Oh my gosh, I can’t wait to share this holiday food recipe with you! Every year, this delightful treat makes its way to my table, filling the house with the most amazing festive aromas. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! The combination of buttery goodness and the sweetness of mixed dried fruits is just perfect for celebrating the season. Honestly, it’s a recipe that brings everyone together – whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a lively holiday party, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, when you serve this up, you’ll be the star of the show!

Ingredients List

To whip up this delicious holiday treat, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation of our delightful dessert.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – this adds that rich, buttery flavor.
• 1 cup sugar – for sweetness that balances everything out.
• 2 large eggs – make sure they’re at room temperature for best mixing!
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – because who doesn’t love that warm aroma?
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – to help our dish rise just right.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – a pinch to enhance those flavors!
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits – my favorite part! Use your favorites for a festive touch!

How to Prepare This Holiday Food Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making this festive treat! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because we want our dessert to bake evenly and get that lovely golden color.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. It’s all about getting that smooth texture! Next, stir in the vanilla extract; the aroma will be heavenly!

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix here—we want to keep it tender! Now, fold in those colorful mixed dried fruits; they’ll add such a nice festive touch.

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before serving. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Food Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
• Festive appearance with vibrant dried fruits that brighten up any table.
• Delightful flavors that combine buttery richness with sweet fruitiness—yum!
• Ideal for sharing at gatherings, making you the star of the show.
• Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack.

Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a holiday staple in your home!

Tips for Success with This Holiday Food Recipe

To make sure your holiday food recipe turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always use room temperature ingredients—this helps everything blend together smoothly. When creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it; take your time to achieve that light and fluffy texture. Also, be gentle when folding in the dried fruits; you want to keep the batter airy! And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your dessert in the last few minutes of baking. If you notice it browning too quickly, just cover it lightly with foil. Happy baking!

Variations of This Holiday Food Recipe

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this holiday food recipe! For starters, try switching out the mixed dried fruits with your favorites—dried cranberries, apricots, or even cherries would be fantastic. You could also sprinkle in some warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra cozy kick. If you love nuts, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. And for a zesty twist, a bit of orange or lemon zest can brighten up those flavors beautifully. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve indulged in this delightful holiday treat, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh! Simply place the cooled pieces in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that moist texture. Trust me, they taste just as good the next day! Enjoy every bite!

Nutritional Information

This holiday food recipe yields about 12 servings, with each piece containing approximately 200 calories. You’ll find around 8g of fat, 2g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates per serving. Plus, it has about 10g of sugar and 100mg of sodium. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients or brands you use, so it’s always good to check your labels. But overall, it’s a delightful treat to enjoy during the festive season!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While fresh fruits can be delicious, I recommend sticking with dried fruits for this holiday food recipe. Dried fruits add a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that works perfectly in the batter.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend! Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute, and you should be good to go.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition, giving that extra crunch and flavor. Just fold them in along with the dried fruits.

How do I know when it’s done baking?
You’ll know your delightful treat is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time!

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying again!

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this holiday food recipe a try! It’s such a wonderful way to bring festive flavors to your table, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below or rate the recipe after you’ve made it. Your feedback means the world to me, and it inspires everyone to get cooking! Enjoy every delicious bite!