Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about this time of year, isn’t there? The twinkling lights, the cozy gatherings, and, of course, the delicious scents wafting from the kitchen. I can’t tell you how many cherished memories I have of baking festive treats with family and friends, especially when it comes to crafting the best Christmas desserts for a crowd. These recipes are perfect for sharing, bringing everyone together around the table with joy and laughter. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of seeing everyone’s faces light up when they take a bite of something sweet and delightful. I can almost hear the compliments already!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups flour: This is the base of our dessert, giving it that lovely structure.
- 2 cups sugar: Sweetness is key! This will balance the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup butter: Use unsalted for better control over the flavor. It adds richness and moisture!
- 4 eggs: They help bind everything together and give the dessert that fluffy, tender texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This little ingredient is crucial for helping your dessert rise and become light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits: This is where the magic happens! Choose your favorites, like raisins, apricots, and cranberries for that festive touch.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your dessert to bake evenly and beautifully!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I usually let it go for about 3-5 minutes—this helps incorporate air, making your dessert even more delightful!
- Now, it’s time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything blends smoothly and gives that nice fluffy texture we love.
- Next, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma is heavenly, and it adds such a warm flavor to the batter. Ah, I can almost smell it now!
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps ensure that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the texture light and fluffy!
- Finally, fold in the mixed dried fruits. This is where you can get creative! I love adding a mix of colors and textures to make it festive.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Make sure it’s all in there—don’t leave any behind!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell will be so inviting; you might just have to resist tasting it before it cools!
- Once baked, let the dessert cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time helps it set perfectly!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful dessert. Keep in mind, these numbers are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
This makes for a deliciously sweet treat that everyone can enjoy during the holidays! Just remember, it’s all about balance—enjoy a slice or two with your loved ones, and savor the moment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike!
- Large Batch Size: This dessert yields 12 generous servings, making it ideal for holiday gatherings and celebrations. You won’t have to worry about running out!
- Delightful Flavor: The combination of butter, sugar, and mixed dried fruits creates a sweet, comforting flavor that screams holiday cheer!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dessert a day in advance, freeing up your time for other festive activities!
- Versatile: Feel free to switch up the dried fruits or add your favorite spices—this recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity!
- Perfect for Sharing: There’s something so heartwarming about sharing homemade treats, and this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this recipe and impress everyone at your holiday gathering! Here are my top tips for achieving the best results:
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and sugar. I like to use a kitchen scale for precision—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more easily and creates that light, fluffy batter we all crave!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense dessert, and we want fluffy and tender!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your dessert as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
- Cool Properly: Let your dessert cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from getting soggy and allows it to set perfectly!
- Store Wisely: To keep your dessert fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, you can enjoy them warm! Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.
- Get Creative: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Whether it’s swapping out dried fruits for your favorites or adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, make this recipe your own!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a crowd-pleasing dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is! You can customize it to fit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Fruit Swap: Switch up the mixed dried fruits for your favorites! Try using chopped dates, figs, or even tropical fruits like dried pineapple for a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. You could even go bold and try a pinch of ginger or cardamom!
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a delightful crunch. Just be sure to chop them roughly so they mix in well without overpowering the dessert.
- Chocolate Delight: Feeling indulgent? Fold in some mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for a rich, decadent touch. Who doesn’t love a little chocolate in their holiday treats?
- Zest It Up: For a refreshing brightness, add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest. It complements the sweetness of the fruits beautifully and adds a lovely fragrance!
- Holiday Cheer: Try adding a splash of your favorite liqueur, like rum or brandy, to the batter for an adult twist. Just be mindful of the amount—you don’t want it too boozy!
Mix and match these variations to create your own signature version of this dessert! The possibilities are endless, and I promise, it’s all about having fun and making it your own. Happy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked up this delicious dessert, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! Trust me, the right accompaniments can take your already delightful creation to a whole new level of deliciousness!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the sweetness of the dessert perfectly. You can even sweeten it with a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra special treat!
- Ice Cream: Who doesn’t love warm dessert paired with a scoop of cold ice cream? Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with flavors like caramel or cinnamon for a festive twist!
- Custard Sauce: Drizzle some warm vanilla custard over each slice for a luxurious finish. It adds a creaminess that’s hard to resist and makes every bite feel indulgent!
- Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside some fresh berries or sliced apples to add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dessert. Plus, it looks beautiful on the plate!
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers out there, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can be just the thing to elevate your dessert. It’s rich, decadent, and oh-so-tempting!
- Spiced Nuts: Consider serving a small bowl of spiced nuts on the side for a crunchy texture. The salty-sweet combo pairs wonderfully with the dessert and adds a festive flair!
Whatever you choose to serve alongside, make sure to take a moment to enjoy the process. Sharing this dessert with loved ones is what it’s all about, so set the table, light some candles, and soak in the holiday spirit! Happy serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve enjoyed this delightful dessert, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers (if there are any, but just in case!). Proper storage will keep your treat fresh and tasty for days to come!
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to enjoy your dessert within a few days, simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3 days. Just make sure it’s in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight!
- Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It can last up to a week this way. The cool temperature helps maintain its moisture and flavor!
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the dessert. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge!
When it comes to reheating, you want to bring back that fresh-baked taste:
- Microwave: For a quick treat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It’ll warm up nicely without losing its moisture!
- Oven: If you prefer a crispier texture, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the slice in aluminum foil, and warm it for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore the lovely crust while keeping the inside soft and fluffy!
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheated, this dessert is sure to bring a smile to your face. So, don’t hesitate to make this treat ahead of time and savor those delightful moments with your loved ones! Happy storing and reheating!
Imprimer
Christmas Desserts for a Crowd: 10 Sweet Memories Await
- Temps Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Christmas desserts perfect for serving a crowd.
Ingrédients
- 4 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in mixed dried fruits.
- Pour batter into greased baking pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for added flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 50 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: christmas desserts for a crowd
