sign or chalkboard with a festive message or the name of the dessert to tie everything together.

With these simple but effective tips, you can set up a stunning Christmas dessert table that will highlight your delicious Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes and create a festive and memorable experience for your guests.

CENTERPIECE: Transform your dessert into a stunning centerpiece! Keep it simple with a long, narrow piece of pine going down the center of your dinner table. Place either all the same-size cake candles or a variety of-size candles down the center. To decorate around the base of the candles, use sprigs of rosemary, fresh cranberries, and orange slices for Christmas, artificial leaves, nuts, cranberries, and orange slices for Thanksgiving, and fill the bottom with sprinkles for Birthdays.

INDIVIDUAL CANDLES: Instead of serving cupcakes at your party, serve individual candle cakes placed on plates or on a display like a tiered cake stand.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes

Creating the Iconic Candle Shape

To achieve the iconic candle shape of these Christmas candle cakes, start by using round cutters to create the base. This will give your dessert that classic candle look that is perfect for the holiday season. Once the cake is baked and cooled, carefully use the cutter to create the round cylinders. For the wick, a small birthday candle can be inserted into the top of the cake. With a little creativity and precision, you can easily create a festive dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

To make 2 (4 layer cakes), 2 (3 layer cakes), and 3 (2 layer cakes or 1 more three-layer cake), pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and an 8×8-inch pan. Bake for 29-32 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely.

FOR THE LARGE CANDLES, you will need a 3½ inch round cookie cutter. You will need TWO 3½ inch rounds for ONE large candle. Cut four 3½ inch rounds for TWO large candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each large candle will have FOUR LAYERS. FOR THE MEDIUM CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut THREE 3-inch rounds for two medium candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each candle will have THREE LAYERS. FOR THE SMALL CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut FOUR 3-inch rounds for four small candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each small candle will have two layers.

FOR BEST RESULTS: Cut the rounds the day before, wrap each round individually in plastic wrap, put them in a freezer bag, and freeze the cakes flat. This is an optional step, but it did help make the frosting process so much easier, with hardly any crumbs.

HOW TO CREATE CANDLE CAKES

To take your Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes to the next level, add a delicious cranberry sauce center. This simple addition will not only enhance the cakes’ flavor but also provide a burst of tangy sweetness with each bite. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised by this delightful twist on a classic dessert.

THE MINI CAKES: Once the cakes have completely cooled, remove them from the pans and transfer them to a cutting board lined with parchment paper.
FOR THE LARGE CANDLES, you will need a 3½ inch round cookie cutter. You will need TWO 3½ inch rounds for ONE large candle. Cut four 3½ inch rounds for TWO large candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each candle will have FOUR LAYERS.
FOR THE MEDIUM CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut THREE 3-inch rounds for two medium candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each candle will have THREE LAYERS.
FOR THE SMALL CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut FOUR 3-inch rounds for four small candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each small candle will have two layers.
THE LAYERS: For each layer, add a ring or frosting, leaving the center open. I used a 1M piping tip, which seemed a little too large; I suggest using a smaller tip.
Add a spoonful of the cranberry sauce in the center of each layer. Add another cake layer and repeat.
THE FROSTING: TIP FOR A CLEAN PLATTER: Place a piece of wax or parchment paper under the cake on a platter different from the one you will be using to serve on. Add frosting. Once you are happy with the frosting, slide a flat spatula under the cake and transport it to the serving platter.
Adding a crumb coat is totally up to you. If you froze the layers the night before, then you can skip the crumb coat.
CRUMB COAT: Add a thin layer of frosting to the cakes, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the coat to harden, and then add the outer coat of frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth the sides.

THE CANDLES AND WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE

For picture-perfect presentation, consider using a squeeze bottle to decorate your Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes with precision and flair. Additionally, adding edible glitter or shimmer dust on top of the cake can give it a festive sparkle that will make it stand out on your holiday dessert table. With these simple tips, you can take your decorating skills to the next level and create a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas celebration.

THE CANDLES: Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the candles to ½-1 inch down from the wick.

THE WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE: For the drips, hold the point of the bottle to the edge of the cake, give it a little squeeze until you are happy with the drip, and continue moving along the edge of the cake. Fill the top with the melted chocolate, and place the candle on top.

MORE CRANBERRY ORANGE RECIPES

How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes in Advance

THE CAKE: Bake cakes up to three months early
Cut the cakes into desired size rounds
Slice cakes horizontally
Wrap each slice with plastic wrap, label (size), and place in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid or a freezer-safe zip-top bag. This step not only saves time but also helps with the crumb coat.
FROSTING: Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to seven days or in the freezer for up to three months. It’s very important that the frosting be stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container.

Can I make a Full-size Cake candle using this Cranberry Orange cake recipe?

Yes, the recipe for these Christmas candle cakes is to make a full-size three-tiered cranberry orange cake.

How to Make Semi-Homemade Cranberry Orange Candle Cakes

I chose to make this cake recipe for my candles because it makes a dense, strong cake. Store-bought cake mixes are light and spongey. So, instead of using a store-bought cake mix, use a Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Mix. Quick breads typically have a denser texture than cake. Now, keep in mind you are going to need several boxes (probably 3). Also, swapping out the water for sour cream will help the store-bought mix taste more like homemade.

MORE CHRISTMAS CAKE/CUPCAKE RECIPES

LATEST POSTS

In conclusion, cranberry orange Christmas candle cakes are the perfect dessert to elevate your holiday gathering. The delightful combination of flavors, iconic candle shape, pro decorating tips, and delicious cranberry sauce center will surely impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to create a stunning dessert table that will leave a lasting impression. So, get baking and spread some festive cheer this Christmas season with these show-stopping treats. Make your gathering unforgettable with these ultimate festive desserts. MERRY CHRISTMAS!🎄Sheryl

Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes

Yield: Makes 2 (4 layer cakes) 2 (3 layer cakes) and 3 (2 layer cakes or 1 more three layer cake)

Transform a delicious cranberry orange cake into fun holiday cake candles!

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Orange Cake:

1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
2¼ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
6 large egg yolks
4½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon orange zest (about 2 medium oranges)
4½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1½ teaspoons orange extract
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup dried cranberries

For the Cranberry Filling:

1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce

For the Bakery Orange Frosting:

2 cups vegetable shortening
2 teaspoons orange extract
8 cups powdered sugar
8 tablespoons milk or water

for the White Chocolate Ganache:

2 cups melting wafers (I used Ghirardelli)
½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

For the Cranberry Orange Cakes:

NOTE ABOUT THE CAKE BATTER: The batter is thick and spreadable. Use an offset spatula to spread.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9x13-inch and an 8x8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the pans with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over enough to use as handles.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Slowly add sugar and continue beating until combined.
Add eggs and egg yolks to the butter mixture one a time making sure each one has been incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, orange zest, baking powder, and salt.
Pour orange and vanilla extracts in with the heavy cream.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and the heavy cream mixture to the butter mixture until combined.
Fold in dried cranberries.
Divide the cake batter between the two pans as equally as possible.
Bake for 29-32 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
THE MINI CAKES: Once the cakes have completely cooled, use the parchment paper to remove them from Once the cakes have completely cooled, use the parchment paper to pull the cake out of the pans and onto a cutting board.
FOR THE LARGE CANDLES, you will need a 3½ inch round cookie cutter. You will need TWO 3½ inch rounds for ONE large candle. Cut four 3½ inch rounds for TWO large candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each large candle will have FOUR LAYERS.
FOR THE MEDIUM CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut THREE 3-inch rounds for two medium candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each candle will have THREE LAYERS.
FOR THE SMALL CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut FOUR 3-inch rounds for four small candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each small candle will have two layers.

FOR BEST RESULTS: Cut the rounds the day before, wrap each round individually in plastic wrap, put them in a freezer bag, and freeze the cakes flat. This is an optional step, but it did help make the frosting process so much easier, with hardly any crumbs.

For the Cranberry Filling:

Pour the cranberries into a bowl and stir to combine. If there is too much liquid, pour them into a mesh strainer and press them with the back of a spoon to remove as much liquid as possible. Set aside until ready to fill.

For the Orange Frosting:

Add the shortening to a large mixing bowl. Whip on medium-high for 4 minutes.
Add half the powdered sugar, the orange extract, and half the water/milk.
Beat until combined. Add remaining powdered sugar and water/milk.
Beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Set aside 1½ cups of frosting for piping between layers.

For the White Chocolate Ganache:

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate wafers and cream.
Heat on high for 1 minute.
Remove from the microwave and let sit for one minute before stirring. (the cream is hot and will melt the chocolate)
Using a small whisk, combine the cream and chocolate.
Pour into a squeeze bottle. NOTE: Don't make the ganache until you are ready to use it.

How to Create Candle Cakes:

THE MINI CAKES: Once the cakes have completely cooled, remove them from the pans and put them onto a cutting board using the parchment paper Once the cakes have completely cooled, use the parchment paper to pull them out of the pans and onto a cutting board.
FOR THE LARGE CANDLES, you will need a 3½ inch round cookie cutter. You will need TWO 3½ inch rounds for ONE large candle. Cut four 3½ inch rounds for TWO large candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each candle will have FOUR LAYERS.
FOR THE MEDIUM CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut THREE 3-inch rounds for two medium candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each candle will have THREE LAYERS.
FOR THE SMALL CANDLES, you will need a 3-inch round cookie cutter. Cut FOUR 3-inch rounds for four small candles. Cut each round in half horizontally. Each small candle will have two layers.
THE LAYERS: For each layer, add a ring or frosting, leaving the center open. I used a 1M piping tip, which seemed a little too large; I suggest using a smaller tip.
Add a spoonful of the cranberry sauce in the center of each layer. Add another cake layer and repeat.
THE FROSTING: TIP FOR A CLEAN PLATTER: Place a piece of wax or parchment paper under the cake on a different platter than the one you will be using to serve on. Add frosting. Once you are happy with the frosting, slide a flat spatula under the cake and transport it to the serving platter.
Adding a crumb coat is totally up to you. If you froze the layers the night before, then you can skip the crumb coat.
CRUMB COAT: Add a thin layer of frosting to the cakes, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the coat to harden, then add the outer coat of frosting.
Use an offset spatula to make the sides smooth.
THE CANDLES: Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the candles to ½-1 inch down from the wick.
THE WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE: For the drips, hold the point of the bottle to the edge of the cake, give it a little squeeze until you are happy with the drip, and continue moving along the edge of the cake. Fill the top with the melted chocolate, and place the candle on top. MAKES 7 CANDLES OR 16 MINI SINGLE 2-LAYER CAKES

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Bringing the simplicity of entertaining into your life

Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes

Serving Ideas for Mini Candle Cakes

How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes

How to Make Cranberry Orange Christmas Candle Cakes in Advance

Can I make a Full-size Cake candle using this Cranberry Orange cake recipe?