Oh, the magic of the holidays! There’s something so special about gathering in the kitchen, the aroma of baked goods wafting through the air, and the laughter of loved ones filling the room. When it comes to Christmas, I’m all about *easy Christmas food* that brings everyone together without breaking a sweat. Trust me, you don’t need to spend hours slaving away to create something delicious! One of my fondest memories is baking simple treats with my family, where we’d mix, taste, and share stories. This recipe is one of those gems—quick, delightful, and perfect for any gathering. So, let’s dive in and make some holiday magic happen!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results—trust me, it makes a difference! Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavors and texture, so don’t skimp on that butter or vanilla. And always remember, a little love in the kitchen goes a long way!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cake will bake evenly and rise beautifully. So don’t skip this step—set that oven to work while you gather your ingredients!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This step is crucial because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour, which means your cake will rise perfectly. Just whisk it together until it’s well combined—easy peasy!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part; it makes it so much easier! Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—around 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake that wonderful light texture.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well blended. Then, gradually add in your dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Finally, pour in the 1 cup of whole milk and mix until everything is smooth and creamy! Be careful not to overmix; we want that lovely, tender crumb!
Baking the Mixture
Pour your batter into a greased baking pan—make sure it’s nice and even. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Now, here’s the secret: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready! Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Deliciously simple flavors that everyone will adore.
- Perfect for gatherings, bringing family and friends together.
- Customizable—add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts!
- Great for beginners—easy steps that anyone can follow.
- Leftovers are just as good the next day (if there are any!).
- It’s a versatile dessert that fits perfectly with any holiday spread.
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy Christmas food turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by!
- Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients. For instance, using real vanilla extract instead of imitation makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we want that tender crumb! Just mix until everything is combined—no need to get too vigorous!
- Oven Thermometer: If you have one, use an oven thermometer to check your oven’s accuracy. Ovens can vary, and you want to make sure you’re baking at the right temperature for the best results.
- Cooling Time: Give your cake adequate time to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This will help prevent it from breaking apart and ensure it maintains its shape.
- Check for Doneness: Remember to perform the toothpick test! If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go. If it has wet batter, give it a few more minutes.
These little tips make a world of difference, transforming a simple recipe into something extraordinary. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After all that delicious baking, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To keep your cake fresh and tasty, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last a bit longer, you can pop it in the fridge for up to a week—just make sure it’s really sealed tight to prevent it from drying out.
Now, if you find yourself with some leftover slices that are just begging to be enjoyed again, reheating is super simple! Just grab a microwave-safe plate, place a slice on it, and warm it up for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll want it just enough to take the chill off without making it too hot. If you prefer it warm from the oven, you can wrap it in foil and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Either way, it’s going to taste just as good as the first time around—trust me!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, which is about one slice of this delicious cake. Keep in mind that these figures are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This cake is a delightful treat that fits right into your holiday festivities while still being mindful of those numbers. Enjoy every slice, knowing it brings a little sweetness to your celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the flour for a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best results. Your cake will still turn out delicious and fluffy!
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to jazz things up a bit, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You could also fold in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for added texture and flavor—yum!
How long can I store the leftovers?
Your cake will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. Just make sure it’s sealed well to keep it moist and tasty!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can bake it a day or two in advance, just store it properly as mentioned above. It’s a great way to save some time during the busy holiday rush!
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk as substitutes. Just make sure your baking powder is dairy-free as well. It’ll still be delightful, trust me!
easy christmas food: 7 Simple Delights to Brighten Your Holiday
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious recipes for Christmas meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to butter mixture.
- Combine both mixtures and add milk.
- Pour into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: easy christmas food, holiday recipes, simple desserts
