Oh, the joy of holiday baking! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with the warm, sweet scents of the season. This *christmas recipe* is a delightful blend of flavors that brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d gather as a family, laughing and sharing stories while waiting for our treats to bake. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of togetherness! With a mix of dried fruits and crunchy nuts, this recipe captures the essence of Christmas cheer in every bite. Trust me, when you serve this at your holiday gatherings, it’ll disappear faster than you can say “Ho, ho, ho!” So, roll up your sleeves and let’s create something special that will warm your heart and fill your home with love this festive season!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice, like walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried fruits (think raisins, cranberries, or apricots, chopped if large)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is crucial for getting that lovely golden brown finish!
- While the oven warms up, grab a big mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step really helps to incorporate air into the mix, making your dessert nice and tender.
- Next, crack in the two large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You’ll start to smell that delicious vanilla—yum!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and avoids any clumps.
- Now, it’s time to combine! Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. I like to start and end with the dry ingredients. Just mix until everything is combined; over-mixing can make it tough!
- Once your batter is smooth, gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits. I always use a spatula for this; it’s less harsh on the batter.
- Pour the lovely batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Don’t worry if it’s a bit thick—it’ll bake up beautifully!
- Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This helps to maintain its texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this festive *christmas recipe*. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use. But this will give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
This recipe yields about 12 servings, so it’s perfect for sharing at your holiday gatherings! Enjoy every delicious bite, knowing you’re treating yourself and your loved ones to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up in no time and get back to enjoying the festivities!
- Festive Flavors: The combination of nuts and dried fruits creates a wonderful holiday flavor that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends during your holiday celebrations.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the nuts and dried fruits to match your taste or use what you have on hand!
- Deliciously Satisfying: Each bite is moist and flavorful, making it a delightful addition to your holiday dessert spread.
- Easy to Store: Leftovers keep well, so you can enjoy a sweet treat long after the festivities are over.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *christmas recipe* turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference!
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients to ensure the right balance. Too much flour can make your dessert dense, while too little can leave it flat.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more seamlessly and creates a lighter texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we definitely want soft and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your dessert during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let It Cool: Be patient! Letting your dessert cool completely on a wire rack before serving helps it set properly and enhances the flavors.
- Customize Wisely: If you’re adding extra nuts or fruits, consider reducing the amount of flour slightly to maintain the right batter consistency. It’s all about balance!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a deliciously festive treat that’s sure to impress! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to have fun while baking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this *christmas recipe* is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to match your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Nutty Delight: Switch up the nuts! Try using almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different crunch. Each variety brings its own unique flavor!
- Fruit Fiesta: Instead of just raisins or cranberries, consider adding chopped dates, figs, or even candied ginger for a festive twist. The more colorful, the better!
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth and holiday spirit. You can also experiment with a pinch of allspice or cloves!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some chocolate chips—dark, milk, or white—into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. Chocolate and dried fruit are a match made in heaven!
- Citrus Zing: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the batter to brighten up the flavors. It adds a refreshing note that pairs beautifully with the richness of the nuts and fruits.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive friends and family. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, too!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions or come up with your own! The key is to have fun and make this recipe your own, bringing your personal touch to the holiday table.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover *christmas recipe* is super simple, and doing it right will keep those festive flavors fresh! Once your delicious creation has completely cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to cut it into squares first; that way, it’s easy to grab a piece whenever the craving strikes!
Keep it stored in the refrigerator, where it’ll last for about 4 to 5 days. Just be sure to seal it tightly so it doesn’t dry out. If you want to enjoy it even longer, you can freeze individual pieces. Just wrap each square in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 2 months!
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the pieces in the fridge overnight. And if you want to enjoy that freshly-baked flavor, you can warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Or, for a slightly crispier texture, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. Wow, the aroma will fill your kitchen and transport you right back to that holiday baking bliss!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the sugar with a different sweetener?
Absolutely! You can use honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Just keep in mind that liquid sweeteners might change the texture a bit, so you may need to adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
How can I make this recipe more festive?
You can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for a snowy effect or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Adding some holiday-themed sprinkles can also bring a fun touch to your dessert!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This *christmas recipe* actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container. You can bake it a day or two in advance, then enjoy it fresh at your gathering!
What if I don’t have dried fruits or nuts?
No worries! You can swap in whatever you have on hand. Try using chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even some granola for a different twist. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—just let your creativity shine!
Christmas Recipe: 7 Magical Tips for Festive Baking Delight
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive and delicious Christmas recipe to celebrate the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in nuts and dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts and fruits.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: christmas recipe
