Oh, the joy of Christmas desserts! There’s something so magical about the aroma of baked goods wafting through the house during the holidays. This *christmas dessert* is my absolute favorite; it’s rich, chocolatey, and brings everyone together around the table. I remember making this with my grandmother every year, and the smiles on our family’s faces when we served it were priceless. What makes it truly special is how simple it is to whip up yet it tastes like it took hours! Trust me, this festive treat will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions, just like it has in mine.
Ingredients
Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients to whip up the most festive *christmas dessert*! Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start mixing. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I highly recommend them for that extra crunch!)
Make sure your butter is softened; it really helps create that creamy texture in your batter. And don’t skimp on the chocolate chips—they’re the star of this *christmas dessert*! Now that you have everything, let’s get baking!
How to Prepare this Christmas Dessert
Ready to dive into the delightful world of baking? Let’s get you set up to make this fantastic *christmas dessert*! First, we need to get that oven preheated—trust me, you want it nice and toasty before your batter hits the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s warming up, grab your mixing bowls and let’s get to work!
Prepping the Oven and Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this is the secret to a tender cake! I usually use an electric mixer for this part, but a good old-fashioned whisk will do if you’re feeling adventurous. Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cake nice and light. Don’t forget to stir in that lovely vanilla extract next; it adds such a wonderful aroma!
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to whisk it well to avoid any clumps. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into your wet mixture. I recommend doing this in thirds—this way, it combines beautifully without overmixing. Once it’s all mixed, gently fold in those chocolate chips and nuts if you’re using them. You’re on your way to a delicious treat!
Baking Instructions
Now, pour that luscious batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. It’s going to smell incredible as it bakes! Slide the dish into your preheated oven and set a timer for 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden! If it’s still gooey, give it a few more minutes, but keep an eye on it. Once done, let your *christmas dessert* cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial, as it helps enhance those wonderful flavors. Enjoy the anticipation, because you’re about to savor a holiday classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *christmas dessert* is not just a treat; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll adore making it:
- Quick to prepare—perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Rich, chocolatey goodness that melts in your mouth.
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of the season.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great for sharing—everyone loves a homemade dessert!
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite nuts or toppings.
Trust me, this dessert will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your *christmas dessert* is a showstopper? Here are my top tips to make it perfect! First, always use fresh ingredients—especially the baking powder and cocoa powder, as they can lose potency over time. Make sure your butter is truly softened for that creamy consistency; I often leave it out for about an hour before baking. Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so check for doneness with a toothpick a few minutes before the suggested time. And remember, let it cool completely before serving to let those flavors develop. You’ve got this!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To keep your *christmas dessert* fresh and delicious, store any uneaten pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week—just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up just enough to bring back that delightful, fudgy texture. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as the first time around!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each serving of this delightful *christmas dessert*:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy indulging in this festive treat with a little guilt-free pleasure!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this delicious *christmas dessert*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What can I serve with it?
This *christmas dessert* pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence!
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use applesauce instead of butter or try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
How do I know when it’s baked?
Just insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done!
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! This festive *christmas dessert* is kid-friendly and perfect for baking together as a family!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your experiences with this *christmas dessert*! Have you tried making it, or do you have your own holiday favorites? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on social media when you whip this up! Happy baking!
Imprimer
Christmas Dessert: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Happiness
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference.
- 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: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: christmas dessert, festive dessert, holiday dessert
