Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe is a light, fluffy sponge layered with sweet whipped cream and fresh strawberries, traditionally enjoyed in Japan as a festive holiday dessert.
I made this dessert after seeing it prepared in a holiday feature from Japan that sparked strong inspiration. The moment stayed in my mind, motivating me to recreate the same charm at home.
I now present the complete, clear sequence of steps to guide the process.
Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe
This Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe showcases a soft, airy sponge paired with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries, creating a bright festive dessert celebrated across Japan.
The main speciality lies in its delicate texture and refreshing flavor, reflecting a gentle style of Japanese patisserie.
Each slice offers balance rather than heaviness, making it enjoyable for holiday gatherings. The combination of seasonal strawberries, fluffy layers, and elegant presentation gives this cake a signature charm that defines Japanese Christmas traditions.
How To Prepare Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Celebration Cake
Cuisine: Japanese
Yield: 8 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Fine mesh sieve
- Offset spatula or cake scraper
- Serrated knife (for slicing cake layers)
- Pastry brush (for syrup)
Ingredients
For The Sponge Cake
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
For The Whipped Cream Filling & Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 10–15 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced (plus extra whole berries for decoration)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier)
Instructions
1. Get The Pan Ready
Line the bottom of a round cake pan with parchment paper. Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Beat The Eggs And Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whip the eggs and sugar for about 7–10 minutes until the mixture turns pale, thick, and fluffy. If you like, add a little lemon juice to help keep the foam stable.
3. Add The Dry Ingredients
Sift the cake flour (and baking powder, if you’re including it) over the egg mixture in a couple of batches. Fold it in gently with a spatula so you don’t knock out the air.
4. Mix In The Milk, Butter, And Vanilla
Stir together the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Add a spoonful of the batter to this mixture to lighten it, then fold it back into the main bowl.
5. Bake The Sponge
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and tap the pan lightly to pop any big air bubbles. Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool And Slice The Cake
Let the cake rest in the pan for about five minutes, then turn it out onto a rack. Once it’s completely cool, slice it horizontally into two or three even layers.
7. Make The Syrup And Whipped Cream
Warm the water and sugar just until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the orange liqueur and let it cool. Whip the heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until it forms soft to medium peaks.
8. Assemble The Cake
Brush each layer with the syrup. Spread a layer of whipped cream and add sliced strawberries between each section. Cover the whole cake with more cream and decorate the top with whole strawberries. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes, then slice and enjoy when ready.
Nutrition Facts Of Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Why We Love This Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe?
We love this Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe because it delivers a tender sponge, smooth cream, and bright strawberries that create a cheerful holiday treat.
Its gentle sweetness feels inviting, and its elegant look adds charm to any celebration. The process feels friendly for all skill levels, and the final result carries a delightful lightness that many enjoy.
Each slice brings a sense of comfort and joy, turning simple ingredients into a memorable dessert that often becomes a cherished seasonal favourite.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Arrange whole glossy strawberries on top and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy Christmas look.
2. Add thin white chocolate curls over the whipped cream to create a festive, elegant finish.
3. Pipe small cream rosettes around the edges and place halved strawberries between each swirl.
4. Create a simple holiday wreath pattern using sliced berries and tiny mint leaves.
5. Serve chilled slices alongside a small spoonful of berry compote for an extra festive touch.
Secrets To Perfect Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe
➢ Gently whip the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and full of air to create the signature soft sponge.
➢ Fold the flour slowly and lightly so the batter stays fluffy and doesn’t lose volume.
➢ Warm the milk and melted butter slightly so they blend smoothly into the airy batter.
➢ Chill the heavy cream thoroughly before whipping to achieve a smooth, stable texture.
➢ Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for vibrant flavor and a naturally sweet finish.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe offers modest nutritional advantages despite being a festive treat. Its light sponge structure contains fewer fats than dense butter cakes while fresh strawberries contribute vitamin C, fiber and natural antioxidants.
Whipped cream provides calcium and energy in controlled portions. A slice delivers a balanced sweetness and a cleaner profile compared to heavy desserts.
Using quality ingredients encourages mindful enjoyment and supports a celebration dessert that feels gentle, bright and satisfying without excess richness in each festive serving.
How To Store The Finished Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe?
The finished Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe stays fresh in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or cover lightly with a cake dome to protect its flavours.
Consume within two to three days for optimal taste and texture. Let the cake rest at room temperature briefly before serving to soften the whipped cream slightly.
This ensures each slice remains light, fluffy, and enjoyable, preserving the cake’s delicate sweetness and fresh strawberry flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can The Sponge Be Made Ahead?
Yes, it can be baked a day early and kept wrapped to maintain moisture.
Can I Use Another Fruit?
Strawberries are traditional, though raspberries or peaches also work.
Can I Skip Alcohol In The Syrup?
Yes, the liqueur can be omitted or replaced with extra water or juice.
What Size Cake Pan Works Best?
A 7-inch or 8-inch round pan gives the classic height and shape.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this easy and delicious Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe. Its fluffy sponge, fresh strawberries, and light whipped cream create a delightful dessert that anyone can prepare with confidence.
The process is simple, and the result is beautifully satisfying. I also hope this recipe inspires you to make it soon and share its sweetness with family or friends.
After you try Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe, I’d love to hear how delicious it turned out and how much you enjoyed every bite!
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Japanese Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Fine mesh sieve
- Offset spatula or cake scraper
- Serrated knife (for slicing cake layers)
- Pastry brush (for syrup)
Ingredients
For The Sponge Cake
- 1 cup cake flour sifted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
For The Whipped Cream Filling & Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream chilled
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 10 –15 fresh strawberries thinly sliced (plus extra whole berries for decoration)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier
Instructions
Get The Pan Ready
- Line the bottom of a round cake pan with parchment paper. Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat The Eggs And Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the eggs and sugar for about 7–10 minutes until the mixture turns pale, thick, and fluffy. If you like, add a little lemon juice to help keep the foam stable.
Add The Dry Ingredients
- Sift the cake flour (and baking powder, if you’re including it) over the egg mixture in a couple of batches. Fold it in gently with a spatula so you don’t knock out the air.
Mix In The Milk, Butter, And Vanilla
- Stir together the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Add a spoonful of the batter to this mixture to lighten it, then fold it back into the main bowl.
Bake The Sponge
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and tap the pan lightly to pop any big air bubbles. Bake for 23–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool And Slice The Cake
- Let the cake rest in the pan for about five minutes, then turn it out onto a rack. Once it’s completely cool, slice it horizontally into two or three even layers.
Make The Syrup And Whipped Cream
- Warm the water and sugar just until the sugar dissolves, then stir in the orange liqueur and let it cool. Whip the heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until it forms soft to medium peaks.
Assemble The Cake
- Brush each layer with the syrup. Spread a layer of whipped cream and add sliced strawberries between each section. Cover the whole cake with more cream and decorate the top with whole strawberries. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes, then slice and enjoy when ready.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310 kcal | Carbohydrates: 33 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Sugar: 24 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sodium: 80 mgHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!