Christmas Cakes

A few easy cuts let you turn a simple cake into a symbol of the season: a tree for Christmas or a dreidel for Hanukkah.

In one shape or another, sweet, spicy gingerbread has been popular for centuries. During the 1600s, in fact, gingerbread making was such serious business that only certain bakers had rights to make it.

You can use any seedless jam or preserves to fill this jelly roll, although a red raspberry or strawberry looks especially festive.

Filled with finely grated carrots and crushed pineapple, then spread with a smooth coating of cream cheese icing, this classic dessert will be an extra-special treat for your aspiring baker to make.

This sour-cream coffee cake, with pockets of sweet cinnamon, makes a lovely gift for neighbors to enjoy on Christmas morning -- or any other day.

It's a win-win combo -- buttery shortbread and sweet, tangy raspberry jam. As their name suggests, these tasty triangles won't hold up to rough handling, but they make for a pretty presentation at a potluck.

This dessert sandwiches layers of yellow cake with sweet jam, fluffy white icing and a blizzard of coconut shreds.

Finish off your holiday dinner with this Christmas tree, with candy ornaments, an icing garland, and presents.

Deep, fudgy flavor is king in this nearly flourless cake. Simple to make, it'll look and taste fresh off the bakery shelf. But you can have this elegant treat ready to serve in just one hour.

A delicious dessert that is sure to impress even the most critical tasters.

A sinfully delicious dessert that melts in your mouth.