Oh, let me tell you about these *easy Christmas cakes*! They’re the kind of treats that fill your home with warmth and the sweet aroma of the holidays. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is—perfect for those of us who want to enjoy the spirit of baking without the fuss! These cakes are packed with delightful mixed dried fruits and crunchy nuts, making each slice a little celebration. For me, these cakes remind me of cozy family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of sharing something homemade. Trust me, you’ll want to whip these up for your holiday festivities!
Ingredients for Easy Christmas Cakes
- 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 richness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder, to help it rise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that warm, sweet flavor
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits, I love using raisins, cranberries, and apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, walnuts or pecans work beautifully
How to Prepare Easy Christmas Cakes
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps your cakes rise beautifully and bake evenly. Just imagine the smell of that warm, sweet batter filling your kitchen as it bakes!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Next up, grab a large bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but a good old-fashioned whisk works too! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this process is key because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cakes that lovely texture.
Mixing in the Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Make sure to mix until everything is combined—this is where the magic starts to happen, and the batter becomes creamy and smooth!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures even distribution of the baking powder, which is vital for a nice rise. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your cake might turn out dense!
Incorporating Fruits and Nuts
Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. I love to do this by hand with a spatula to keep the batter light and fluffy. You want those fruits and nuts evenly distributed without losing all that lovely air you just created!
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t be shy about checking—it’s better to be safe than sorry! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious, easy Christmas cakes ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Success with Easy Christmas Cakes
To ensure your easy Christmas cakes turn out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps them blend together smoothly. When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time—don’t rush it! A fluffy mixture is key to that light texture. Also, remember to check your cake a few minutes early; ovens can be sneaky and may bake faster than expected. Finally, let the cake cool completely before slicing—it helps with the texture and makes it easier to serve. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each slice of these delightful easy Christmas cakes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your cakes with a sprinkle of joy and a side of moderation!
FAQ about Easy Christmas Cakes
How can I store easy Christmas cakes?
Storing your easy Christmas cakes is super simple! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge. Trust me, these cakes actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together! Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make substitutions in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite forgiving, and you can make several substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead. If you need it gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. And if you’re not a fan of dried fruits, feel free to replace them with chocolate chips or fresh fruits—just adjust the liquid slightly if needed. The cake will still turn out delicious!
What decorations can I use for easy Christmas cakes?
When it comes to decorating your easy Christmas cakes, the sky’s the limit! A simple dusting of powdered sugar on top can give it a lovely snowy effect. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, you can whip up a quick icing with powdered sugar and milk, or even cream cheese frosting for a richer taste. Fresh fruits, like slices of orange or even pomegranate seeds, can add a pop of color and flavor. And don’t forget about festive sprinkles or chopped nuts for that extra crunch! Make it as festive as your heart desires!
Imprimer
Easy Christmas Cakes: 5 Warm Treats That Delight
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple recipe for delicious Christmas cakes.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing.
- Best enjoyed after a day or two.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: International
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: easy christmas cakes
