Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, twinkling lights adorn every corner, and, of course, delicious treats are abundant. One of my absolute favorites is this *cake for Christmas*. It’s not just any cake; it’s a delightful blend of spices and sweetness that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. I remember baking this cake with my family while singing carols and sipping on hot cocoa. The warm, comforting flavors make it the centerpiece of our holiday table, and trust me, it never lasts long! Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking to gift something special, this cake is sure to bring joy and cheer to all. So, let’s dive into making this scrumptious treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk, preferably whole
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, or chopped apricots)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, you want that oven nice and toasty when your batter is ready!
- While that’s heating up, grab your favorite cake pan and grease it well with butter, then sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or just your trusty wooden spoon—whatever feels right.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. This helps create a smooth batter and gives your cake that lovely rise.
- Once the eggs are in, stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is combined nicely.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where the magic of spice happens!
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
- Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits, giving it a delightful crunch and chew.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aroma!
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make, even for beginner bakers!
- The rich flavor from the spices, combined with the sweetness of dried fruits, creates a festive delight.
- This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, making you the star of the celebration.
- It fills your home with the warm, inviting aroma of Christmas.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay moist and delicious for days.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *cake for Christmas* turns out perfectly, here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily, creating a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra festive touch, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the batter. It really brightens up the flavors!
- Cooling Time: Let the cake cool completely before icing or serving. This ensures the texture is just right and prevents any frosting meltdowns!
Variations
One of the best things about this *cake for Christmas* is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to suit your taste. Try adding a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth and spice. If you’re a nut lover, swap out the walnuts for pecans or even hazelnuts for a delightful twist. Want to amp up the fruitiness? Toss in some chopped fresh apples or pears along with the dried fruits. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *cake for Christmas* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you can enjoy it at room temperature, or if you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just don’t overdo it—nobody wants a rubbery cake!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delightful *cake for Christmas* is approximately 250 calories. It contains 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates, with about 15g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, and they can vary slightly depending on your specific brands and measurements. So, enjoy every bite guilt-free, knowing it’s a delicious holiday treat!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *cake for Christmas* actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container after it cools completely.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I use instead of dried fruits?
If you’re not a fan of dried fruits, you can substitute with chocolate chips for a rich twist or even fresh fruit, though you might need to adjust baking times.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s ready! Keep an eye on it; you don’t want to overbake and dry it out.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Sure! You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option. Just be sure to check the packaging for any specific adjustments needed.
Cake for Christmas: 7 Ways to Spread Holiday Joy
- Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious cake perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup dried fruits
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped nuts and dried fruits.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Can be decorated with icing or powdered sugar.
- Best served with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: cake for christmas
