There’s something truly magical about baking during the Christmas season, isn’t there? The warm scents of vanilla and butter wafting through your home instantly invite that cozy, festive spirit. My *merry christmas cake* is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering, bursting with joy and sweetness. It’s not just a cake; it’s a celebration of everything we love about this time of year! Picture it: a beautifully frosted cake adorned with cheerful sprinkles, ready to be shared with family and friends. Trust me, the smiles you’ll see as everyone takes a slice will be the best gift of all. So, let’s dive into making this delightful treat together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, so it creams beautifully)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1 cup whole milk (adds moisture and richness)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (for that perfect rise)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the secret to a warm flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances the sweetness)
- Red and green sprinkles (to bring the festive cheer)
- 1 cup frosting (your choice of flavor, but I love classic buttercream)
How to Prepare the Merry Christmas Cake
Preheat and Prepare Pans
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly. While the oven warms up, take a moment to grease and flour your two 9-inch round cake pans. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray, followed by a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking. This step should only take about 5 minutes, but it’s essential for a smooth release later!
Mixing the Batter
Now for the fun part—mixing! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This is where the magic happens! Next, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until there are no visible flour streaks. Don’t overmix, or your cake might turn out dense!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, divide it evenly between the prepared pans. Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—woohoo! Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, as you don’t want to frost a warm cake!
Decorating the Cake
When your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to get creative! Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top—don’t be shy! Then, gently place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. This is where you can really have fun! Use red and green sprinkles to give it that festive touch. I like to add a bit of frosting on the sides too, so we get a nice, decorated cake all around. The final look is not only delicious but a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a slice of my *merry christmas cake*, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of frosting and any modifications you might make. But hey, it’s Christmas! A little indulgence is part of the joy, right? Just remember to balance it out with some festive cheer and laughter around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Merry Christmas Cake
- Festive Appearance: With its vibrant red and green sprinkles, this cake is a showstopper that instantly brings holiday cheer to any table!
- Easy to Make: The simple steps and common ingredients mean you can whip this up without any stress, even if you’re not an experienced baker.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday party, this cake serves up to 12 slices, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones.
- Customizable Frosting Options: Feel free to get creative! Use your favorite frosting flavor or mix in some festive touches like peppermint or chocolate.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of butter and milk creates a cake that’s tender and moist, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this cake a day in advance, saving you time on busy holiday days while still impressing your guests.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *merry christmas cake* turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips that I swear by! First, always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer if you have one. Ovens can be tricky, and a few degrees off can change everything. You want that cozy, golden brown cake, not a flat disappointment!
When it comes to mixing, take your time. Creaming the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy is crucial for that airy texture. It might feel like it takes forever, but believe me, it’s worth the wait! And don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
For decorating, let your frosting sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading—it makes it much easier to work with! If you want that professional-looking finish, consider using a spatula or an offset knife to smooth out the frosting. And remember, less is more when it comes to sprinkles; a little sprinkle goes a long way for that festive flair!
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of jam or fresh fruit between the cake layers before frosting. It adds a delightful surprise and elevates your cake to the next level. Trust me, your family will be raving about it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this beautiful *merry christmas cake*, and now you want to make sure it stays fresh for those festive gatherings? No problem! To store any leftovers (if there are any, of course!), simply place the cake in an airtight container. This helps retain its moisture and flavor. If you’ve frosted it, I recommend covering it gently with plastic wrap to avoid messing up that gorgeous decoration.
Now, if you’re planning to make this cake a day in advance, you can totally do that! Just bake and cool the cake as instructed, then wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This way, it’ll be ready for frosting on the big day without losing any of its deliciousness!
If you find yourself wanting to reheat a slice (because who can resist a warm piece of cake?), simply pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be sure to check it after 10 seconds; you want it warm, not hot! This little bit of warmth will bring back that cozy, festive feeling as if it were just freshly baked. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture might vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the flavor, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in some almond extract or a dash of cinnamon for a festive twist. You could even fold in some chocolate chips or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.
How do I store the cake if I want to make it ahead of time?
You can store the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’ve already frosted it, just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Trust me, it holds up beautifully!
What’s the best frosting to use for this cake?
While I love classic buttercream, cream cheese frosting is a fantastic choice too! It adds a lovely tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cake. You could also try a whipped cream frosting for a lighter option—so many delicious possibilities!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this stunning *merry christmas cake*, it’s time to think about how to serve it for maximum holiday cheer! I love pairing this cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate—there’s just something about that cozy combo that brings the whole experience together. If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, a nice cup of spiced tea complements the cake beautifully, especially with those festive flavors dancing around!
For a truly festive touch, consider serving it alongside some sparkling apple cider or a holiday punch. The sweetness of the drinks pairs perfectly with the moist cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors. If you want to elevate your dessert spread even more, add some seasonal sides like a fruit salad with pomegranate seeds, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the cake—oh my goodness, it’s heavenly!
And don’t forget about the classic holiday sides—gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark are fun companions that will keep your guests coming back for more. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about this delightful spread long after the last slice is gone!
Imprimer
Merry Christmas Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive cake to celebrate Christmas.
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
- Red and green sprinkles
- 1 cup frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Decorate with frosting and sprinkles.
Notes
- Store cake in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Use any preferred frosting flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 25g
- De Sodium: 200mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: merry christmas cake
