Ah, the festive season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with joy, laughter, and the delightful scent of baked goods wafting through the house. This *Christmas and New Year cake* holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone gathered around the table, eyes sparkling with anticipation. As I cut into the rich, moist cake, the colors of the dried fruits and nuts peeked through, making it look like a celebration itself! Trust me, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together, making memories sweeter with every slice. You’ll love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, whole or 2%
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to get that lovely golden brown crust while keeping the inside moist and delicious. Don’t skip this step—preheating is key!
Prepare the Cake Pan
Next, grab your cake pan and give it a good greasing with some butter or cooking spray to ensure your cake slides out easily later. Then, sprinkle a bit of flour over the greased surface, shaking it around to coat the sides and bottom. This will prevent any sticky situations when it’s time to serve!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s get mixing! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it to look pale and have a delightful creamy texture. Trust me, this step is what gives your cake that melt-in-your-mouth quality!
Add Eggs
Time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving your cake a lovely rise. You’ll see the mixture getting even fluffier—it’s so satisfying!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your cake’s texture.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to combine! Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! You want a smooth batter but not tough cake.
Fold in Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts using a spatula. This is where the fun begins! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter so every slice has a bit of that fruity goodness and crunch.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s ready when that lovely smell fills your kitchen!
Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess. When it’s cool, slice it up and serve it as is, or get fancy with some icing or fresh fruits on top. Enjoy every festive bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a handy breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful *Christmas and New Year cake*. Keep in mind, these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy your festive treat while keeping these numbers in mind! It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive: This cake is bursting with colors and flavors that scream holiday cheer!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip it up.
- Perfect for Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table.
- Flavorful: The combination of dried fruits and nuts creates a deliciously rich taste that’s hard to resist.
- Make Ahead: You can bake it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect *Christmas and New Year cake* can be a breeze if you keep a few essential tips in mind. First off, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour, as too much can lead to a dense cake. Also, remember to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This little trick can make a big difference!
Next, when it comes to mixing, don’t overdo it! Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any more flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we definitely want a fluffy cake!
Lastly, checking for doneness is key! Instead of relying solely on baking time, use the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s good to go. If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with a beautifully baked cake!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your *Christmas and New Year cake*! Here are some delightful variations to keep things exciting:
- Different Fruits: Mix it up by using different dried fruits! Try adding chopped dates, figs, or even candied citrus peel for a zesty twist. Each fruit brings its unique flavor and texture!
- Spices Galore: Add a pinch of warmth by incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. They’ll give your cake that cozy holiday aroma that everyone loves.
- Chocolate Delight: For a richer flavor, fold in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the batter. A chocolate twist on this festive favorite is sure to be a hit!
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top your cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Just whip together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla for a heavenly topping.
- Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nuts! Swap out walnuts for almonds or pistachios for a delightful crunch and flavor change.
- Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice over the top for a sweet and tangy finish that adds a beautiful shine.
These variations are not only fun but also allow you to personalize the cake to your taste. So go ahead, get creative, and make it your own! You’ll be spreading even more holiday cheer with every unique bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your *Christmas and New Year cake* has cooled completely, it’s time to store it properly to keep that festive flavor intact! I recommend placing it in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture and keep it fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you live in a particularly warm area, you might want to refrigerate it, which can extend its life to about 10 days. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving, as the flavors really shine when it’s slightly warm!
If you want to enjoy your cake even longer, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—just slice and enjoy! If you prefer it warm, a quick 10-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick. Just be sure to cover it with foil to avoid drying it out!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *Christmas and New Year cake*, there are so many delightful options to enhance your festive experience! Picture this: a slice of that beautifully moist cake paired with a warm cup of spiced chai or rich hot cocoa. The warmth from the drink perfectly complements the flavors of the cake, making it a cozy treat on a chilly day.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The creaminess adds a wonderful contrast to the cake, and who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness? For a fun twist, you could even drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top!
Feeling adventurous? Try it alongside a fruit compote or a tart berry sauce. The acidity from the berries cuts through the richness of the cake, bringing balance and brightness to each bite. It’s like a little burst of holiday cheer!
And let’s not forget about coffee! A strong cup of freshly brewed coffee, with its robust flavor, pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.
So, whether you’re hosting a festive party or enjoying a quiet night in, these serving suggestions will take your *Christmas and New Year cake* to the next level. Enjoy every slice with your favorite accompaniments, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds!
Imprimer
Christmas and New Year Cake: 7 Sweet Memories Await
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive cake perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- You can decorate with icing or fresh fruits.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: International
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 25g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: christmas cake, new year cake, festive cake
