Ah, the magic of a *Christmas dessert table*! There’s something so heartwarming about gathering around a festive spread filled with sweet treats that evoke the spirit of the season. I still remember the first time I set up my own dessert table—it was a chaotic explosion of colors, flavors, and laughter! From velvety cakes to whimsical cookies, every dessert tells a story, and each slice or bite brings back memories of holiday gatherings with family and friends. This recipe is a delightful centerpiece, combining rich flavors and festive dried fruits that make it oh-so-perfect for holiday celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create a dessert table that will dazzle your loved ones and fill your home with the warmth and joy of Christmas!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
- 1 cup whipped cream for topping
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, so don’t skip it! A properly preheated oven helps your cake rise beautifully.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Trust me, this makes a world of difference in texture!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want to make sure they’re fully incorporated before moving on. This ensures a smooth batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract—this is where the magic starts to happen!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is a great way to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent.
- Now, it’s time to combine the dry and wet ingredients! Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. I like to start and end with the flour—this helps keep the batter nice and smooth.
- Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits. Oh, the colors and flavors! I can already smell the festive vibes.
- Pour the lovely batter into a greased baking pan. Give it a little shake to even it out.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes a dry cake!
- Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Don’t forget to top it with whipped cream just before serving, because who can resist that creamy goodness?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appeal: This cake is a showstopper on any *Christmas dessert table*, bursting with colors from the mixed dried fruits that scream holiday cheer!
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.
- Deliciously Moist: The combination of butter and milk ensures a moist, tender cake that melts in your mouth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip this up a day in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits or even add nuts for an extra crunch—make it your own!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *Christmas dessert table* shines bright with this cake! Here are some of my top tips for success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps everything blend together more smoothly, giving you that lovely, fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want light and airy!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Decorate Festively: When topping with whipped cream, get creative! You can add sprigs of mint, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even some festive sprinkles for that extra holiday flair.
- Serve Warm: If you can, serve the cake slightly warm. It enhances the flavors and makes the whipped cream melt just perfectly!
Variations
Let’s get a little creative with your *Christmas dessert table*! There are so many fun ways to switch things up and make this cake even more special:
- Fruit Mix Swap: Instead of the standard mixed dried fruits, try using candied ginger, chopped dates, or even tropical fruits like pineapple and mango for a unique twist!
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Chocolate Delight: Fold in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolatey version that will wow any chocolate lover.
- Creamy Toppings: Get playful with toppings! Instead of whipped cream, try a cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added decadence.
- Layer it Up: Make a layered cake by baking two batches and stacking them with your favorite frosting or filling in between. More layers mean more fun!
These variations not only add a personal touch but also keep the festive spirit alive, making your dessert table truly unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious cake left over from your *Christmas dessert table*? No problem! To keep it fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, just pop it in the fridge, where it will last about a week—although I doubt it’ll last that long with everyone enjoying it!
If you prefer your cake warm and that whipped cream perfectly melty, just slice a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it, though—nobody wants a hot cake explosion! And if you’re feeling a little fancy, serve it with a fresh dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon to bring that festive vibe back to life.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for each slice of this delightful cake, perfect for your *Christmas dessert table*. Keep in mind that actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also a delightful addition to your festive celebrations! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time for my Christmas dessert table?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It’ll actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
What can I use instead of mixed dried fruits?
If mixed dried fruits aren’t your thing, no worries! You can use any combination of your favorite dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or even nuts for a delightful twist. The important thing is to keep that festive spirit alive!
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Great question! The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze leftovers from my Christmas dessert table?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
What can I serve with this cake to enhance my dessert table?
Serving this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delicious touch! You might also consider a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of festive spices for that extra holiday flair.
Christmas Dessert Table: 7 Sweet Treats to Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert table perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- 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.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool and top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Serve with festive decorations.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas dessert table
