Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with joy, laughter, and the sweet smell of holiday treats wafting from the kitchen. I absolutely love whipping up this *christmas dessert* because it’s not just easy to make, but it also brings everyone together! Picture this: a warm, fluffy cake that’s both comforting and festive, perfect for sharing after a holiday meal or enjoying with a cup of cocoa by the fire. Trust me, this dessert is going to become a cherished tradition in your home. It’s simple enough for even the busiest holiday prep, yet delicious enough to impress your guests. Let’s get started on creating something truly special that will fill your celebrations with sweetness and cheer!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this festive *christmas dessert*. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making the cake light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious!
- 2 cups flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, giving the cake structure and a lovely texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 cup butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it adds richness and a wonderful buttery flavor to the cake.
- 4 eggs: Large eggs are essential for moisture and binding the ingredients together.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk is ideal, ensuring the cake stays moist and tender.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the cake rise to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting flavor that enhances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to baking a delicious holiday treat that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to dive into the baking magic? Let’s get started on this delightful *christmas dessert*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, fluffy cake in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures the cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is so important for the texture and flavor of your cake! When you cream these two together, you’re incorporating air, which helps your cake rise and gives it that delightful lightness.
Add Eggs and Mix
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This might seem simple, but mixing each egg in thoroughly helps create a smooth batter and ensures everything is combined perfectly. Don’t rush this step—take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with a tender cake!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure everything is evenly distributed. The flour gives structure, the baking powder helps it rise, and the salt enhances all those lovely flavors. This mix is the backbone of your cake!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. I usually start and end with the flour mixture. This method helps prevent lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth batter. Just mix until combined—don’t overdo it!
Bake the Dessert
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want that perfect golden-brown top. Once it’s done, let it cool before serving—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this *christmas dessert* is that it keeps well. You can bake it a day in advance, just let it cool completely before wrapping it up in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy it at room temperature, or warm it up slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!
What can I serve with this *christmas dessert*?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving this festive cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make it extra special. You can also sprinkle some festive decorations on top, like colorful sprinkles or fresh berries, to really bring out the holiday spirit. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced cider too!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can definitely make some substitutions if needed! For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and almond milk instead of regular milk. If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can try using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Just keep in mind that swapping ingredients may slightly change the texture or flavor, but it’s all about finding what works best for you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Versatile enough to dress up with your favorite toppings.
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
This recipe is bound to become a beloved part of your holiday traditions, making your Christmas celebrations even sweeter!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed this delightful *christmas dessert*, you’ll want to know how to keep those yummy leftovers fresh! To store, simply place any uneaten cake in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days, but if you want it to last longer, pop it in the refrigerator where it can stay good for up to a week.
When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, you can eat it cold or warm it up a bit for that fresh-baked feel. Just microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Trust me, the warm, buttery aroma will fill your kitchen and make your taste buds dance with joy!
Nutritional Information Section
Curious about what’s in this delightful *christmas dessert*? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these are approximations, as actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This festive cake is not only delicious but also a delightful treat to enjoy in moderation during the holiday season. Happy indulging!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *christmas dessert* turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything mixes together beautifully. Also, don’t rush the creaming process—take a few extra minutes to really whip that butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. It makes a world of difference!
When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, which can lead to a dense cake. Lastly, keep an eye on your cake while it bakes; every oven is a little different, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a delightful holiday treat that everyone will love!
Variations
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this *christmas dessert*! One of my favorites is to add a touch of festive spice—just a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dry ingredients can create a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. Want to kick it up a notch? Try folding in some mini chocolate chips or cranberries for a delightful surprise in every bite!
For a citrusy twist, you can add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a bright flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. And if you’re in the mood for something extra special, why not make a layer of cream cheese frosting to spread on top? It adds a creamy richness that takes this cake to the next level! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dessert your own!
Print
Christmas Dessert: 7 Joyful Ways to Celebrate Sweetness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Can add festive decorations like sprinkles or berries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: christmas dessert, holiday dessert, festive cake