The Christmas table always steals the show. It’s where we laugh too loud, pull bonbons, swap stories, and of course, finish with dessert. The right cake at the end of your festive feast can turn a good lunch into a great memory. But picking a Christmas cake isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

You’ve got to juggle different tastes, dietary needs, and the all-important wow factor. Should you go classic and nostalgic, or light and summery? Something rich and indulgent or fresh and fruity? That’s where this list comes in handy. 

Whether you’re hosting the family or bringing dessert to a friend’s place, these 10 Christmas cake ideas are guaranteed to impress.

Let’s dive right in.

01. A Profiterole Christmas Tree Cake

If you’re looking for something playful, festive, and completely unforgettable, the Christmas Tree Cake is it. Shaped like a tree and built with layers of delicate profiteroles, this one’s both a dessert and a conversation starter.

Each puff is filled with luscious custard, dipped in white chocolate, and arranged to form a glowing, snow-dusted tree that looks like it came straight out of a pastry fairytale. It’s a hit at office parties and Christmas lunches, especially when you want to serve something with wow factor but zero fuss.

Whether you’re gathering the family or hosting friends, this cake brings that childhood wonder right to the centre of the table.

Want one ready to go? Check out our Profiterole Christmas Tree Cake, available for pre-order while stocks last

02. Rich Fruit Cake with a Festive Twist

The humble fruit cake has copped a bit of flak over the years, but when it’s done right, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Picture this, plump sultanas, juicy raisins, glazed cherries and orange peel all soaked in dark rum or brandy, folded into a spiced, buttery batter that fills the room with that unmistakable Christmas smell.

To modernise it, consider swapping in dried figs or apricots, and a handful of roasted nuts for crunch. A good fruit cake should be dense but never dry. 

The top can be glazed with apricot jam or brushed with more brandy for shine. A few sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks tied with twine can turn it into a rustic table centrepiece. 

Serve it in thin slices with strong coffee or tea, and you’ll have even the sceptics going back for seconds.

03. Vanilla Sponge Cake with Festive Layers

Not everyone wants a heavy dessert after a big Christmas lunch. If your guests prefer something light and airy, a vanilla sponge is your go-to. 

The vanilla sponge cake is a real Aussie favourite, too! It’s soft, fluffy, and plays well with almost any flavour combo. You can layer it with whipped cream and strawberry jam, then stack it high with fresh berries and a dusting of icing sugar. 

If you’re feeling playful, top it with meringue kisses or crushed candy canes for a festive pop. It’s a great choice for warmer days because it feels fresh and not too rich. Plus, it’s easy to decorate with the kids.

04. Ice Cream Christmas Cake Log

With December heat in full swing, sometimes the best Christmas cake isn’t baked at all. Enter the ice cream cake — a chilled, creamy crowd-pleaser that hits the spot after a big Christmas feast.

Our favourite version? A festive log-shaped ice cream cake swirled with vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate gelato, finished with chocolate glaze and seasonal decorations.

It’s easy to slice, fun to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Kids love it. Grown-ups love it. And you don’t even need to fire up the oven.

Take a peek at our Christmas Log Ice Cream Cake. It’s the perfect way to cool down and sweeten up your celebration.

05. Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake

This one’s for the chocolate lovers in the family, because the chocolate hazelnut mousse cake feels luxurious from the very first bite. 

It starts with a base of rich chocolate sponge or fudge cake, topped with layers of velvety hazelnut mousse. The whole thing is usually finished with a glossy chocolate glaze.

Now, imagine the flavour of a Ferrero Rocher, turned into an entire cake. It’s smooth, nutty, and a little bit indulgent, perfect for a grown-up dinner party or a special Christmas Eve dessert. 

You can also garnish it with roasted hazelnuts, wafer curls, or even edible gold leaf if you’re feeling fancy. A small slice goes a long way, but no one’s stopping at just one.

06. Cheesecake with a Tangy Christmas Twist

Cheesecake might not be traditional on the Christmas table, but it’s become a favourite for a reason. It’s cool, creamy, and endlessly versatile. 

The Aussie summer calls for something a little lighter, and this cheesecake will definitely hit the mark.

To add your own touch, try flavours like passionfruit, mango, or lemon. They bring that bright citrusy punch that cuts through the richness.

For decoration, go with glazed cranberries, white chocolate shards, or a sprinkle of pistachios. It keeps well in the fridge and is easy to make ahead, which is a win when the kitchen’s already busy.

07. Christmas Yule Log (Bûche de Noël)

Inspired by the traditional French Bûche de Noël, the Christmas log cake has become a beloved favourite on Aussie tables, and it’s not hard to see why.

Soft sponge is rolled with rich fillings like hazelnut praline, Belgian chocolate ganache, or even pistachio kataifi, then topped with glossy glaze and festive décor. It looks like a winter log, but tastes like pure holiday indulgence.

Best of all, it feels luxurious without being heavy. You can slice it thin or thick, serve it cold or room temp, and it never fails to impress.

Explore our seasonal range:

• Dubai Christmas Chocolate Log Cake
• Hazelnut Praline Christmas Log Cake
• Belgian Chocolate Christmas Log Cake

These are only available during the festive season, so pre-order early if you want to guarantee one for your table.

08. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something about red velvet cake that just feels festive. Maybe it’s the deep red colour or the smooth, slightly tangy flavour, but it always gets attention. 

A red velvet cake layered with cream cheese frosting is both striking and comforting, making it ideal for those who love a modern classic. You can decorate it with sugared cranberries, white chocolate curls, or a light dusting of icing sugar to make the colours pop. 

It’s the kind of cake that looks fancy without being over-the-top. Perfect for a Christmas Day brunch or as a gift to bring to a holiday catch-up.

09. Spiced Carrot Cake with Orange Zest

This one’s a dark horse. Carrot cake might not scream “Christmas” at first, but add a few festive spices and a touch of citrus, and suddenly it becomes a warm, cosy holiday favourite. 

The base is moist and full of texture thanks to grated carrot, chopped nuts, and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Furthermore, you can top it with a creamy orange-infused frosting and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans. You can even decorate the top with little candied orange slices. 

It’s earthy, spiced, and feels like a warm hug in dessert form, ideal for casual gatherings or picnic-style lunches.

10. Lemon Meringue Layer Cake

Light, zesty, and full of contrast. A lemon meringue cake brings something different to the table. 

Layers of soft lemon sponge, lemon curd, and toasted meringue frosting make this a refreshing option for Christmas lunch.

It’s especially popular when the weather is warm and you want something zingy rather than rich. The meringue can be piped or roughly swirled, then torched for that golden finish. 

Serve with fresh berries or mint for a bit of colour. It’s a showstopper that’s not too sweet and leaves everyone feeling fresh.

The Perfect Cake Brings People Together

Christmas is all about connection. It’s a time to slow down, share meals, and make memories. And the right cake adds joy to the table. Whether you go for a modern mousse cake or stick to the family fruit cake recipe, what matters most is how it brings people together.

These 10 Christmas cake ideas are more than just dessert suggestions. These are ways to bring a smile to your guests, to start a conversation, or to create a moment worth remembering. So go ahead and get creative.

Save Yourself From Stress. Pre-Order Your Christmas Cake From Profiterole Patisserie.

If you want to save yourself from the stress of preparation, you can purchase your Christmas cakes from Profiterole Patisserie. We make each one of our cakes with the same passion, care, and a little bit of magic that you would find in home-baked cakes.

Our yearly Christmas cakes sell out fast. And now that pre-orders for our 2025 Christmas cakes are open, be sure to place your spot. We deliver across Sydney, so you can rest assured that your Christmas cake will arrive on time.

At Profiterole Patisserie, we know Christmas isn’t just about food. It’s about family, joy, and creating something special. So if you’re curious to taste the difference, our cakes are always ready to inspire. Check out our entire product range here.