Bring festive cheer to your holiday table with Christmas Crunch Cake! Made with granola bars, cream cheese, sprinkles, and a touch of almond flavor.
Let me tell you about the year this Christmas Crunch Cake stole the holiday spotlight. It was one of those years where everything felt like a whirlwind—gatherings, last-minute shopping, and a kitchen that looked like a tornado passed through. I needed a dessert that screamed “effortless” but still had that wow factor. Enter this cake.
I remember pulling it out of the freezer as the family arrived. My niece’s eyes lit up at the colorful sprinkles, and my brother took one bite and said, “This is way better than any fruitcake.” By the end of the evening, it was gone—every last crumb. It’s now a family tradition, right alongside opening presents in our pajamas. Trust me, this dessert is your secret weapon for surviving the holiday chaos while still looking like a baking pro.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Crunch Cake Recipe?
- No Oven Required: You’ve got enough going on during the holidays—skip the baking!
- Perfect Texture Combo: Creamy filling meets crunchy granola for a dessert that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Customizable Flavors: Add your personal spin with different extracts, toppings, or even festive candy.
- Visually Stunning: Those sprinkles make it feel like a holiday party on a plate.
Ingredient Notes:
This cake may be simple, but the ingredients come together to make something truly magical:
- Granola Bars: The unsung hero of this dessert. They create a crunchy base and topping that adds texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy, this is the foundation of the filling. Let it soften to avoid lumps.
- Almond Extract: Just a touch gives this cake a subtle nutty sweetness. You can swap it for vanilla or peppermint if you prefer.
- Spiced Rum: It’s the holidays, so why not? This adds warmth, but vanilla works just as well for a kid-friendly version.
- Nonpareils: Those little sprinkles make all the difference—they bring the festive vibes and a slight crunch.
How To Make Christmas Crunch Cake?
Let’s break it down. This cake is so easy, you could make it while singing Christmas carols.
- Make the Crust:
Crush the granola bars into fine crumbs (a food processor works wonders, but smashing them in a bag with a rolling pin is oddly satisfying). Mix the crumbs with melted butter and sugar until combined. Press half the mixture firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish to create the base. - Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s velvety smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, almond extract, and spiced rum. Keep beating until it’s fluffy and dreamy. Fold in most of the sprinkles, but save a little for decorating later. - Assemble the Cake:
Spread the filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining granola bar mixture on top, pressing lightly to set it. Add a final sprinkle of reserved nonpareils for a festive touch. - Freeze and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and freeze for 4–6 hours, or until it’s firm. When you’re ready to serve, slice into squares and watch it disappear faster than Santa up the chimney.
Storage Options:
This cake loves the freezer! Store it tightly wrapped for up to a week, though it probably won’t last that long. For leftovers, slice into individual portions and wrap them in plastic wrap for grab-and-go treats.
Variations and Substitutions:
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Granola Bars: Swap out Oats ‘n Honey for chocolate chip or even peanut butter granola bars.
- Extracts: Try peppermint or orange extract for a festive twist.
- Toppings: Crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, or even edible glitter could take this cake to the next level.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free granola bars and dairy-free whipped topping to cater to different dietary needs.
What to Serve with Christmas Crunch Cake?
This dessert is the star of the show but pairs beautifully with:
- Hot Beverages: Think spiced chai, peppermint hot cocoa, or classic eggnog.
- Holiday Cocktails: A cranberry mule or a sparkling Prosecco adds the perfect festive touch.
- Light Snacks: A bowl of salted nuts or a fresh fruit platter balances out the sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before and let it set in the freezer.
Can I use a different kind of cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture, but reduced-fat works if you want to lighten it up.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. Just make sure you’ve got enough freezer space.
I can’t wait for you to try this Christmas Crunch Cake! It’s festive, fun, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday gathering or just want a little treat for yourself, this cake is bound to become a new holiday favorite. Let me know how it turns out or if you add your own twist—I’d love to hear! Happy holidays!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Christmas Crunch Cake
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 16 granola bars Oats 'n Honey variety, crushed
- ½ cup butter melted
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 8-ounce container extra creamy whipped topping
- ½ teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 tablespoon spiced rum or vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup red white, and green nonpareil sprinkles (Betty Crocker™ Decorating Decors)
- Nonstick baking spray
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Generously coat a 9x9-inch baking pan with nonstick baking spray. Set aside.
Make the Granola Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed granola bars, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Divide the mixture in half. Press one portion firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
Prepare the Filling:
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, almond extract, and spiced rum (or vanilla extract). Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Incorporate the Sprinkles:
- Gently fold in the sprinkles, reserving 1 teaspoon for garnish.
Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust. Top with the remaining granola mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres. Sprinkle the reserved sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Freeze:
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for 4 to 6 hours, or until the cake is firm.
Serve:
- Once set, slice the cake into squares and serve immediately. For best results, use a sharp knife run under warm water to make clean cuts.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
