Go Back
+ servings
GRINCH CAKE FOR CHRISTMAS

Air Fryer Grinch Loaf Cake

5 from 3 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

A festive green Christmas loaf cake with a hidden red heart baked into every slice — made entirely in the air fryer with boxed cake mix. An easy, show-stopping Grinch cake for holiday parties and movie nights.

Ingredients 

Red Heart Cake:

  • 15.25 ounces cake mix, white or vanilla cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 drops red gel food coloring, until you get the color you want

Green Loaf:

  • 15.25 ounces cake mix, white or vanilla cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 3 drops green gel food coloring, until you get the color you want

Decoration:

  • 4 ounces green fondant, or 1 cup green-tinted cream cheese frosting
  • ¼ cup red heart sprinkles
  • Powdered sugar, for rolling the fondant

Instructions

  • Prep: Spray two mini loaf pans (or one 8x4-inch loaf pan that fits your air fryer basket) with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F.
  • Make the red batter: In a medium bowl, whisk one box of cake mix with 2 eggs and ½ cup milk until smooth. Stir in red gel coloring a few drops at a time until bright red.
  • Bake the red cake: Pour the batter into a prepared pan, place in the air fryer basket, and cook at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cut the hearts: Cool the red cake completely on a wire rack. Cut into ½-inch slices, then punch out shapes with a small heart-shaped cookie cutter. Set aside.
  • Make the green batter: In a large bowl, whisk the second box of cake mix with 2 eggs and ½ cup milk. Tint bright green with gel coloring.
  • Assemble: Line the second pan with parchment and spray lightly. Spread a thin layer of green batter over the bottom, then stand the red hearts in a tight row down the center, all facing the same direction. Pour the remaining green batter over the hearts.
  • Bake the green loaf: Air fry at 320°F for 12–15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the green cake (not a heart) comes out clean.
  • Decorate: Cool completely. Knead the fondant until soft, roll it into a rectangle on a powdered-sugar-dusted surface, and drape it over the loaf, smoothing the top and sides. Press on the heart sprinkles and refrigerate 30 minutes to set.
  • Serve: Slice crosswise so every piece reveals a red heart.

Equipment

  • Mini Loaf Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Cooking Spray
  • Rolling Pin
  • small heart shape cutter

Notes

  • Frosting option: Swap the fondant for green cream cheese frosting; chill 20–30 minutes before slicing and store the finished cake in the refrigerator.
  • Don't follow the box directions: This recipe intentionally uses milk and eggs (no water or oil) for a sturdier crumb that holds the hidden hearts in place.
  • Air fryers vary: Start checking at 12 minutes; tent loosely with foil if the top browns before the center is done.
  • Storage: Airtight at cool room temperature 2 days (fondant), refrigerated 4 days (frosting), or freeze the undecorated loaf up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 104gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 822mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 1gSugar: 61gVitamin A: 184IUCalcium: 289mgIron: 3mg