Oh, the magic of Christmas! There’s something truly special about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing laughter and joy, and of course, indulging in delightful desserts. This dessert for Christmas has become a cherished tradition in my family. I remember my grandmother whipping up her famous chocolate cake every year, filling the house with the most heavenly aroma. It wasn’t just a cake; it was a symbol of love and togetherness. This recipe captures that same warmth and festive spirit, perfect for celebrating any Christmas gathering or holiday party. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this sweet treat!
Ingredients for the Dessert for Christmas
To create this festive dessert, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake, giving it structure.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey flavor that’s simply irresistible!
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Sweetness is key, and this will balance the cocoa perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the vinegar in the batter for extra lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- 2 large eggs: These add moisture and richness to your cake.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk is best for a moist texture.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and adds richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For a lovely, warm flavor.
- 1 cup boiling water: This is a unique twist that activates the cocoa, making your cake even more decadent!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Fold these in for a delicious melty surprise in every bite.
How to Prepare the Dessert for Christmas
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious cake! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your batter hits the pans. While that’s heating up, grab your two round cake pans and grease and flour them to prevent any sticking—nobody wants a cake disaster!
In a large mixing bowl, combine those dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended. Next, add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes—you want it smooth and creamy!
Now, here’s the secret sauce: carefully stir in the boiling water. This will make your batter quite thin, but trust me, it’s magic! Finally, gently fold in those chocolate chips for a melty surprise. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and pop them in the oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they’re done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And voilà! Your festive dessert is on its way to perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Dessert for Christmas
This dessert for Christmas is not just delicious; it’s a complete crowd-pleaser! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up!
- Rich, Festive Flavor: The combination of chocolate and warmth from the vanilla creates a holiday flavor that’s utterly delightful.
- Perfect for Sharing: This cake yields 12 generous slices, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties.
- Versatile Toppings: Dress it up with whipped cream, festive sprinkles, or seasonal fruits for a beautiful presentation.
- Memorable Tradition: It’s not just a dessert; it’s a way to create sweet memories with loved ones during the holidays.
Tips for Success with Your Dessert for Christmas
Here are my top tips to ensure your dessert for Christmas turns out absolutely perfect! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting; this helps the batter mix more smoothly and evenly. If you’re out of eggs, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). It works like a charm!
Also, don’t skip the boiling water step—it’s crucial for enhancing the cocoa flavor and giving your cake that moist texture we all love. When baking, keep an eye on the time; ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. And finally, if you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee to the batter. It deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your dessert for Christmas fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply let it come to room temperature or warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it—nobody wants a dry cake! Enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note: the nutritional information provided can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I strive to give you accurate details, the numbers might not be precise. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your ingredients for the most accurate information. Happy baking and enjoy your festive dessert for Christmas!
FAQ About Dessert for Christmas
You might have a few questions about this delightful dessert for Christmas, and I’m here to help! Here are some common ones:
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day, so feel free to bake it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
What can I use instead of eggs? If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. It works wonderfully and keeps the cake moist!
How do I know when the cake is done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time!
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What toppings work best? I love topping this cake with whipped cream and festive sprinkles, but fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate ganache are delicious too!
Serving Suggestions for Your Dessert for Christmas
To elevate your dessert for Christmas, consider serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the rich chocolate beautifully! You could also sprinkle some crushed peppermint candies on top for that festive touch and a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a warm chocolate sauce drizzled over each slice adds an extra layer of indulgence. Don’t forget to pair it with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a spiced holiday tea for the perfect cozy experience. Your guests will be raving about this sweet treat!
Variations to Try with Your Dessert for Christmas
One of the best things about this dessert for Christmas is how easily you can give it your own twist! Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor. Top with crushed candy canes for a festive crunch!
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
- Spiced Version: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced aroma that screams holiday cheer.
- Fruit Fusion: Layer the cake with raspberry or cherry filling between the layers for a fruity surprise that pairs beautifully with chocolate!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving for an indulgent touch that takes it over the top.
Feel free to get creative—after all, this dessert is all about celebrating the season with flavors you love!
Drucken
Delightful Dessert for Christmas: 7 Memorable Twists to Try
- Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool before removing from pans.
- Frost as desired and serve.
Notes
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Top with whipped cream or festive decorations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 320
- Zucker: 28g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: dessert for christmas
