Elf-Approved Confetti Tray Cakes
December 22, 2025
A fun, festive way to bake Elf on the Shelf magic into dessert!
These Elf-Approved Confetti Tray Cakes are pure holiday fun from start to finish. Made with Elf on the Shelf Funfetti cake mix and baked right into festive holiday trays, these little cakes feel colorful, cheerful, and completely Christmas-ready. The swirled red-and-white batter, fluffy vanilla frosting, and cute character toppers make them perfect for Elf arrivals, holiday parties, or adding a little extra magic to December baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elf on the Shelf dessert that feels Christmasy without being complicated.
- Funfetti cake baked right into holiday trays for easy serving and cleanup.
- Red-and-white swirled batter makes every cake look special.
- Perfect for Elf arrivals, Christmas parties, and December baking.
- Semi-homemade holiday recipe that still feels fun and creative.
- Easy to decorate with sprinkles, frosting, and edible character toppers.
Ingredient Notes
- Cake Mix: The Elf on the Shelf Funfetti Vanilla Swirl cake mix gives you the red-and-white batter and built-in holiday color. A regular Funfetti or vanilla swirl mix can be used if needed.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Stick with jimmies or confetti-style sprinkles. Nonpareils can bleed color into the batter and change the swirl effect.
- Butter: Use softened butter for the frosting so it whips smoothly without lumps. Fully softened, not melted, works best.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift if your sugar is lumpy to keep the frosting light and smooth.
- Heavy Cream: This helps control the frosting texture. Start with less and add more as needed for piping or spreading.
- Vanilla Extract: A good-quality vanilla keeps the frosting from tasting overly sweet and balances the cake.
- Edible Images: Let the frosting set slightly before adding toppers so they stay upright.
- Glittery Sugar: Add just before serving for the best sparkle and to keep it from dissolving into the frosting.
Quick Prep Notes
Do I need to use the Elf on the Shelf Funfetti cake mix, or will regular Funfetti work?
The Elf on the Shelf Funfetti mix is great for theme and color, but a regular Funfetti or vanilla swirl cake mix will work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
How full should I fill the tray pans?
Fill each tray about halfway to two-thirds full. These cakes rise like cupcakes, and overfilling can cause them to spill over the edges.
How do I know when the tray cakes are done baking?
Start checking at the cupcake bake time listed on the box, then add a few minutes as needed. The centers should be set and spring back lightly when touched.
Elf-Approved Confetti Tray Cakes
Ingredients
- 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.
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. Once mixed, stir holiday sprinkles into the white portion of the batter until evenly distributed.
- 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.
- 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.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, then mix until light and spreadable.
- 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.
- 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.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. The cakes can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature. Frost and decorate them the day you plan to serve for the best look.
Do I need special pans to make these tray cakes?
Yes, you’ll need small holiday tray baking pans or novelty trays that are oven-safe. Disposable aluminum trays work best and make cleanup easy.
Can I spread the frosting instead of piping it?
Absolutely. Piping gives a more bakery-style look, but spreading the frosting with a knife works just fine and still looks festive.
Can I use a different frosting flavor?
Yes. Vanilla pairs best with Funfetti, but almond or cream cheese frosting would also work well for a slightly different flavor.
How should I store leftover tray cakes?
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to four days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Sprinkle of Fun
Leave one of these tray cakes out overnight when your Elf on the Shelf visits. Add a tiny note, a few extra sprinkles nearby, or a mini fork to make it look like the elf couldn’t resist a taste. It’s an easy way to turn dessert into part of the holiday magic without adding extra prep to your day.
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