Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, twinkling lights brighten up our homes, and the kitchen comes alive with festive flavors. One of my absolute favorite things to whip up during the holidays is this delightful dessert that embodies the spirit of christmas themed food. It’s simple yet oh-so-festive, and trust me, it’s bound to bring a smile to everyone’s face! I remember my grandmother making a similar treat every year, and the joy it brought us all was priceless. Now, I love to carry on that tradition, adding a sprinkle of red and green for a touch of holiday cheer. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create something delicious together that’ll make your celebrations even more special!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cake rise beautifully and bake evenly. Nobody likes a cake that’s gooey in the middle and burnt on the edges, right? So, while you’re measuring out your ingredients, let that oven do its thing!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re nicely blended. This step is crucial because it ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cake rise perfectly. Set this bowl aside for a bit—you’re going to love how simple this is!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and add your 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these two together until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is key for achieving that delightful texture we all crave. The air that gets whipped into the butter-sugar mixture makes for a tender cake!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I love the aroma of vanilla—it really elevates the flavor! Make sure everything is well incorporated, and you’re on your way to a delicious batter.
Combine Mixtures
Now, we’ll alternate adding the dry mixture and 1 cup of whole milk to the butter mixture. Start with a third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk, then repeat until everything is just combined. This helps prevent lumps and keeps your batter smooth. Be careful not to overmix; we want it combined but not overworked!
Prepare for Baking
Pour that gorgeous batter into a greased baking pan—don’t forget to scrape the sides of the bowl to get every last bit! Then, it’s time to sprinkle the festive red and green sprinkles generously on top. They not only make it look festive but also add a fun crunch!
Baking Time
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Cooling Process
Once baked, let your dish cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling is essential because it allows the cake to set and makes it easier to cut. Plus, it’s hard to resist sneaking a piece while it’s still warm!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this festive treat! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided some typical values below, it’s not an exact science. Always a good idea to check your labels if you’re counting anything specific!
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy this delicious dessert, and remember, moderation is key—especially during the holiday season!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it might give the cake a denser texture. You could also try a mix of both for a lighter result!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your festive treat fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! This cake can be made a day ahead of time. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist. It’ll be perfect for your holiday gatherings!
What if I don’t have red and green sprinkles?
No worries at all! You can use any festive sprinkles you have on hand, or even powdered sugar for a simple finish. Chocolate chips or nuts could also add a delicious twist!
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Definitely! You can mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, or even add some cocoa powder for a chocolatey version. The holidays are all about creativity, so feel free to experiment!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festively decorated with red and green sprinkles, it’s a showstopper on any Christmas table.
- The flavor is light and sweet, making it a delightful treat for holiday gatherings.
- It’s versatile—feel free to add your own twist with spices or different types of sprinkles!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored easily, so you can enjoy them for days to come.
- This dessert brings back fond memories of holiday traditions and makes new ones too!
Tips for Success
To make sure your festive cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter. Let your eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before starting, and your butter should be soft but not melted.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the 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 the toothpick test to ensure your cake is done. Insert a toothpick in the center, and it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Cooling is Key: Letting your cake cool completely before slicing is crucial for clean cuts and preventing it from crumbling. Patience is a virtue, especially when it smells this good!
- Store Properly: To keep your cake fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you’re keeping it longer, you can freeze individual pieces for a quick treat later on!
- Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of cocoa powder can elevate the flavor. Just remember to adjust the sugar if you’re adding something sweet!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Themed Food: 7 Joyful Treats to Delight You
- 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 dish perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red and green sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle red and green sprinkles on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas themed food