Oh, the magic of a Christmas dessert table! It’s like a joyful symphony of flavors and colors that brings everyone together during the holiday season. Imagine the warm scent of freshly baked goodies wafting through your home, as friends and family gather around to indulge in festive treats. I absolutely love creating a spread that includes everything from sugary cookies to decadent cakes, all adorned with sparkling sprinkles and holiday cheer. It’s not just about the desserts; it’s about the memories we make while baking and sharing them. Trust me, this spread will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also add a sprinkle of joy to your holiday gatherings. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the festive spirit with some delightful recipes that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
To create this delightful Christmas dessert that’s perfect for your festive table, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups flour: All-purpose flour works great here. It gives the cake structure and a lovely crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar is what you want to add sweetness to the batter.
- 1 cup butter: Make sure it’s unsalted and softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- 4 eggs: Large eggs are perfect for adding moisture and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor, so don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This will make your frosting sweet and smooth.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Use this to thin out your frosting to the right consistency.
- Red and green sprinkles: These festive touches add a pop of color and holiday cheer to your dessert!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get started on creating this delightful holiday treat! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dessert ready to impress your guests.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial! This ensures even baking so your cake rises beautifully. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy texture; it should look pale and airy. This process introduces air into the mixture, which helps your cake rise. Don’t rush—let the mixer do its magic for about 3-5 minutes!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate each egg fully, which is key for a smooth batter. Then, add in the vanilla extract; the aroma is simply heavenly!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important for even distribution of the leavening agent. Make sure there are no lumps, as we want a smooth batter!
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, alternating with the wet ingredients. Start with the flour, then add a bit of the wet, and repeat. This method prevents lumps and creates a deliciously smooth batter.
Baking Process
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain moisture!
Frosting and Decorating
While the cake is cooling, let’s whip up the frosting! In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the frosting on top and sprinkle with those festive red and green sprinkles. It’s the finishing touch that makes your Christmas dessert table shine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas dessert is not just a treat; it’s an experience! You’ll find so many reasons to fall in love with this delightful addition to your holiday celebrations:
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this up in no time, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
- Festively Delicious: The combination of buttery cake and sweet frosting is sure to please everyone, bringing joy to each bite.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dessert serves up to 12, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties. Everyone will want a piece!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite holiday flavors, like peppermint or cinnamon, to make it uniquely yours!
- Visually Stunning: With its colorful sprinkles and lovely frosting, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily bake this a day in advance, allowing you to relax and savor the holiday spirit.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your Christmas dessert is nothing short of spectacular! Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend better, giving you a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your cake is done. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go. If it’s wet, give it a couple more minutes.
- Cool Completely: Let your cake cool completely before frosting. This prevents the icing from melting and sliding off, making for a beautiful presentation.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite flavors! A hint of almond extract or some festive spices can take your cake to the next level.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Christmas dessert, you’ll want to make sure any leftovers are stored properly. To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge where it will last for about a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out!
If you’re ready to enjoy your cake again, there’s no need to stress about reheating. Simply serve it at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. However, if you prefer it warm, you can gently heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might end up with a melted frosting disaster! Enjoy every sweet bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each delightful piece of this Christmas dessert. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands or variations you might use:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
This information can help you plan your holiday treats while keeping an eye on your nutritional goals. Enjoy the sweetness of the season without the guilt!
FAQs
Got questions about your Christmas dessert table? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up when baking this festive treat:
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be baked a day in advance, which is perfect for easing your holiday prep stress. Just store it in an airtight container after it cools completely.
What variations can I try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor. Or, mix in some crushed candy canes for a refreshing peppermint twist. The possibilities are endless!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can use applesauce instead of butter. Need it gluten-free? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert?
I love serving it at room temperature, but if you’re feeling indulgent, warm it up slightly in the microwave before serving. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Have fun experimenting, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Dessert Table: 5 Ways to Delight Guests
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive spread of delicious desserts perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before frosting with powdered sugar mixed with milk.
- Decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Feel free to add your favorite holiday flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas dessert table, holiday desserts, festive treats