Christmas and New Year Cake: 7 Festive Twists to Try

Name: Christmas and New Year Cake: 7 Festive Twists to Try
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter; 4 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup mixed dried fruits; 1/2 cup nuts

November 19, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with warmth, joy, and of course, the delightful aroma of baking. This *Christmas and New Year cake* is not just any cake—it’s a celebration in itself! With its rich flavors of butter, sugar, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts, it embodies the spirit of togetherness. Trust me, there’s something incredibly special about sharing a slice of this cake with family and friends while sipping on hot cocoa or tea. It’s versatile too! Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake will make every moment feel like a celebration. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a cherished holiday tradition!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mixed dried fruits, chopped if large
1/2 cup nuts, roughly chopped

How to Prepare the Christmas and New Year Cake

Prepping the Oven and Cake Pan

First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly and rise beautifully. While that’s warming up, grab your favorite cake pan and grease it generously with unsalted butter. Then, sprinkle a bit of flour over it and tap out the excess. This little trick will help your cake slide out effortlessly once it’s baked. Trust me, you don’t want a cake disaster on your hands!

Mixing the Batter

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making the batter! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer, or a bit longer if you’re doing it by hand—feel free to channel your inner chef! Once that’s done, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Oh, and don’t forget to stir in that lovely vanilla extract! It adds a magical flavor. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the buttery goodness, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!

Adding Fruits and Nuts

Now it’s time to bring in the festive flair! Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts into the batter. I like to use a spatula for this part; it helps keep the mixture light and airy. Make sure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the magic happens, as those sweet bites will add a delightful texture and flavor to every slice. Once everything is combined, you’re ready to pour the batter into your prepared cake pan!

Baking the Cake

Pour that luscious batter into the pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is such an exciting moment! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, as you want to allow those flavors to settle in. Once cooled, feel free to decorate it with icing or fresh fruits if you like. Enjoy every bite of this festive delight!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to indulging in this delightful *Christmas and New Year cake*, here’s what you can expect per slice (about 1/12 of the cake). Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fiber: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg

This cake is rich and satisfying, perfect for sharing during the festive season. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation—though I won’t judge if you sneak a second slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Flavors: This cake bursts with rich, buttery goodness and the delightful sweetness of dried fruits and nuts, making it a true holiday treat!
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip this up with confidence.
Perfect for Gatherings: Slice it up and serve it at parties, or enjoy a cozy slice by the fire—it’s versatile for any occasion!
Customizable: Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite spices or decorations, making each cake uniquely yours.
Great for Sharing: There’s something special about sharing this cake with loved ones during the holidays—it brings everyone together!
Delicious Leftovers: This cake stays moist and flavorful for days, making it a wonderful treat to enjoy long after the celebrations have ended.

Tips for Success

Getting that *Christmas and New Year cake* just right is all about a few key steps, and I’m here to share my best tips to ensure your baking adventure is a success!

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want that tender crumb!
Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Scoop it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the perfect amount. Too much flour can make the cake dense.
Check for Doneness: Besides the toothpick test, look for a slight golden-brown color on the top and sides. If it springs back when gently pressed, you’re good to go!
Let it Cool: After baking, let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents breakage.
Flavor Boost: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter, especially around the holidays!
Storage Tips: If you’re not serving the cake immediately, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your decorations! A simple glaze, some powdered sugar, or fresh fruits can elevate your cake to a whole new level.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking a beautiful and delicious *Christmas and New Year cake* that will impress everyone at your festive gatherings!

Variations

One of the best things about this *Christmas and New Year cake* is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations that add a delightful twist:

Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, festive flavor that will make your kitchen smell incredible!
Fruit Fiesta: Swap out the mixed dried fruits for your favorites! Dried cranberries, apricots, or even cherries can bring a different flavor profile to the cake.
Nuts Galore: Experiment with different types of nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts can add a unique crunch and flavor to your cake.
Frosted Delight: Top your cake with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish. You can also add a splash of vanilla or almond extract for an extra flavor boost!
Chocolate Twist: For a richer treat, fold in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder into the batter—who can resist chocolate during the holidays?
Citrus Zing: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to those with dietary restrictions while still enjoying a festive cake.

Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! Each variation makes the cake uniquely yours, ensuring it will be a memorable centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After all the deliciousness of your *Christmas and New Year cake*, you might be wondering how to keep those leftovers fresh for as long as possible. Here’s my go-to method for storing and reheating this delightful treat!

First off, to store your cake, let it cool completely if you haven’t already. Once it’s cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to lock in moisture and keep it from drying out. If you have a large cake, you can also place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days—perfect for those late-night snacks!

If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze your cake. Just slice it up first for easy access! Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can grab a slice whenever the craving hits! It should keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat if you love it cold, but if you prefer it warm, just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Yum!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a piece of festive joy ready to enjoy whenever you need a little holiday cheer!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
While fresh fruit can be used, I recommend sticking with dried fruits for this *Christmas and New Year cake*. Dried fruits add a wonderful chewiness and concentrated sweetness that fresh fruits might not provide. If you do want to experiment, just make sure to adjust the moisture levels in the batter!

How long does the cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you need it to last longer, freezing it is a great option! Just make sure to wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *Christmas and New Year cake* actually tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. You can bake it up to a week in advance and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the fridge.

What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking to make this cake egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana. This will keep the moisture in the cake while giving it a bit of natural sweetness!

How can I make the cake more festive?
There are so many fun ways to add a festive touch! You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top, add a simple icing, or even decorate with seasonal fruits or nuts. For a little extra sparkle, try adding edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.