Orange cake with snowy marshmallow frosting

This Orange Cake with Snowy Marshmallow Frosting and adorable marshmallow reindeer toppers is a festive holiday dessert that is as fun to make as it is to eat. The cake combines the zesty brightness of oranges with the light, fluffy texture of a marshmallow meringue frosting, giving it a wintery, snowy appearance that brings a touch of holiday magic to any dessert table. Topped with whimsical marshmallow reindeer made with pretzels and candy, this cake is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or cozy winter dinners.

The flavors in this cake are wonderfully balanced—the citrus notes of the orange cake add a refreshing contrast to the sweet marshmallow frosting, and the lightness of the frosting keeps the dessert from feeling too heavy. This cake is great for anyone who wants a unique, cheerful, and holiday-themed dessert that both kids and adults will love.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to make this cake, from baking the moist orange sponge to creating the marshmallow frosting and assembling the adorable reindeer toppers. Along the way, you’ll find helpful tips, storage suggestions, and ideas for adding your own creative touches. Let’s dive into this festive recipe and make some holiday magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Fresh Flavors: The orange cake is light, flavorful, and adds a fresh citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the marshmallow frosting.
• Fun and Festive Appearance: The reindeer toppers made from marshmallows and pretzels add a playful holiday twist that’s sure to impress.
• Kid-Friendly: The adorable decorations make this cake a hit with kids, who can also help assemble the reindeer.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy enough for beginners and a fun project for families.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: This cake is festive enough to serve as a holiday dessert centerpiece, and it’s large enough to serve a crowd.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Frosting and Decorating Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 43g

Ingredients

For the Orange Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 1-2 oranges)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Marshmallow Frosting

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Reindeer Toppers

• Large marshmallows (about 5-6 for decoration)
• Mini pretzels (for antlers)
• Red candy pieces (for noses, like mini M&M’s or red hots)
• Black candy or chocolate chips (for eyes)
• Lollipop sticks or decorative straws

For Garnishing

• Red and white holiday sprinkles
• Optional: powdered sugar, for extra “snow” effect

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Orange Juice and Sour Cream: On low speed, add the orange juice and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Frosting

1. Combine Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar.
2. Create a Double Boiler: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 160°F (70°C) on a candy thermometer, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Whip the Frosting: Remove the bowl from heat and transfer to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or use a hand mixer). Beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture cools to room temperature, about 5-7 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.

Step 3: Assemble and Frost the Cake

1. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, use an offset spatula to spread a thick layer of marshmallow frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Swirl the frosting to create a snowy, fluffy texture.
2. Add Garnishes: Sprinkle red and white holiday sprinkles over the frosting for a festive touch. If desired, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for extra “snow.”

Step 4: Make the Reindeer Toppers

1. Create the Reindeer Faces: Take each marshmallow and insert a lollipop stick or decorative straw through the center.
2. Add Antlers: Break mini pretzels in half and press them into the top sides of each marshmallow to resemble antlers.
3. Decorate the Faces: Use a small dab of frosting or melted chocolate to attach the red candy nose and black candy or chocolate chip eyes. Repeat for each reindeer topper.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

1. Insert Reindeer Toppers: Insert the reindeer toppers into the cake, spacing them evenly for a whimsical look.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Enjoy the citrusy, fluffy goodness of this holiday treat with family and friends.

Ingredient Background

Oranges provide a natural citrusy sweetness that adds brightness and freshness to the cake, making it a great contrast to the marshmallow frosting. Egg whites and cream of tartar are key to achieving the light, fluffy texture of the marshmallow frosting, while mini pretzels and candy bring the adorable reindeer decorations to life.

Technique Tips

• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs, butter, and sour cream helps the ingredients blend together smoothly, resulting in a lighter, more even-textured cake.
• Frosting Technique: Whipping the egg whites until stiff peaks form is essential for a marshmallow-like texture. Make sure to beat long enough to achieve a glossy, stable frosting.
• Decoration Stability: If needed, you can dip the end of each lollipop stick in frosting before inserting it into the cake to help secure the reindeer toppers.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Cupcake Version: Divide the cake batter among cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Frost each cupcake with marshmallow frosting and top with a mini marshmallow reindeer.
• Layered Cake: Double the recipe and create a two-layer cake for an even more impressive dessert.
• Sheet Cake: Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and decorate with multiple reindeer toppers for a kid-friendly presentation.

Additional Tips for Success

• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. Overbaking can make the cake dry, so watch it closely.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent a dense cake. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, affecting the texture.
• Storage: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days. If the room is warm, keep it in the fridge to maintain the stability of the frosting.

Recipe Variations

• Spiced Orange Cake: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves to the batter for a cozy, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Orange Cake: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist that pairs well with orange.
• Coconut Marshmallow Frosting: Add a teaspoon of coconut extract to the frosting for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Store Leftovers: Cover and store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing the Cake: You can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
• Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the cake a day in advance and frost just before serving to keep it fresh.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Greek Yogurt Substitute: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for extra protein and a slight reduction in fat.
• Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar in the frosting slightly to make it less sweet without losing the marshmallow flavor.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Brunch: Serve the cake alongside coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a festive holiday brunch.
• Christmas Eve Dinner: This cake makes an impressive and fun dessert for holiday dinners.
• Holiday Party: Slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve on a decorative holiday platter for easy sharing.

Special Equipment

• Electric Mixer: An electric hand mixer or stand mixer helps achieve a smooth, fluffy texture in the frosting.
• Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: Necessary for safely heating the frosting ingredients without cooking the egg whites.
• Lollipop Sticks: Used to create the reindeer toppers, adding a festive touch to the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?
Yes, but the flavor will be more concentrated. Use 1 teaspoon of orange extract in place of the orange juice, and add a few tablespoons of milk to make up for the lost liquid.

2. How do I keep the frosting stable?
Ensure the egg whites reach stiff peaks, and avoid overbeating. Store the cake in a cool place to prevent the frosting from melting.

3. Can I skip the reindeer toppers?
Of course! The cake is delicious on its own, but the reindeer toppers add a fun, festive touch.

4. Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff for the frosting?
Yes, but it won’t have the same fresh, light flavor as homemade marshmallow frosting.

5. How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides well. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour.

7. What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Heat the egg whites and sugar until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar has dissolved.

8. How long can the cake sit out at room temperature?
This cake can be kept out for up to 4 hours, but if it’s warm, refrigerate it to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion

This Orange Cake with Snowy Marshmallow Frosting and Reindeer Toppers is a perfect holiday dessert that will bring joy to any gathering. The bright citrus flavor of the cake, combined with the fluffy marshmallow frosting and whimsical reindeer decorations, make it a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a holiday brunch, or just want to add some festive fun to your baking, this cake is a must-try. The easy-to-follow steps, versatile decorations, and delicious flavor make this recipe a keeper for years to come. Enjoy creating and sharing this beautiful holiday dessert with your loved ones!

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