Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s just something so special about gathering with loved ones, surrounded by twinkling lights and the aroma of delicious Christmas foods for party. I remember my family’s annual holiday gathering, where we’d all chip in to bring our favorite treats. The table would overflow with colorful dishes, and laughter filled the air as we shared stories and memories. It’s not just about the food – it’s the warmth, the joy, and that sense of togetherness that makes it all worthwhile. Trust me, nothing brings people together quite like a plate of festive goodies, and I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe with you that’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday celebration!
Ingredients for Christmas Foods for Party
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice, I love walnuts or pecans!)
- 1 cup dried fruit (like cranberries or apricots for a festive touch)
How to Prepare Christmas Foods for Party
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for that golden goodness later!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it adds air and makes your treat delightfully tender.
- Next, crack in the 2 large eggs and add the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it all together until well combined. You’ll love the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is blended well for a smooth batter.
- Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in batches, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want it fluffy!
- Time to fold in the fun! Gently mix in your 1 cup of chopped nuts and 1 cup of dried fruit. Feel free to get creative here – the more colorful, the better!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly spread so it bakes uniformly.
- Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make – perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festively colorful with nuts and dried fruits, bringing cheer to your party table.
- Great for sharing – everyone loves a homemade treat at gatherings!
- Deliciously moist and tender, thanks to the butter and eggs.
- Customizable – swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Fills your home with the warm, inviting smell of baking – pure holiday bliss!
- Perfect for dessert or even a sweet snack throughout the day!
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create that lovely, airy texture we’re aiming for!
- Mixing method: When you’re combining the dry ingredients, whisk them together well to prevent any clumps. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final texture.
- Nutty options: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different nuts! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a delightful twist. Just make sure to chop them roughly for a lovely crunch!
- Spice it up: For an extra holiday flair, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. Just a teaspoon can bring a whole new level of warmth to your dish!
- Dried fruit choices: Mix and match dried fruits! Raisins, figs, or even coconut can add unique flavors and textures. Just be sure to chop larger pieces for even distribution.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your baking time! Every oven is a little different, so start checking a few minutes before the timer goes off. You want that perfect golden brown, not too dry!
- Cool properly: Allow your dish to cool completely before slicing; this helps it hold its shape and makes for prettier pieces when serving at your holiday party.
Variations of Christmas Foods for Party
- Nutty Delight: Swap out the walnuts or pecans for slivered almonds or chopped hazelnuts for a different crunch. Each nut brings its own unique flavor!
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced kick that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Fruit Medley: Use a mix of dried fruits like cherries, figs, or even candied orange peel for a pop of color and flavor. They’ll add a festive twist to your dish!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some chocolate chips or chunks for a decadent touch. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dried fruit!
- Coconut Bliss: Stir in shredded coconut to give your dish a tropical flair. It’s a fun surprise that adds a chewy texture!
- Maple Magic: Replace the vanilla extract with maple syrup for a delightful change. It’ll give your treat a rich, warm sweetness that’s simply irresistible!
- Holiday Citrus: Zest a lemon or orange into the batter for a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the butter and nuts.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured your delicious Christmas foods for party, you might have a few leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty!
- Storage: Allow your dish to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Place leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay good for about 2 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen treats, simply transfer them to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This way, they’ll be ready to savor the next day!
- Reheating: To reheat, place a piece in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through. If you prefer, you can pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will keep the texture nice and soft!
- Serving suggestion: For a festive touch, consider dusting the reheated pieces with powdered sugar before serving. It’ll look just as delightful as it tastes!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the flavors of your holiday gathering long after the last guest has left!
Nutritional Information
When preparing my delicious Christmas foods for party, I always keep an eye on the nutritional information because it helps me enjoy the treats guilt-free! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredient choices and portion sizes. But no matter the numbers, I promise the flavor and joy of sharing this treat will far outweigh any calculations!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While you can use oil in place of butter, I recommend sticking with butter for this recipe to achieve that rich, tender texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could try using coconut oil, but keep in mind it will change the flavor a bit.
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’d like to make this Christmas treat egg-free, you can use applesauce or mashed bananas! About 1/4 cup of either per egg works well. Just remember, this might slightly alter the texture but will still taste delicious!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of those fantastic Christmas foods for party that gets better with a little time. You can prepare the batter the day before and refrigerate it, or bake it a day early and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know it’s ready when it’s beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you see any wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven. And remember, it continues to cook a little as it cools!
Can I add fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit can be a bit tricky because of the moisture content. If you really want to try it, make sure to chop it finely and reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly. However, I find that dried fruits hold up much better and add just the right amount of sweetness!
Christmas Foods for Party: 7 Festive Treats to Share
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious and festive Christmas foods perfect for your holiday party.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruit
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in nuts and dried fruit.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Try adding different spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 piece
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 6g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: christmas foods for party
