Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes: A Festive Treat for Busy Moms

Okay, here we go! I’m so excited to share one of my family’s favorite holiday treats with you.

Picture this: It’s a few days before Christmas, the house is a flurry of wrapping paper and carols, and I’m trying to whip up something festive and (dare I say) somewhat nutritious for the kids’ school party. I stumbled upon a recipe for mini vanilla cupcakes Christmas, and I thought, “Why not make them Christmas-y?” I added a simple vanilla glaze and some red and green sprinkles.

The result? These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes were a HUGE hit! They were the perfect size for little hands, tasted delicious, and surprisingly, weren’t loaded with junk. It was a dinnertime nutrition win!

I’ve been making these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes every year since, tweaking the recipe here and there to make them even healthier and easier for us busy moms. It’s my sanity-saving nutrition secret weapon during the holidays.

These small Christmas vanilla cakes aren’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they’re about creating those special memories with your family. My wellness journey with these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes has taught me that sometimes, a little bit of festive fun can go a long way in making everyone happy.

So, fellow nutrition-seekers, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and relatively guilt-free treat to make this holiday season, keep reading! These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are perfect for you. Let’s get started!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes. I promise, it’s a simple list because we’re all about simple nutrition here, right?

Ingredients for Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes including flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, baking powder, salt, and sprinkles

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our small Christmas vanilla cakes. If you’re looking to add a bit more fiber, you can substitute ½ cup of whole wheat flour.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: For that perfect light and fluffy texture we all love in our Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes.
½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the vanilla flavor in these vanilla Christmas cake recipe treats.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce this to 2/3 cup if you prefer a less sweet version of the Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes.
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft, so it creams well with the sugar. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version of these vanilla Christmas cake recipe treats.
2 large eggs: These bind everything together and add richness to our festive vanilla mini cakes.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The star of the show! Use good quality vanilla for the best flavor in your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes.
½ cup milk: I usually use whole milk, but any kind will work. Almond milk or oat milk are great non-dairy options for these small Christmas vanilla cakes.
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar: This creates a sweet and smooth canvas for decorating our Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes.
- ¼ cup milk: Add more or less to get the desired consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because you can never have too much vanilla!
Sprinkles: Red and green, of course, for that extra festive touch on our vanilla Christmas cake recipe treats!

Trust me, this Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! I always have most of these ingredients on hand, which makes whipping up a batch of these festive vanilla mini cakes super easy.

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive! Plus, I often double the batch and freeze half for unexpected guests or a quick dessert later on.

My family gets extra nutrition when I add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the batter. You won’t even taste it, but it adds a boost of omega-3s to your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, fellow nutrition-seekers, let’s get baking! I promise, these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are so easy to make, even with little helpers running around. Here’s how we bring these festive vanilla mini cakes to life:

Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and perfectly shaped small Christmas vanilla cakes.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, giving your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes a consistent rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key for a tender crumb in your festive vanilla mini cakes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. We want our Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes to be perfect!
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes.
Fill the Muffin Cups: Fill each mini muffin cup about 2/3 full. I use a small cookie scoop for this to ensure even baking of the vanilla Christmas cake recipe treats.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes usually takes exactly 11 minutes.
Cool: Let the Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and helps them maintain their shape.
Make the Glaze: While the small Christmas vanilla cakes are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Glaze and Decorate: Once the Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are completely cool, dip the tops into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with red and green sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes – I would overfill the muffin cups, and they’d overflow. Learn from my experience! It’s the perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Also, I always set a timer so I don’t burn them.

Don’t worry if your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes looks slightly imperfect. Remember, we’re going for delicious, not perfect! These festive vanilla mini cakes should smell nourishing by now.

While your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are baking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are a testament to simple nutrition!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of beautiful Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes. Now, what’s the best way to enjoy them? Well, in my house, they disappear pretty quickly! Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve these vanilla Christmas cake recipe treats:

The kids devour this nutritious Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes when I serve it with a side of fresh fruit. Berries are always a hit, and they add a boost of vitamins to our festive treat.

These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! They make a great addition to any holiday party or family gathering. Plus, they’re so cute and festive!

I often serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost. It adds a creamy texture and a little extra nutrition to our Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

For a fun presentation, I like to arrange the Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes on a platter in the shape of a Christmas tree. It’s a simple way to make them look even more festive! For more holiday cake ideas, you could also check out Holiday Christmas themed cake ideas for craft shows.

If you have any leftover Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes (which is rare in my house!), you can crumble them and use them as a topping for yogurt parfaits. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and add a little sweetness to a healthy breakfast.

I’ve also tried adding a swirl of peppermint extract to the glaze for a festive twist. It’s a fun way to change up the flavor and add a little extra holiday cheer to your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes.

My friend raved about these small Christmas vanilla cakes! She said they were the perfect balance of sweet and simple, and her kids loved them!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, fellow busy moms, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about making these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes. I’ve been there, I get it!

Is this Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! While they are a treat, these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes can be part of a balanced diet. They provide energy, and you can easily sneak in some extra nutrients like flaxseed meal or whole wheat flour. Plus, homemade is always better than store-bought when it comes to controlling ingredients in your festive vanilla mini cakes.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes?

I hear you! Picky eaters are a challenge. Try letting them help with the decorating. Sometimes, kids are more willing to try something they’ve helped make. Also, you could try adding a little bit of their favorite fruit to the batter to make it more appealing. Never give up offering new foods – eventually, they might surprise you!

Can I meal prep this Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes for busy weeks ahead?

Definitely! These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can experiment with other flours! Spelt flour or oat flour would work well. Keep in mind that different flours may affect the texture of your Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly.

What if I don’t have vanilla extract?

While vanilla extract adds a lot of flavor to these festive vanilla mini cakes, you can substitute it with another extract like almond or lemon. Or, if you don’t have any extracts on hand, you can simply omit it. The Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes will still be delicious!

Can I make these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking cakes and cupcakes for the best results.

How do I prevent the frosting from being runny?

If your glaze is too runny, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If you’re looking at darkening frosting colours without making it runny, check out this post.

Final Thoughts:

These Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a symbol of the joy and connection we share during the holidays. They remind me of another family-healthy favorite, these Ghost Mini Taco Pies which my kids also enjoy and are gone in minutes!

My Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes Nutrition Hacks:

Add Flaxseed Meal: Boost the omega-3s without changing the taste.
Use Whole Wheat Flour: Increase the fiber content for added nutrition.
Reduce Sugar: Lower the sweetness without sacrificing flavor.

Here are a few family-tested healthy Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes variations:

Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Peppermint: Add peppermint extract to the glaze for a festive flavor.
Cranberry Orange: Add dried cranberries and orange zest to the batter for a tangy and festive treat.

My daughter loves the chocolate chip version, while my son prefers the classic vanilla. I encourage you to make these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes your own! You could also try to make Dreamy Vanilla Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

I hope these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes bring as much joy to your family as they have to mine. Remember, simple nutrition is about finding ways to nourish your loved ones without adding unnecessary stress to your life. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out these Caramel Apple Cupcakes!

So go ahead, bake a batch of these Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes, and enjoy the nourishing chaos of the holiday season! You got this, mama! And If your kids are in the mood for potatoes then you can surprise them with this mushroom stuffed potato cakes recipe!

Easy Mini Vanilla Christmas Cakes

Print Recipe

These adorable mini vanilla Christmas cakes are easy to make and perfect for holiday gifting or individual desserts. They’re moist, flavorful, and decorated with festive icing.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Yield: 24 mini cakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
Vanilla buttercream frosting
Sprinkles for decoration

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini muffin tin.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost with vanilla buttercream and decorate with sprinkles.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of rum or brandy to the batter. You can also use different extracts like almond or lemon.