Elf on the Shelf Cakes 🎄
Elf-approved tray cakes! Details are below:
Festive baking trays
Edible holiday images
Pillsbury Funfetti Elf on the Shelf Vanilla Swirl Cake Mix (15.25 oz) plus the ingredients listed on the box
2–4 tablespoons holiday sprinkles
2 sticks butter, softened
3½ cups powdered sugar
4–6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Christmas glittery sugar
You’ll also need piping bags and a large round piping tip or alternatively, spread the frosting with a knife.
1. Place the trays on a flat baking sheet or work surface and lightly spray each one with baking spray. You’ll need about 8 trays. Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2. Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. Once mixed, stir holiday sprinkles into the white portion of the batter until evenly distributed.
3. Using a small cookie scoop, add batter to each tray, alternating scoops of red and white batter. Fill each tray about halfway to two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
4. Bake according to the package directions, starting with the cupcake bake time and adding a few extra minutes as needed. Check often and remove once the centers are set. Let the cakes cool completely. If you want perfectly flat tops, trim them once cooled and save the scraps for cake pops or snacking.
5. To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, then mix until light and spreadable.
6. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe generous dollops of frosting on each tray cake. Finish with a sprinkle of glittery sugar and tuck an edible image into the frosting for a festive finish.
7. If you prefer a simpler look, you can spread the frosting on with a knife, sprinkle with glittery sugar, and place the edible image flat on top instead.
Hey everyone! I absolutely loved making these Elf on the Shelf tray cakes, and I wanted to share a few extra tips and ideas to make your holiday season even more magical and less stressful. Beyond just baking, these little cakes can be a fantastic prop for your Elf's daily antics! Elf on the Shelf Display Ideas with Your Tray Cakes: Once your delicious Funfetti cakes are cooled and decorated, think about how your mischievous Elf can interact with them. "Caught in the Act": Position your ELF holding a tiny fork or a crumb near one of the cakes, as if they just snuck a bite. A little note saying "Oops! Couldn't resist these yummy treats!" adds to the fun. Baking Helper: Set up a mini baking scene. Your Elf can be "helping" make more cakes by sitting next to a tiny bowl and spoon, surrounded by some sprinkles. You can even use some of the extra holiday sprinkles mentioned in the recipe! A Tiny Feast: Arrange a couple of tray cakes on a dollhouse plate with miniature utensils for your Elf and maybe a tiny toy friend to share. It's a sweet little setup that sparks imagination. Delivery Elf: Have your Elf 'deliver' the tray cakes to the family. They could be peeking out from behind a plate of cakes on the counter, ready for breakfast or a festive snack! Making Your Elf on the Shelf Cakes Extra Special: While the recipe uses Funfetti, don't be afraid to experiment! Flavor Variations: Instead of vanilla Funfetti, try a chocolate or red velvet cake mix for a different holiday twist. You could even swirl different colored batters for a marble effect, similar to how we alternated red and white in the main recipe. Creative Toppings: Beyond festive glittery sugar, consider mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even mini gingerbread men for extra holiday cheer. The edible holiday images are a great start, but feel free to add more! Gift Idea: These tray cakes are perfectly portioned for sharing! Wrap a couple in clear cellophane bags with a festive ribbon and share them with neighbors or friends as a thoughtful, homemade gift. It’s a wonderful way to spread a little "SANTAVERSE" cheer. Quick & Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Nights: Let's be real, sometimes you need a quick Elf idea. These cakes are one, but here are a few more simple tricks: Zip-lining Elf: Use a string and a candy cane to create a zip line across the room. Snow Angel: Sprinkle some flour or powdered sugar on the counter and have your Elf make a "snow angel." Reading a Book: Position your Elf with a small book, perhaps a holiday story, on a bookshelf. Marshmallow Bath: Put your Elf in a bowl of marshmallows as if they are taking a bubble bath. Remember, the goal is to create joy and excitement. These Elf on the Shelf tray cakes are not just a delicious treat, but also a fantastic way to bring the magic of the season to life for your family. Happy baking and happy Elf-ing!
