Ah, Christmas Day desserts! There’s just something magical about indulging in sweet treats surrounded by family and friends during the holidays. This recipe is my go-to for festive gatherings, blending simplicity with delightful flavors that evoke the spirit of the season. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! And the best part? It’s perfect for sharing, so you can spread the joy of Christmas with every slice. Let’s dive into these scrumptious Christmas Day desserts that are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
To create this delightful Christmas Day dessert, you’ll want to gather the following ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the rich flavors and texture that make this treat so special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, preferably whole for creaminess
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, because who doesn’t love that warm flavor?
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, to give it that perfect rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, enhancing all the sweet goodness
These simple ingredients come together to create a moist, flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress your holiday guests! Make sure to have everything ready before you start; it’ll make the baking process a breeze.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on creating this fantastic Christmas Day dessert! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your dessert bakes evenly and rises perfectly. You want that warm, inviting heat ready to work its magic as soon as your batter hits the pan!
Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process is so important because it incorporates air into your mixture, giving your dessert a beautiful texture. You’ll know you’re there when it looks pale and has doubled in volume—trust me, you can’t skip this part!
Step 3 – Add Eggs
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps maintain that fluffy texture you worked so hard to achieve. It also ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated, which is key for a smooth batter. Don’t rush this step; take your time to blend them in nicely!
Step 4 – Mix in Milk and Vanilla
Now, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens! The milk adds moisture, while the vanilla brings in that warm, comforting flavor we all love during the holidays. Make sure everything is combined well for a smooth batter.
Step 5 – Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the baking powder evenly, which is vital for that lovely rise. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Step 6 – Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the cake. You want to see a few flour streaks—this is perfect!
Step 7 – Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes.
Step 8 – Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring the cake to a wire rack. This cooling step is essential to avoid a soggy bottom. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite frosting or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra festive touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation means more time for holiday fun!
- Delicious flavor that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.
- Perfectly moist texture that everyone will rave about.
- Festive appeal makes it an ideal centerpiece for your dessert table.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas Day dessert turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this allows for easier creaming with sugar and a better texture. Also, use room temperature eggs to help with a smooth batter—cold eggs can cause your mixture to seize up a bit. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy; this prevents a dense cake. Remember to keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes early. Lastly, let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid a melty mess. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize this Christmas Day dessert! One of my favorites is to add seasonal fruits like cranberries or chopped apples for a burst of flavor and texture. You could also mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch. For a festive twist, consider adding spices—cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile beautifully! And if you’re a chocolate lover, try folding in some mini chocolate chips or drizzling the top with melted chocolate after baking. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine this holiday season!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas Day dessert properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the freezer, where it can last for about 2 months—just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your dessert again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm treat, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds; this will bring back that cozy, fresh-baked feel. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
This delightful Christmas Day dessert is not only delicious but also provides some nutritional insights to consider! Each slice (about one serving) contains approximately 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. It also has around 15 grams of sugar and 60 milligrams of cholesterol. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your festive treat with joy!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas Day dessert actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. You can bake it in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to add any frosting or toppings right before serving to keep it fresh!
What can I use instead of butter?
If you need a substitute, you can definitely use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature, just like you would with regular butter. It’ll still give you that deliciously moist texture we all love.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Sure! You can swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly, making it denser. If you prefer a lighter cake, stick with all-purpose flour.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A great way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a couple of crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes. Trust your instincts and keep an eye on it!
What are some good toppings for this dessert?
Oh, the options are endless! You can top it with a classic frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even fresh whipped cream. Adding seasonal fruits like berries or pomegranate seeds not only looks beautiful but also adds a pop of refreshing flavor. Enjoy experimenting!
Christmas Day Desserts That Will Melt Your Heart This Season
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious desserts for Christmas Day celebration.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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.
- Stir in milk and vanilla.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool and serve with frosting or whipped cream.
Notes
- Can substitute butter with margarine.
- Add seasonal fruits for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Desserts
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 6g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: christmas day desserts
