Oh, there’s just something magical about Christmas baking, isn’t there? The aroma of spices wafting through the house, the laughter of family as we gather around the kitchen—it’s pure joy! My favorite part of the season has to be making this *merry christmas cake*. It’s a delightful mix of buttery goodness, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts that just screams festive cheer. I remember one year, my cousin and I decided to bake this cake together, and we ended up covered in flour and icing, but the end result was a masterpiece! It became a family tradition, and now, every year, I whip up this cake to share at our holiday gatherings. Trust me, it’s not just a treat; it’s a slice of holiday spirit wrapped in a cake!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful *merry christmas cake*. Make sure you have these ingredients ready before you start mixing—it makes the process so much smoother!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (like raisins, apricots, or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work wonderfully)
- 1 cup icing for decoration
Feel free to get creative with the dried fruits and nuts—mix it up with your favorites! And don’t forget to have your butter softened; it really helps in getting that lovely, creamy texture when you cream it with the sugar. Happy baking!
How to Prepare the *Merry Christmas Cake*
Now, let’s dive into the steps for making this festive delight! Each stage is so rewarding, and before you know it, you’ll have a lovely cake ready to impress your family and friends.
Preheat and Cream
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this part—mix until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process is key to getting that airy texture in your cake, making every bite melt in your mouth!
Mixing the Batter
Next, it’s time to add your eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, which is what we want! After the eggs are all mixed in, stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. You want a thick but smooth batter; be careful not to overmix, or your cake might end up dense instead of fluffy!
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Don’t forget to let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential because it helps the flavors develop even more. Soon enough, you’ll be ready to decorate with icing and enjoy a slice of holiday happiness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *merry christmas cake* is not just any dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! Here are a few reasons why I absolutely adore this recipe:
- Festive Flavor: With its warm notes of vanilla and the delightful crunch of nuts and dried fruits, every bite is like a hug from the holiday spirit!
- Easy to Prepare: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together!
- Perfect for Gatherings: This cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday party. Everyone loves a slice of something homemade, and this beauty looks as good as it tastes.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the dried fruits and nuts to suit your taste or even add some seasonal spices for an extra flavor kick!
- Make-Ahead Option: It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle. Perfect for planning your holiday baking in advance!
Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll become a beloved holiday tradition in your home, just like it is in mine!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to bake your *merry christmas cake*, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect!
- Use Seasonal Spices: Don’t be shy about adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger! These spices can elevate the flavor profile of your cake, making it feel even more festive and cozy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake. It also helps the cake rise beautifully!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and prevents it from breaking apart. The waiting is tough, I know, but it’s worth it!
- Wrap It Up: If you can resist the temptation to dig in right away, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and let it sit for a day. This resting time allows the flavors to deepen, making every bite even more delicious!
- Experiment with Toppings: While icing is a classic finish, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra touch. It’s all about making it your own!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a *merry christmas cake* that’s not only beautiful but bursting with flavor—perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, I want to share a little note about the nutritional information. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline rather than an exact measurement.
For each slice of this delightful *merry christmas cake*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
So, enjoy this cake as part of your festive celebrations, and don’t worry too much about the numbers—it’s all about making sweet memories with loved ones!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making the *merry christmas cake* a day in advance. Allowing it to sit overnight lets all those lovely flavors meld together, making it even more delicious. Just wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can pop it in the fridge, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
What can I substitute for dried fruits?
If you’re not a fan of dried fruits or just want to mix things up, no worries! You can try using chocolate chips for a sweeter twist, or even fresh fruit like mashed bananas or applesauce, but keep in mind that using fresh fruits may alter the cake’s texture and moisture. Nuts are also a fantastic option—think about adding in some shredded coconut or even a bit of candied ginger for a unique flavor punch!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your *merry christmas cake* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite!
Print
Merry Christmas Cake: 5 Steps to Festive Perfection
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake to celebrate Christmas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried fruits
- 1/2 cup nuts
- 1 cup icing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine flour and baking powder, then add to the mixture.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let it cool completely.
- Decorate with icing.
Notes
- Use seasonal spices for extra flavor.
- Let the cake sit for a day for better taste.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: merry christmas cake
