There’s just something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The scent of warm spices and sweet fruits fills the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that feels like home. This delightful Christmas dessert is truly special; it combines the rich flavors of dried fruits and nuts into a soft, tender cake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. I remember my grandmother making a similar treat every Christmas, and it always brought the family together around the table, laughter echoing as we enjoyed each slice. Trust me, you’ll want to make this dessert a part of your holiday traditions too! It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a beautiful way to create memories with family and friends during the festive season.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cake, giving it structure and that delightful soft texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a lovely golden crust when baked.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to the cake, making it irresistibly tender.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist and adds a hint of creaminess to the batter.
- 2 eggs: These are essential for binding the ingredients together and adding a lovely fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor, making every bite taste like a warm hug.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully as it bakes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped nuts: I love using walnuts or pecans for that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup dried fruits: Choose your favorites—raisins, cranberries, or apricots add a lovely sweetness and chewiness.
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of baking this delightful Christmas dessert! I promise it’s easier than it looks, and the end result is so worth it. Here’s how you can whip up this festive treat step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for ensuring your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While that’s heating up, gather all your ingredients. It’s always easier to have everything at hand, right? So, grab your flour, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and those lovely nuts and dried fruits. Trust me, having everything ready will make the mixing part a breeze!
Mixing and Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush this part; it’s where the magic begins! Next, add the eggs one by one along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. It’s like a beautiful dance! Finally, fold in those delicious chopped nuts and dried fruits gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking and Cooling
Now it’s time to pour your batter into a greased baking pan. Make sure to smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no sticky batter! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. And just like that, you’re on your way to enjoying a slice of festive joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Christmas dessert comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules. You’ll be amazed at how simple the steps are!
- Festive Flavors: The combination of dried fruits and nuts creates a warm, inviting flavor that screams holiday cheer. Every bite is like a cozy winter evening!
- Great for Sharing: It yields 8 servings, so it’s ideal for gatherings with family and friends. You’ll be the star of the holiday table!
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Want to throw in some chocolate chips? Go for it! Make it your own.
- Deliciously Moist: Thanks to the butter and milk, this cake stays moist and tender, making it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Perfect for Leftovers: It stores well, so you can enjoy this festive treat even after the holidays. Just pop it in an airtight container!
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy!
- Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the 30-minute mark. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to take it out!
- Cool Completely: Letting your cake cool completely before slicing is crucial. This ensures it holds its shape and makes for cleaner, prettier slices. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully as it cools!
- Add a Glaze or Topping: For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top or serving with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a delightful finishing touch!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Christmas dessert experience, consider serving slices alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It adds a lovely creaminess that balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly! If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top would be delightful.
For a warm touch, how about pairing it with a steaming cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot cocoa? Both drinks complement the flavors beautifully and create that cozy, holiday vibe. And don’t forget, it’s also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who love a warm and cold contrast! Trust me, your guests will be raving about it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Christmas dessert properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want to enjoy it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it. Just make sure to eat it within a week for the best flavor.
If you have leftovers and want to enjoy a warm slice later, just pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. You’ll want to check it to make sure it’s heated through but not overcooked—nobody wants a dry piece of cake! For an even cozier treat, you can warm a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This method really brings back that freshly-baked goodness! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the numbers behind this delightful Christmas dessert? Each serving is estimated to contain about 250 calories, with 10g of fat and 4g of protein. It also packs in 35g of carbohydrates, including 15g of sugar. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But let’s be honest, it’s the joy of the season that truly counts, right?
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While dried fruits add a lovely chewiness and sweetness, you can use fresh fruits if you prefer. Just be mindful that fresh fruits may add extra moisture, so you might need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
How should I store this Christmas dessert?
Store your dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing!
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What if I don’t have nuts on hand?
No worries! You can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture. The dessert will still be delicious!
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
If you want to save time, you can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for the best results!
Christmas Dessert: 7 Memorable Flavors for Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delightful Christmas dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with milk.
- Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead for better taste.
- 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: 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: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: christmas dessert, holiday dessert, festive treat
