Ah, Christmas! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of pine, and my kitchen is bustling with holiday cheer. One of my absolute favorite traditions is baking a *cake for Christmas*. It brings everyone together, and the joy on my loved ones’ faces as they take that first bite is simply priceless. I can still remember the first time I made this cake; it was a little lopsided, but the flavors were so vibrant and festive that I couldn’t help but smile! With dried fruits and nuts nestled in a soft, buttery crumb, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in by the fire. Trust me, once you take a slice, you’ll want to make it a yearly tradition too!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, or cherries), chopped if large
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, but adds a nice crunch!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures your cake bakes evenly and turns out just right. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Prepare the Cake Pan
While the oven is warming up, grab your cake pan and grease it up! I like to use unsalted butter to coat the bottom and sides, then dust it lightly with flour. This little trick helps the cake release smoothly once it’s baked. No one wants a cake that sticks, right? It’s all about that perfect slice!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually use an electric mixer for this to save time, but you can totally do it by hand if you’re feeling strong! This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cake fluffy and delicious.
Incorporate Eggs
Next up, it’s egg time! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial because it allows the eggs to blend fully into the mixture, which helps with the cake’s structure. I always get a little excited when I see the mixture getting richer in color and texture!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add some liquid love! Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is combined. The vanilla is going to give your cake that warm, inviting aroma that will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cake rise beautifully. Just whisk it together until it’s well combined—easy peasy!
Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want that cake to stay light and fluffy!
Add Dried Fruits and Nuts
Finally, fold in those lovely dried fruits and optional chopped nuts. I love how they add little bursts of flavor and texture throughout the cake. Just be gentle when folding, so you don’t deflate all that air we worked so hard to incorporate!
Bake the Cake
Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared cake pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell in your kitchen will be heavenly!
Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key because it helps the cake set and makes slicing so much easier. I always get a little impatient at this point, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Great question! While you can absolutely experiment with fresh fruits, keep in mind that they’ll change the texture and moisture level of your cake. Fresh fruits can make the batter a bit too wet, which might result in a denser cake. If you do decide to go that route, just make sure to chop them up small and maybe reduce the milk a tad. But trust me, the dried fruits are perfect for that chewy sweetness that really elevates the festive flavor!
How should I store leftover cake?
To keep your cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the fridge for about a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with a nice cup of tea or coffee! The warm flavors complement the cake’s festive notes perfectly. You could also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a *festive cake* that brings the holiday spirit to your table!
- Simple and straightforward to make—perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers!
- Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in with loved ones.
- Deliciously rich flavors from the dried fruits and buttery cake that everyone will adore.
- It fills your home with the most wonderful aroma while baking—trust me, you’ll want to share this joy!
- Perfectly slices up for easy serving and sharing, making it a great addition to any dessert spread.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some pro tips to make sure your *cake for Christmas* turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I can’t wait to share with you!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that fluffy texture we all love!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and airy!
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you have an oven thermometer, use it to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. A cake baked at the wrong temperature can end up dry or undercooked.
- Cooling is Key: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents it from breaking apart!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your twist! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can amp up the festive flavors. Just remember to keep the balance so it complements the dried fruits!
- Serving Tip: If you want to dress it up for a special occasion, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing can make it look extra festive. It’s all about that presentation!
With these tips in your back pocket, I’m sure your cake will be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful *cake for Christmas*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Whether you’re enjoying it as a special treat or sharing it with friends and family, this cake is a delicious way to celebrate the season! Remember, enjoying in moderation is key to keeping those festive vibes going strong!
Leave Your Thoughts
I’d absolutely love to hear from you! If you try this *cake for Christmas*, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add your own twist? What did your friends and family think? I’m always excited to hear your stories and experiences in the kitchen!
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback not only warms my heart but also helps other home cooks find this festive delight. And hey, if you’re on social media, snap a picture of your beautiful cake and tag me! I can’t wait to see your creations and celebrate the joy of baking together!
Print
Cake for Christmas: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix 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.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or powdered sugar.
- Best served with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cake for christmas, festive cake, holiday dessert
