Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when gathering with family and friends feels extra special, and what’s a celebration without a show-stopping dessert? I’m so excited to share my recipe for delicious Christmas desserts for a crowd that not only look festive but taste absolutely divine! This cake is rich and chocolatey, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at any holiday gathering. Plus, it’s easy to whip up ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake, providing the structure and texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is what gives our cake that deep, chocolatey goodness!
- 1 cup butter, softened: This helps create a moist and tender cake, making every bite a delight.
- 4 large eggs: These act as a binding agent, helping everything come together beautifully.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness, making the cake even more luscious.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a wonderful aroma and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is our leavening agent, helping the cake rise to perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enriches the overall flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: This is for our frosting, providing that sweet finishing touch.
- 4 tablespoons milk (for frosting): This helps achieve the right consistency for our creamy frosting.
- Sprinkles for decoration: Because what’s a festive cake without a little sparkle on top?
How to Prepare Christmas Desserts for a Crowd
Getting ready to whip up these delicious Christmas desserts for a crowd is easier than you might think! Just follow my simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous cake that everyone will love. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Baking Process
- Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready to go.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Trust me, this is where the magic begins!
- Add the eggs: Crack in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. This ensures everything mixes together perfectly.
- Mix in the wet ingredients: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until everything is combined. The aroma will be delightful!
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Just be careful not to open the oven too soon!
- Cool and frost: Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting it with your creamy mixture of powdered sugar and milk. Finish it off with some festive sprinkles for that perfect holiday touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect even for beginner bakers!
- Festive Flavors: The rich chocolate combined with a touch of vanilla creates a flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With its generous servings, this cake is sure to satisfy all your guests’ sweet cravings.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake it a day in advance, freeing up your time for other holiday preparations.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with festive flavors or decorations to make it your own!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, here are some of my go-to tips! First, always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven. When it comes to frosting, let the cake cool completely to avoid melting your frosting—nobody wants a gooey mess! For an even spread, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. And don’t be shy with those sprinkles; they add a festive flair that everyone loves!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking the labels of your individual ingredients if you’re watching your intake closely. Enjoy these delicious Christmas desserts for a crowd without worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you want to make it gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a good quality brand for the best results.
What can I do if I don’t have cocoa powder?
No cocoa powder? No problem! You can use carob powder as a substitute, but keep in mind it has a slightly different taste. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making a vanilla version by omitting cocoa and adding extra vanilla extract.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it or even freeze slices for later enjoyment!
Can I decorate this cake with frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can frost the cake a day in advance! Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I love serving this cake at room temperature, as it brings out the rich flavors. Just cut it into generous slices and watch everyone smile!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious Christmas desserts for a crowd fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well-covered to avoid drying out! If you’ve frozen slices, they can last for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy it warm for an extra cozy treat!
Call to Action
If you give this delicious Christmas dessert for a crowd a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your festive photos on social media. Your feedback means the world to me, and I can’t wait to see your creations!
Drucken
Christmas Desserts for a Crowd: 7 Irresistible Recipes
- Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious desserts perfect for your holiday gathering.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- Sprinkles for decoration
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting, mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake and top with sprinkles.
Notes
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Try adding festive flavors like peppermint or nutmeg.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Desserts
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 320
- Zucker: 28g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 9g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: christmas desserts for a crowd
