Oh, the joy of Christmas desserts! There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing sweet treats that warm the heart and create lasting memories. This festive dessert for Christmas is not only easy to make, but it also brings a delightful burst of holiday cheer to any gathering. I remember the countless times my family would bake together, filling the kitchen with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking goodies. Trust me, this recipe is a simple yet flavorful addition to your holiday spread, perfect for making with loved ones. So, let’s dive in and create something special that everyone will adore!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this festive dessert for Christmas a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional, but I love walnuts or pecans!)
- 1 cup dried fruits (optional; feel free to mix it up with raisins, cranberries, or apricots!)
These ingredients come together to create a wonderful, moist dessert that’s sure to please everyone at your holiday gathering. Don’t worry if you can’t find dried fruits—this recipe is flexible, and you can swap in whatever nuts or fruits you have on hand!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on this delightful dessert for Christmas! It’s easier than you might think, so don’t worry—I’ll guide you through every step.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your dessert bakes evenly!
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir it up until it’s well combined, and set it aside for now.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s nice and smooth—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be creamy and fluffy!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and blend until everything is combined.
- Now, gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! We want a tender cake, not a tough one.
- Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth and shiny. Feel free to taste a little bit—yum!
- If you’re using nuts or dried fruits, fold them in gently now. They add such a lovely texture and flavor!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let it cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the aroma will fill your kitchen and draw everyone in!
And there you have it! A simple and delicious dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy every moment of making it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This festive dessert for Christmas is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up and still have time to enjoy the holiday festivities.
- Festive appeal: The combination of nuts and dried fruits brings a colorful touch that looks as delightful as it tastes!
- Delicious flavor: Each bite is packed with sweetness and warmth, making it the perfect treat to share with loved ones.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or use what you have on hand—think of it as a blank canvas for your creativity!
- Perfect for gatherings: This dessert serves 8, making it a fantastic choice for Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds (and maybe even the recipe!).
Tips for Success
To ensure your festive dessert for Christmas turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite pro tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more smoothly and creates a fluffier texture!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy!
- Substitutions galore: If you don’t have milk on hand, feel free to use almond milk or oat milk. And if you’re not a fan of nuts, you can easily skip them or swap in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
- Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool: Allow your dessert to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your guests this holiday season!
Variations
One of the best parts of this festive dessert for Christmas is how easy it is to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to get those creative juices flowing:
- Fruit Fiesta: Swap out the dried fruits for your favorites! Try using chopped figs, dates, or even candied citrus for a zesty twist.
- Nutty Delight: Experiment with different nuts—almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a lovely crunch and flavor!
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy spice that screams holiday cheer.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Frosting Fun: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top after it cools for an elegant finish—perfect for impressing your guests!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and let your holiday spirit shine through in every bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delightful dessert for Christmas, the possibilities are endless! I love to pair it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect creamy contrast. It adds a wonderful richness that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
If you want to elevate your presentation, sprinkle some extra chopped nuts or dried fruits on top for a festive touch. And let’s not forget about drinks! A warm cup of spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate can really complement the flavors of your dessert. For something more refreshing, a sparkling cranberry punch is a festive choice that adds a pop of color and flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will surely impress your guests and make your dessert the star of the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your festive dessert for Christmas properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once your dessert has cooled completely, slice it into pieces and place them in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out and keep those lovely flavors intact. You can store it at room temperature for about 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), you can also freeze individual slices. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of holiday cheer anytime you want!
When it’s time to indulge again, simply thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, as we want to keep that delightful texture. Enjoy your festive dessert and the memories it brings!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional information for this festive dessert for Christmas can help you enjoy it even more! Here’s a general estimate for one serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose to use. If you make any substitutions, like using different types of milk or adding extra nuts, the nutritional content may change. But no matter the numbers, the joy this dessert brings to your holiday season is priceless!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often get about this festive dessert for Christmas, along with my best answers:
- Can I use different fruits or nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorites—dried cherries, apricots, or even chocolate chips work wonderfully!
- How should I store leftovers? After the dessert cools, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for about a week. If you have more, freeze individual slices!
- What if I don’t have baking powder? You can make a substitute by using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every teaspoon of baking powder needed.
- How do I know when it’s done baking? Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready! Just ensure it doesn’t overbake to keep it moist.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.
These tips should help you feel confident as you whip up this delightful dessert and enjoy it during your holiday celebrations!
Print
Dessert for Christmas: 7 Ways to Bring Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup dried fruits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in milk until the batter is smooth.
- Add nuts and dried fruits if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- For added flavor, use almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: dessert for christmas
