Oh, you’re going to love this! There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked bánh noel filling the house during the holidays. My grandma used to make these every Christmas, and now it’s my turn to carry on the tradition. It’s simple, colorful, and just the right amount of festive—perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting to friends. Let’s make this holiday extra sweet!
Ingredients for Bánh Noel
(Psst—don’t worry, I’ve got the full measurements in the recipe card below!) Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect holiday cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled—no packing!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (trust me, it’s the sweet spot)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out for 30 minutes—no microwaving shortcuts!)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (they mix smoother this way)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes all the difference)
- 1 tsp baking powder (freshness matters—check the date!)
- 1/4 tsp salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or whatever you’ve got in the fridge)
- Red & green food coloring (gel works best for vibrant colors)
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of something? No stress! Try these swaps:
- Dairy-free? Almond milk or coconut oil instead of butter/milk
- Healthier sugar? Coconut sugar 1:1 for granulated
- No food coloring? Beet powder (red) or matcha (green) work too!
How to Make Bánh Noel
Okay, let’s get baking! This is the fun part—I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous holiday cake in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl. No lumps allowed!
- Cream in the butter until it’s nice and fluffy. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Splash in that vanilla—it smells like Christmas already!
- Slowly pour in the milk while mixing. The batter should be smooth but not too runny.
- Divide the batter into two bowls. Now for the magic—add red food coloring to one and green to the other. Go bold with the colors!
- Pour into a greased pan in alternating spoonfuls. Swirl lightly with a knife if you want that marbled look.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Let it cool completely before decorating—patience pays off here!
Decorating Tips
Now for the festive fun! Try:
- A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top
- Red and green sprinkles for instant holiday cheer
- Edible glitter because everything’s better with sparkles
- Candy canes crushed on top for a peppermint twist
Just remember—cool cake first, or your decorations will melt into a colorful mess (been there!).
Why You’ll Love This Bánh Noel
Seriously, what’s not to love? This cake is my go-to holiday showstopper every year, and here’s why:
- Super easy—no fancy skills needed, just mix and bake!
- Festive colors that scream „Christmas” in every slice
- Kid-approved (mine always fight over who gets the green piece)
- Makes your house smell like holiday magic while baking
- Perfect for gifting—wrap it up with a ribbon for instant cheer
- Customizable—go wild with toppings or keep it simple
- Great for parties (it disappears fast, trust me!)
It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone gather in the kitchen—just like Grandma intended.
Storage & Reheating
This bánh noel stays fresh for days—just pop it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to freeze it? Wrap slices tightly in plastic and freeze for up to a month. Pro tip: Skip the microwave—nobody likes a dry cake! Thaw at room temp or enjoy it cold for that perfect texture.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop per slice (but remember, these are just estimates—your results might vary depending on ingredients!):
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 3g
Psst—if you use substitutions like coconut sugar or almond milk, your numbers will be a little different. No stress, just sweetness!
FAQs About Bánh Noel
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I get asked most about this festive cake:
- Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge—it’ll taste just as fresh.
- Can I skip the food coloring? Of course! The cake will still be delicious, just less colorful. Try natural alternatives like beet juice or matcha if you want a subtle hue.
- How do I make it gluten-free? Easy swap—just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend 1:1. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill!
Still stumped? Drop me a comment—I love helping troubleshoot baking adventures!
Share Your Creation!
I’d love to see your festive bánh noel! Tag me on Instagram @[YourHandle]—nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday baking magic!
Print
Dwukolorowy tort Noël – Radość świąt
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix well.
- Divide batter into two parts. Add red food coloring to one and green to the other.
- Pour into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Decorate with frosting for a festive touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: bánh noel, Christmas cake, holiday dessert