Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so heartwarming about gathering in the kitchen, the smell of spices filling the air, and the joy of baking with loved ones. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this time is my rich and moist Christmas pound cake. It’s the kind of cake that hugs you with its warmth and flavor, making it perfect for those festive gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. This cake, with its delightful blend of dried fruits and spices, is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! Trust me, once you slice into this beauty, you’ll be transported to a winter wonderland of flavor. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe and spread some holiday cheer!
Ingredients List
Gathering the ingredients for my Christmas pound cake is one of my favorite parts! It’s so satisfying to see everything come together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, which adds that lovely moisture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a warm, sweet flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder to help the cake rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, don’t skip this—it enhances the sweetness!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for that cozy holiday spice
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits, like raisins, cranberries, and apricots for bursts of flavor
Make sure all your ingredients are measured out and ready to go. It makes the baking process flow so much smoother. Now, let’s get ready to create something magical!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake rises perfectly and bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab your 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it generously with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This will help the cake slide out easily once it’s baked. Trust me, you don’t want to face the horror of a stuck cake!
Mixing the Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring some magic into your mixing bowl! In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick. This step is key for that rich texture we’re after. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll want to ensure they’re fully incorporated before moving on. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the sweet aroma fill your kitchen!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together to make sure they’re well blended. Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. I usually do this in three parts: start with the flour, then add some buttermilk, and repeat until everything is combined. Be gentle when mixing; we want to keep that lovely airiness!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, fold in the mixed dried fruits, giving it a lovely texture and sweetness. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake it in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. The anticipation will be worth it when you take that first slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and buttery flavor that melts in your mouth
- Moist texture thanks to the buttermilk and fruits
- Perfectly spiced with cinnamon for that cozy holiday feel
- Easy to make, even for beginner bakers
- Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift
- Delicious served plain or dressed up with icing or powdered sugar
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas pound cake turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some handy tips to share! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter and eggs; this helps everything blend smoothly and creates that rich texture we love. When creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it—aim for that light and fluffy consistency, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Also, be gentle when mixing in the dry ingredients and buttermilk; overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and no one wants that! Lastly, always check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off—every oven is a bit different. A toothpick should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are okay! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas pound cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutritional information for my Christmas pound cake, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, a typical slice will be a rich and satisfying treat, packed with flavors. If you have specific dietary needs or are counting calories, I recommend calculating based on your chosen ingredients. Enjoy this indulgence as part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to savor each delightful bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits in my Christmas pound cake?
While fresh fruits can add a lovely flavor, I recommend sticking with dried fruits for this recipe. They give a wonderful chewy texture and sweetness that really complements the cake. Plus, they won’t add extra moisture that could affect the cake’s structure.
How do I know when my Christmas pound cake is done baking?
The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures can vary.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Christmas pound cake tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just store it properly in an airtight container or freeze it as mentioned earlier, and it’ll be perfect for your holiday gatherings!
What can I serve alongside my Christmas pound cake?
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You might also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a delightful treat any way you serve it!
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of my Christmas pound cake is that it’s wonderfully versatile! I love serving it with a steaming cup of spiced chai or a rich cup of coffee—perfect for cozying up during the holidays. You could also pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For an extra festive touch, try adding a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Christmas Pound Cake That Will Warm Your Heart This Holiday
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist Christmas pound cake perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can be frozen for longer storage.
- Decorate with icing or powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: christmas pound cake
