Make Ahead Holiday Cake Recipes

MAKE-AHEAD HOLIDAY CAKE

Steps:

• Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil; set aside. In a large bowl, combine milk and chocolate syrup; fold in whipped cream. Pour into prepared pan; cover and freeze for 6 hours. , Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using a greased and floured 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Cool for 10 minutes; invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Transfer to a serving platter. , Remove cream mixture from the freezer; carefully invert onto cake and remove foil. Spread whipped topping over top and sides. Return to the freezer for 2 hours. , May be frozen for up to 2 months. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting., Just before serving, drizzle with additional chocolate syrup; garnish with mint and cherries.

EASTER DIRT CAKE

Steps:

• Process cookies and melted butter in the bowl of a food processor until cookies are finely ground and mixture is thoroughly combined. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of mixture for topping cake. Press remaining mixture into a lightly greased (with cooking spray) 9x13-inch baking dish. Chill while preparing filling, about 20 minutes.
• Beat softened butter and cream cheese at medium speed with a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar and beat until very creamy and thoroughly combined, about 1 minute.
• Beat pudding mix, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes until mixture has thickened. Add pudding mixture to cream cheese mixture and beat at medium speed until very smooth and combined, about 2 minutes.
• Beat heavy cream and cream of tartar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until foamy, about 2 minutes; gradually add remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar and beat on medium-high until medium-stiff peaks form, about 5 to 6 minutes. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese-pudding mixture. Spoon cream cheese-pudding mixture on top of chocolate cookie crumb mixture in baking dish; smooth with a small off-set spatula. Sprinkle reserved 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumb mixture evenly over top.
• Cover and chill at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours. Decorate top of cake as desired with desired toppings.