Creating Santa & Rudolph Christmas Cakes can be a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these simple steps to bring your cakes to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
5. Divide Batter: Split the batter into two bowls. Color one bowl with red food coloring and the other with green.
6. Layer the Batter: Pour alternating scoops of the red and green batter into the prepared cake pans, creating a marbled effect.
7. Bake: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in their pans for 20 minutes. Then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare your buttercream frosting. You can divide it into bowls and color portions red, green, and white.
10. Assemble the Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread frosting on top, then add the second layer.
11. Decorate: Use the colored frosting to create Santa’s hat, face, and Rudolph’s features. Use chocolate chips for eyes and a red candy for Rudolph’s nose.
12. Add Finishing Touches: Sprinkle edible glitter or additional decorations as desired.

These steps will guide you in creating these delightful cakes effortlessly.