Oh, the joy of the holiday season! There’s just something magical about gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious treats that warms the heart. I absolutely adore preparing festive meals, and trust me, these *christmas recipes easy* are a game changer! They bring the joy of the season to life without all the fuss. I still remember the first time I made this simple dessert for a family gathering. The aroma filled the house, and when I pulled it out of the oven, it was like a warm hug for everyone. It’s those little moments, filled with sweet flavors and happy faces, that make the holidays truly special. So, let’s dive into this easy recipe that will surely become a new tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful treat that’s perfect for your holiday celebrations:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
These are the essentials that will create a deliciously sweet and festive dessert. Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to whip this up with just a handful of pantry staples!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s jump right into the preparation! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress your guests in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your cake rise beautifully and gives it that perfect texture. So, don’t skip this part!
Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your granulated sugar and softened unsalted butter until it’s light and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer for this—it’s quick and gives you that nice creamy consistency. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, which helps your dessert rise and become wonderfully soft!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in those two large eggs and pour in the pure vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure you blend it well—you want the eggs and vanilla evenly distributed throughout the batter for that delightful flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Gradually Add Flour
Now, it’s time to add the all-purpose flour. But here’s a little tip: add it gradually! This helps to avoid any lumps in your batter. Mix just until you see no more flour; overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and airy!
Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan
Once your batter is all mixed up, it’s time to pour it into a greased pan. I like to use a 9×13 inch baking dish, but you can choose your favorite. Just make sure to spread the batter evenly—it helps with an even bake. Oops! Don’t forget to grease the pan; nobody wants a stuck cake!
Step 6: Bake
Pop your cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as ovens can be a bit unpredictable. Once it’s out, let it cool for a bit before decorating or slicing—if you can wait that long!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each piece of this delightful dessert. Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and serving sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
This makes for a sweet treat that’s easy to enjoy during the festive season! Just remember, moderation is key to indulging in all the holiday goodies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those bustling holiday days!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Yields a lovely dessert that looks festive and tastes amazing with minimal effort.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends.
- Versatile enough to be dressed up with icing or served plain—your choice!
- Great for beginners or anyone looking for an easy recipe that delivers big flavor.
- It fills your home with delightful aromas that scream “holiday cheer!”
Tips for Success
To make sure your dessert turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few handy tips to share! These little tricks have saved me in the kitchen more times than I can count, and I know they’ll help you too.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Let your butter, eggs, and any other refrigerated items sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates that light, fluffy texture we all love!
- Measure your ingredients accurately: It might sound basic, but using the right measurements is key! Use a kitchen scale for the most accuracy, or make sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. This avoids packing it down and getting too much flour in your recipe.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re combining your batter, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want it to be soft and tender!
- Check for doneness: Remember to start checking your cake a minute or two before the suggested bake time. Ovens can vary, and you want to pull it out right before it’s fully set to avoid dryness.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Once your cake comes out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Get creative with toppings: If you decide to decorate, go wild! A simple icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can transform your cake into a festive masterpiece. Or, try adding some fresh berries or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch!
By following these tips, you’re setting yourself up for success in the kitchen. You’ll impress everyone with your baking skills—and trust me, they’ll be coming back for seconds!
Variations
Now, let’s talk about fun ways to shake things up with this recipe! The beauty of this dessert is its versatility, and I love experimenting with different flavors and add-ins. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, gooey twist that chocolate lovers will adore!
- Nutty Goodness: Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. The nuts bring a lovely texture that complements the soft cake beautifully.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor that’s perfect for the holidays. It adds a nice citrusy note that balances the sweetness!
- Spiced Up: Sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. This is especially lovely if you’re aiming for that traditional holiday taste!
- Vanilla Bean: Use the seeds from a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract for a more intense flavor. It adds a gourmet touch that’ll have your guests raving!
- Fruit Fusion: Fold in some fresh or dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for bursts of flavor that add a festive touch and a bit of chewiness.
- Caramel Swirl: Drizzle some caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a decadent surprise. It’ll create a lovely caramel ribbon throughout your cake!
Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. The possibilities are endless, and every time you make this dessert, it can be a little different—and just as delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed this delightful dessert, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for those sweet cravings later on! Here’s how to store any leftovers and keep them tasting just as good as the first day.
To store your cake, simply place it in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to lock in moisture and keeps it from drying out. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days, but if you want to keep it longer, I recommend popping it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.
Now, if you find yourself needing to reheat a slice (or two—no judgment here!), the best method is to use the microwave. Just pop it in for about 10-15 seconds. You want it warmed through but not too hot that it loses its lovely texture. If you prefer a little bit of a crust, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll keep that soft inside while getting a nice warmth all around.
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your holiday treats throughout the week, making every day feel a little more festive!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have this delightful dessert ready to impress, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum festive cheer! There are so many fun ways to elevate your presentation and make this treat even more special. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving adds a touch of elegance and gives it that snowy holiday look!
- Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can take your dessert to the next level. It adds a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
- Ice Cream Delight: For a truly indulgent experience, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The melty ice cream against the warm cake is pure bliss!
- Berry Compote: A homemade berry compote or sauce (think raspberries or blueberries) drizzled over the top can add a fruity punch and a splash of color that looks beautiful on the plate.
- Hot Cocoa or Coffee: Don’t forget about the drinks! A warm cup of hot cocoa or a cozy coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert, making for a comforting combo perfect for chilly evenings.
- Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add some fresh berries or citrus slices on the plate or on top for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Chocolate Ganache: For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache over the cake can add richness and decadence that’s hard to resist.
- Festive Sprinkles: If you’re feeling extra festive, top your dessert with holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter to bring a little sparkle to your table!
With these serving suggestions, you can create a delightful presentation that will wow your guests and make any gathering feel extra special. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds!
Print
christmas recipes easy: 5 Simple Delights That Wow
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Christmas recipes for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together sugar and butter.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- Gradually add flour.
- Pour batter into greased pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing.
- Great for holiday parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas recipes easy
