Jolly Old St. Nick Cake
A fun and festive cake featuring a fluffy angel food base decorated as a jolly Santa with marshmallow beard and gumdrop eyes, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix angel food cake mix with 2 2/3 cups water in a large stainless steel bowl.
- Mix for 2 minutes on low speed.
- Whip until peaks don't fall, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup flour from the 'B' package onto whipped eggs at a time, then fold in.
- Pour batter into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Let cool for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Spread miniature marshmallows over the beard area of the cake.
- Use gumdrops for the eyes.
- Frost the cake evenly with Pillsbury frosting.
- Decorate as desired and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form before folding in the flour. If you don't have Pillsbury frosting, any cream cheese or buttercream frosting can work well. To add more flavor, consider incorporating a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. You can also use different colored gumdrops for a festive look.
Serving Suggestions
This Jolly Old St. Nick Cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or parties. Serve it alongside a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Ann's Shortbread Cookies for an added festive touch. For a complete dessert table, consider adding a fruit platter or some festive candies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, just until warm, and enjoy it again without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jolly Old St. Nick Cake contains roughly 427 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and store it at room temperature. Frost it on the day of serving for the best texture and taste.
What can I use instead of gumdrops?
If you don't have gumdrops, try using chocolate chips, M&M's, or even fruit slices for the eyes. These alternatives can add different flavors and textures while maintaining a festive appearance.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Jolly Old St. Nick Cake is vegetarian-friendly, as it does not contain meat or animal-derived ingredients. Be sure to check the cake mix and frosting labels for any non-vegetarian additives, though.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).