Oh, the joy of creating a Christmas dessert table! It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions that brings family and friends together to celebrate the season. Just picture it: a beautifully arranged spread of festive treats, each one more tempting than the last! This recipe for a delightful dessert is my go-to for adding a pop of color and sweetness to any holiday gathering. It’s simple yet stunning, featuring fresh berries and a creamy topping that everyone loves. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while this bakes is enough to get anyone in the holiday spirit! And the best part? You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for those busy days leading up to Christmas. Let’s dive into making this fabulous addition to your Christmas dessert table!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning addition to your Christmas dessert table. Make sure to gather everything before you start – it makes the process so much smoother!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of our dessert. I always prefer using all-purpose for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten things up without being overpowering.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened! This will give our dessert that rich, buttery flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These add moisture and help bind everything together. Room temperature eggs work best!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Trust me, this adds a lovely warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For dusting on top – it makes everything look so festive and pretty!
- 2 cups mixed berries: I love using strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a vibrant mix. Fresh berries are key here!
- 1 cup whipped cream: You can use store-bought or homemade. If you want a lighter option, yogurt works great too!
Feel free to get creative with the berries or even add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty kick! This dessert is all about making it your own and celebrating the season with flavors you love.
How to Prepare the Christmas Dessert Table
Let’s get started on this festive journey! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dessert ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that our dessert bakes evenly and comes out just right. While it’s warming up, you can gather the rest of your ingredients and get ready for the fun part!
Mix the Batter
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine the 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. I like to whisk them together to make sure they’re well blended. Next, add in the 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter and the 2 large eggs. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to stir in the 1 tsp of vanilla extract for that delicious flavor boost! It’s such a game changer!
Bake the Dessert
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to pour it into a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end—poke it with a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, you’re all set! It should be golden brown and smell divine!
Cool and Finish the Dessert
After baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the dish for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, dust the top with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to add that festive touch. Finally, top it with 2 cups of mixed berries and a generous dollop of 1 cup of whipped cream. Trust me, this final touch makes it look like a showstopper on your Christmas dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have more time to enjoy the holiday festivities!
- Festive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the mixed berries and the dusting of powdered sugar make this dessert a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas dessert table.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of buttery cake, fresh berries, and whipped cream creates a delightful explosion of flavor that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners, yet it impresses even the most seasoned bakers!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the berries or add your favorite flavors to make it uniquely yours!
- Great for Sharing: The recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for holiday gatherings with family and friends.
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Christmas dessert turns out absolutely perfect! First off, always use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to your berries. Freshness really elevates the flavor and texture of your dessert. If you can, pick them up from a local market!
Also, don’t skip the step of letting your butter soften before mixing—it makes a huge difference in how well it incorporates into your batter. And speaking of mixing, be careful not to overmix your batter once you add the eggs; just mix until everything is combined for a lighter texture.
Lastly, I recommend letting the dessert cool completely before adding the powdered sugar and toppings. This way, the sugar won’t melt, keeping that beautiful presentation intact. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a show-stopping treat for your holiday table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to creating a spectacular Christmas dessert table, it’s all about complementing your main attraction with a few delightful accompaniments. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your festive spread!
First, consider adding a selection of warm beverages. A rich hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream can really set the cozy holiday vibe. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, serve some spiced mulled wine or a festive punch that guests can help themselves to. It’s such a nice touch!
Next, think about including a variety of cookies. Classic gingerbread men, buttery shortbread, and peppermint bark are always crowd-pleasers and add to the festive spirit. You could even get creative and set up a cookie decorating station for a fun activity, especially if there are little ones around!
Don’t forget about the savory! Pair your sweet treats with some savory snacks like a cheese platter featuring a mix of creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and a few festive nuts. This balance of flavors will keep everyone satisfied and coming back for more!
Finally, for a stunning presentation, consider using tiered stands or decorative platters. It creates height and visual interest, making your Christmas dessert table a true showstopper. Trust me, when everything is beautifully arranged, your guests won’t be able to resist diving in!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a handy breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each piece of this delightful dessert. Keep in mind that these numbers are based on typical values and can vary based on specific brands or ingredient choices you make.
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This information can help you make informed choices while enjoying this festive treat. Remember, balance is key, especially during the holiday season! Enjoy your baking and the delicious moments that come with it!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas dessert can be made a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and add your berries and whipped cream. It’ll still taste fresh and delicious!
What can I substitute for the berries?
If you don’t have mixed berries on hand, feel free to use other fruits like sliced bananas, peaches, or even a fruit compote. The key is to keep that fruity freshness to balance the dessert!
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Not as it stands, but you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check the package for any specific guidelines!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep in mind that the whipped cream will lose some of its fluffiness over time, but it’ll still taste great!
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just keep in mind the baking time might need to be adjusted slightly if you’re using a larger pan. Just check for doneness with a toothpick to be sure!
Drucken
Christmas Dessert Table: 7 Delights to Dazzle Guests
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive dessert table showcasing delightful Christmas treats.
Zutaten
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups mixed berries
- 1 cup whipped cream
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour and sugar.
- Add butter and eggs, and mix well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar.
- Top with mixed berries and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh berries for best flavor.
- Can substitute whipped cream with yogurt for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 25 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 50mg
- Fett: 8g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: christmas dessert table
