Ah, the magic of holiday baking! There’s just something special about filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of fresh baked goods during the festive season. This Christmas, I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes that brings warmth and joy to the table. It’s not just about the delicious taste; it’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating memories. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who just wants to add a sprinkle of sweetness to your holiday celebrations, this recipe for a delightful Christmas dessert is perfect for you. Trust me; it’ll become a cherished tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year! Let’s get started on making something truly special together.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work great!)
- 1 cup dried fruit (optional, like raisins, cranberries, or mixed fruit)
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get our hands a little floury and dive into the fun part—preparing this delightful Christmas dessert! I promise, it’s as easy as pie… or should I say cake? Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to baking something truly comforting.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step, so don’t skip it! A well-heated oven helps your cake rise beautifully.
- Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk, and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to look pale and airy—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Now, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making it light and delightful.
- Once the eggs are in, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. I love the sweet scent of vanilla wafting through the kitchen at this point!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed. It’s a little detail that can have a big impact on the final texture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this can make your cake dense. It’s okay if a few lumps remain; they’ll bake out.
- If you’re using nuts or dried fruits, now’s the time to fold them into the batter. They add a wonderful texture and flavor, but if you prefer a nut-free version, feel free to skip this step!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help it bake uniformly.
- Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a bit. I like to let mine cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice later.
And there you have it! You’ve just prepared a lovely Christmas dessert that will fill your home with warmth and cheer. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to sample a slice or two—it’s an essential part of baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to whip up, even if you’re new to baking!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: This delightful dessert is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during festive celebrations.
- Customizable for dietary needs: Whether you need it gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free, this recipe easily adapts to fit various dietary preferences without losing its charm.
- Brings warmth and joy to celebrations: The aroma of this cake baking fills your home with a comforting scent, creating the perfect atmosphere for holiday cheer and cherished moments.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas dessert turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind! First, when measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this helps avoid packing it down, which can lead to a dense cake. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and nut milk; just make sure they’re unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
Keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes early. Remember, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake, as the cake will continue to cook a bit while cooling. And when mixing, be gentle—overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, which we want to avoid for a light, fluffy cake. Enjoy every step of the process, and happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are countless ways to put your own spin on this delightful Christmas dessert! For a warm, spiced flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You can also incorporate citrus by mixing in some grated orange or lemon zest—it’s a lovely way to brighten up the flavors!
Fruits like fresh blueberries or chopped apples can add a delightful twist and moisture to the cake. If you want to enhance the festive vibe, try using chopped candied ginger or even a splash of almond extract for a unique taste.
And don’t forget about dietary needs! This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, just swap in your favorite plant-based butter and milk. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve savored your delicious Christmas dessert, you might find yourself with some leftovers—lucky you! To keep your cake fresh and tasty, store any uneaten slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it can last for about a week. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend slicing a piece and giving it a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out. If you prefer it warm from the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slice on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This way, you’ll bring back that lovely, fresh-baked aroma! Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for this delightful Christmas dessert. Each slice contains about 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 35 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of sugar in each serving. Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. If you customize the recipe, be sure to adjust the nutritional information accordingly. It’s always good to be mindful of what goes into our treats, especially during the festive season!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t have it, as this helps with the texture. You’ll still enjoy that delightful cake without any gluten!
How can I make it dairy-free?
Great question! To make this delicious dessert dairy-free, simply swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. For the milk, almond milk or oat milk works beautifully, just choose an unsweetened variety to maintain the right flavor balance. Your cake will still be wonderfully moist and tasty!
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you’re looking for a nut-free version, no worries at all! You can simply omit the nuts altogether, or if you still want some added crunch, consider using seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Dried fruits, like more raisins or even chopped apples, can also add texture without the nuts.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Yes, fresh fruit can be a delightful addition! Just be mindful that fresh fruit has more moisture than dried fruit, so you might want to reduce the amount of milk slightly to balance it out. Berries or chopped apples are fantastic choices!
How can I make this dessert more festive?
To add a festive flair to your cake, consider mixing in some holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You could also top it with a simple icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. Adding a few cranberries or pomegranate seeds on top not only makes it look beautiful but also adds a lovely pop of color!
Leave a Comment or Share Your Experience
I’d absolutely love to hear from you! If you try this delightful Christmas dessert, please leave a comment below. Share your thoughts, tips, or any personal twists you added to the recipe. Did you swap in some delicious dried fruits or try it gluten-free? Your experiences can inspire others to get baking too!
Also, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t hesitate to rate it! It really helps me know what you love and what I can share more of. And let’s spread the joy of holiday baking together—snap a picture of your creation and tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your festive treats and celebrate the season with you!
Print
Christmas Recipes That Spark Joy and Warm Memories
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Christmas recipe that brings warmth to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup dried fruit (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- If using, fold in the nuts and dried fruit.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Use dairy-free butter and milk for a dairy-free version.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas recipes, holiday baking, festive dessert
