Oh, the magic of Christmas gatherings! There’s something so heartwarming about bringing friends and family together to celebrate the season, and what better way to do that than with delicious and festive foods perfect for your Christmas party? Imagine the smell of freshly baked treats wafting through your home, as laughter and joy fill the air. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, with sweet, vibrant flavors that capture the spirit of the holidays. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it long after the last crumb has been devoured! So, let’s dive into making some unforgettable Christmas delights that will make your party truly special.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits, chopped if large
These ingredients are simple, but they come together to create something magical! The butter should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing, and don’t skip on the vanilla extract—it adds that warm, cozy flavor that makes everything feel like a hug in dessert form. And the mixed dried fruits? They add bursts of sweetness and a lovely chewiness that just screams holiday cheer. You’re going to love this combo!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your oven is nice and hot, ready to embrace your delicious creation!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps incorporate air, giving your dessert a lovely texture!
- Next, add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps ensure everything blends together beautifully—no one wants any eggy lumps!
- Now, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. This will make your batter smooth and add that delightful flavor that’ll have everyone craving more.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly throughout the flour, which is key for a nice rise.
- Carefully combine both mixtures, folding them together gently. Be cautious not to overmix—just until you don’t see any dry flour. Then, fold in those fabulous mixed dried fruits!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. This ensures every slice bakes up perfectly!
- Now, pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Wow, that smell is going to be amazing!
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the waiting is worth it for that warm, cozy slice of heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up—perfect for those busy holiday schedules!
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
- Ideal for gatherings; it serves up to 12, so there’s plenty to share (or not!).
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
- Great for decorating—try a sprinkle of icing sugar for that lovely snowy effect.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat.
Tips for Success
To make sure your festive treat turns out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips that you won’t want to miss!
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream together with the sugar more easily, leading to that perfect light and fluffy texture!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Just stir until everything is combined and those pesky dry spots are gone.
- Quality Dried Fruits: Choose good-quality mixed dried fruits for the best flavor. If they’re too dry, soak them in a little warm water or juice beforehand to plump them up. Yum!
- Check Doneness: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes! Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cooling Time: Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set up and makes it easier to handle without falling apart.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor, serve your cake warm! It’s absolutely heavenly, especially with a dusting of icing sugar on top.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a delicious centerpiece for your Christmas party that will wow your guests!
Variations
If you want to switch things up a bit or cater to different tastes at your Christmas party, I’ve got some fabulous variations for you to try! Each one adds its own unique flair, making this recipe even more versatile.
- Different Dried Fruits: Swap out the mixed dried fruits for your favorites! Try using apricots, cranberries, or even cherries for a tangy twist. Dried figs or dates can also add a lovely sweetness!
- Spice It Up: Add some festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter. Just a teaspoon of each can elevate the holiday flavors and make your kitchen smell divine!
- Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey indulgence, fold in some semi-sweet or white chocolate chips along with the dried fruits. Trust me; it’s a match made in dessert heaven!
- Nutty Goodness: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix in well.
- Frosting Delight: If you want to get a little fancy, top your cake with a simple cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. It adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness!
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if you have guests with dietary restrictions. Just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture!
These variations are easy to implement and let you adapt the recipe to suit everyone’s tastes. Have fun experimenting and making this festive treat truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas cake fresh and tasty, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and keep it from drying out. I usually pop it in the fridge if I have any leftovers, and it stays delightful for up to 3 days. Trust me, it still tastes fantastic even after a couple of days!
If you want to enjoy it warm again, just take a slice and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This quick reheating really brings back that cozy feel and enhances the flavors, making it just as enjoyable as when it was fresh out of the oven. You could also warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes if you prefer. Just be careful not to overheat it, as we want to avoid drying it out!
So, there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the festive flavors of your Christmas party treat long after the celebrations are over. Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into the deliciousness, I want to give you a little heads-up! Nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates to help you out. Here’s a general breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 3g
This tasty treat is not only a delightful addition to your Christmas party but also offers a satisfying balance of flavors. Just remember, it’s all about enjoying the moment and the deliciousness that comes with it! Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While fresh fruits are delicious, they contain more moisture and can affect the texture of the cake. I recommend sticking with dried fruits for this recipe to keep that lovely consistency. You can always add fresh fruits as a topping if you’d like!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake keeps well for a few days, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it’ll be ready to impress your guests at your Christmas party!
What if I don’t have baking powder?
No worries! If you’re out of baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every teaspoon of baking powder needed. This will help your cake rise beautifully!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake once it’s completely cooled. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up as needed.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To give your cake that extra holiday flair, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can also top it with a sprinkle of icing sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for a festive touch that will wow your guests!
Christmas Foods for Party: 7 Festive Treats to Delight
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious and festive foods perfect for your Christmas party.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
- Combine both mixtures and fold in dried fruits.
- Pour into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be decorated with icing sugar.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 25g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 40mg
Mots-clés: christmas foods for party
