Oh, the joy of Christmas baking! There’s just something magical about filling the kitchen with the warm aromas of spices and sweet treats during the holiday season. This *easy Christmas cake* is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition that brings festive cheer to my home. I still remember the first time I made this cake with my grandmother. We’d spend the afternoon laughing and stirring, and the moment that cake came out of the oven, our hearts were just as warm as the kitchen. The simple act of baking together created memories that I cherish to this day. Trust me, making this cake is a breeze, and it’ll fill your home with that cozy holiday spirit. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a beloved part of your Christmas festivities!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful *easy Christmas cake*. You might already have some of these in your pantry, which makes it even easier to whip up!
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 100g mixed dried fruits
- 50g chopped nuts
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
That’s it! With these ingredients, you’re on your way to baking a cake that’s not just easy, but also brimming with festive flavors. Let’s get started!
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to make your *easy Christmas cake*? Let’s dive into the steps! First things first, we need to preheat our oven to 175°C (350°F). This is super important because it ensures our cake bakes evenly. While the oven warms up, grab your cake pan and grease it well, then line it with parchment paper to make sure the cake comes out smoothly later.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Now, here’s the fun part: add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll want that gorgeous, smooth texture, so don’t rush this step! After that, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding it in gently. We want to keep all that air we’ve whipped in! Now it’s time to fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Wow, can you smell that festive blend already?
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. And that’s it! You’ve just made a delightful *easy Christmas cake* that’s sure to spread joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *easy Christmas cake* is truly a gem, and here’s why you’ll adore making it as much as I do:
- Quick and simple preparation: Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how easily this cake comes together. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Delicious flavor with dried fruits and nuts: The combination of sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture that’s absolutely festive.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: Whether it’s for a big family feast or a cozy gathering with friends, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone.
- Versatile decoration options: You can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or go all out with icing and festive toppings. The choice is yours!
Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll become a staple in your holiday baking lineup!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *easy Christmas cake* turns out perfectly, here are my top tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start creaming it with the sugar. This helps create that light and fluffy texture we all love. Don’t rush the mixing process—take your time to incorporate the eggs smoothly, as this really affects the cake’s rise and moistness.
Preheating your oven is crucial! Always give it a good 10-15 minutes to reach the right temperature before popping your cake in. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it comes out wet, give it a couple more minutes. And remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to tweak this *easy Christmas cake* to suit your taste! Here are a few variations that I absolutely love:
- Citrus twist: Add some orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing zing that brightens up the flavors.
- Spiced up: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to give your cake that cozy holiday vibe.
- Fruit swap: Experiment with different dried fruits! Dried cranberries, apricots, or even cherries can bring a delightful twist.
- Nutty delight: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch and richness.
- Glazed goodness: Top your cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish, or drizzle some melted chocolate for an indulgent touch.
These variations allow you to customize your cake and make it uniquely yours. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
As you whip up this delightful *easy Christmas cake*, you might be curious about its nutritional profile. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per slice (about 1/8 of the cake):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and could vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to adjust according to your dietary needs. Enjoy your festive baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once your *easy Christmas cake* has cooled, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious! I recommend using an airtight container to protect it from moisture and keep those flavors intact. If you don’t have one, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days, or you can pop it in the fridge for up to a week.
If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cake too! Just make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat unless you want that warm, fresh-baked vibe—then just pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds! Enjoy your festive treat anytime!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruits in this easy Christmas cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the mixed dried fruits for your favorites. Dried cranberries, apricots, or even a mix of tropical fruits can work wonderfully. Just remember to keep the measurements the same!
How long can I store the cake?
You can store your *easy Christmas cake* at room temperature for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for 2-3 months. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to keep it fresh!
What’s the best way to check if my cake is done?
A classic method is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready! If it has wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *easy Christmas cake* is perfect for making a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a bit allows the flavors to deepen. Just keep it wrapped or in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve!
Can I adjust the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you can definitely reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet cake. Just keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture, but it should still turn out delicious! You can also try using a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Easy Christmas Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delightful recipe for a Christmas cake.
Zutaten
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 100g mixed dried fruits
- 50g chopped nuts
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- Let the cake cool before serving.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: Western
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: easy christmas cake
