Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for an *easy Christmas cake*, you’ve landed in the right place! This cake is not only simple to make, but it also captures that warm, festive spirit that fills the air during the holidays. I still remember the joy of baking with my family when I was little, the smell of sweet vanilla and spices wafting through the kitchen as we prepared for our holiday celebrations. This recipe brings back those cherished memories! With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of love, you’ll have a delightful cake that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family this season.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need for my easy Christmas cake. Trust me, it’s all about simplicity and flavor!
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 100g mixed dried fruits (I love using a colorful mix for that festive touch!)
- 50g chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds work great)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the magic ingredient for that lovely aroma)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Make sure to measure everything out before you start; it really makes the process smoother! And don’t worry if you don’t have exact amounts for the dried fruits or nuts—just use what you have on hand. Baking is all about being a little creative!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delightful easy Christmas cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful cake ready to celebrate the season.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). You want that oven nice and toasty for when your batter is ready!
- Next, grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper. This will help the cake slide right out later—no one wants a cake disaster, right?
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for a soft cake!
- Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps create a nice, smooth batter. Don’t rush this part!
- Stir in the vanilla extract, and let that wonderful aroma fill your kitchen. Seriously, who can resist that?
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly, so your cake rises beautifully.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. You don’t want to overmix—just until everything is combined. It’s okay if a few lumps remain!
- Now, fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. This is where the cake gets its festive flair! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, though—ovens can be sneaky!
Once baked, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important so that the cake doesn’t get soggy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this easy Christmas cake is a total game-changer for your holiday baking! Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a favorite:
- Quick preparation time—You can whip it up in just 15 minutes, leaving you plenty of time for other holiday festivities!
- Simple ingredients—No fancy items here! Just straightforward pantry staples that you probably already have at home.
- Festive flavors—The combination of mixed dried fruits and nuts brings out the spirit of the season in every bite. It’s like a hug in cake form!
- Crowd-pleasing results—Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this cake is sure to impress everyone. Trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
- Versatile—You can easily decorate it with icing or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra festive touch!
Seriously, you won’t be disappointed with this cake. It’s simple, delightful, and full of holiday cheer! What’s not to love?
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake your easy Christmas cake, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Measure Carefully: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one for the best results. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for precision.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly, creating a light and fluffy batter.
- Fold Gently: When adding in the dried fruits and nuts, use a gentle folding motion with a spatula. This ensures that they’re evenly distributed without deflating your cake batter. We want a fluffy cake, not a dense one!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If there’s wet batter, it needs a bit more time.
- Cool Properly: After baking, let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set without getting soggy. Patience is key here!
- Flavor Boost: For an extra festive touch, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the batter. It really enhances the holiday flavors and makes your cake sing!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking a gorgeous easy Christmas cake that will wow everyone at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your easy Christmas cake is baked and cooled (if there’s any left, that is!), it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing: Let the cake cool completely before storing it. This prevents any condensation from forming inside the container, which can make it soggy. Once cool, place the cake in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-5 days at room temperature.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to label it with the date so you know when it was made!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy a slice (or two!), there’s no need to thaw it first. Just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat, or if you prefer it even warmer, you can heat it in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that lovely aroma and makes it feel fresh out of the oven again!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor your easy Christmas cake well beyond the holiday season. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this easy Christmas cake! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider them as general estimates rather than precise numbers.
For one slice of this delightful cake, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
Remember, these numbers can shift depending on how you customize your cake—like if you add more nuts or change your choice of dried fruits. So, feel free to enjoy this cake while being mindful of your own dietary needs. Happy baking and indulging!
FAQ Section
I know that when baking, questions can pop up, so I’ve put together some answers to common queries about this easy Christmas cake. Let’s dive in!
Can I substitute the mixed dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits. Raisins, cranberries, or even chopped apricots work beautifully. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces if they’re larger fruits!
What kind of nuts can I use?
You can use any nuts you like! Walnuts and almonds are my go-to, but pecans or hazelnuts would add a lovely flavor as well. Just make sure to chop them roughly for a nice texture.
Can I frost the cake?
Definitely! A simple cream cheese frosting or a light glaze can elevate the cake to the next level. If you want to keep it easy, a dusting of powdered sugar is also a charming touch!
How long can I store the cake?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this easy Christmas cake can last about 3-5 days at room temperature. If you want it to last longer, freezing it as mentioned earlier is a great option!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! In fact, it often tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it correctly, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go!
What if I don’t have a cake pan?
No worries! You can use any oven-safe dish you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary depending on the size and shape of your pan.
Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend checking for a good quality brand that measures cup-for-cup just like regular flour!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident about making your easy Christmas cake! If you have any other questions, just shoot them my way. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this scrumptious easy Christmas cake, let’s talk about how to serve it up! The right accompaniments can take your cake experience to the next level, making it even more special during the holidays.
- Hot Beverages: Pair a slice with a warm cup of spiced chai or a classic hot cocoa. The rich flavors of the spices in the drinks complement the festive vibes of the cake perfectly!
- Coffee or Tea: A nice, strong cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea goes hand in hand with the sweetness of the cake. I personally love a good Earl Grey with mine!
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a lovely lightness and creaminess that balances the cake’s flavors. You could even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for an extra festive flair!
- Ice Cream: For a delightful contrast, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla or spiced ice cream. The cold creaminess against the warm cake is such a treat!
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from berries or apples not only adds beautiful color but also enhances the cake’s flavor with a fruity punch!
- Cheese Board: If you’re feeling a bit fancy, why not create a cheese board? Some mild cheeses, like brie or goat cheese, can be a lovely savory counterpoint to the sweet cake.
Whatever you choose, don’t forget to enjoy it with loved ones. That’s what the holiday season is all about—sharing delicious food and making wonderful memories around the table. Happy indulging!
Imprimer
Easy Christmas Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Joy
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delightful recipe for a Christmas cake.
Ingrédients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 100g mixed dried fruits
- 50g chopped nuts
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Let the cake cool before serving.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or powdered sugar.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
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: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: easy christmas cake
