Ah, the magic of holiday desserts! Every Christmas, my kitchen transforms into a sweet wonderland, and this *christmas dessert* is the star of the show. I remember the first time I made it—my family gathered around, the scent of chocolate wafting through the air. It was an instant hit, with everyone reaching for another piece. The joy on their faces as they indulged in that rich, fudgy goodness is a memory I cherish. Whether it’s Christmas Eve or a cozy family gathering, this dessert brings warmth and happiness to every celebration. Trust me, you’ll want this on your holiday table!
Ingredients for Christmas Dessert
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your dessert, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key! This will balance the rich cocoa and add that delightful sugary crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the chocolatey magic happens—don’t skimp on quality!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: It helps the dessert rise and gives it that fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1 cup milk: This adds moisture and richness, creating a soft and tender crumb.
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil: For that extra moisture and a bit of richness—don’t worry, it won’t taste oily!
- 2 large eggs: These are your binders, helping everything come together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth—can’t have a dessert without it!
- 1 cup chocolate chips: The pièce de résistance! Fold these in for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Prepare the Christmas Dessert
Preheat and Combine Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your dessert bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, so your dessert rises perfectly!
Mix Wet Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to whisk these together until they’re nice and smooth—this helps your final batter be creamy and luxurious. Trust me, you want to make sure there are no lumps in there!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Time to bring it all together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything until just combined—don’t overmix, or your dessert might turn out tough. Now, for the best part, fold in the chocolate chips! This is where you create those pockets of delicious melted chocolate in every slice.
Bake the Dessert
Pour the rich batter into a greased baking pan and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Ooh, the aroma will start to fill your kitchen—get ready!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, remove the dessert from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set up nicely. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to serve, I recommend adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—trust me, it’s heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Delightfully rich chocolate flavor that every chocolate lover will adore.
- Festive and inviting presentation that makes it a showstopper on your dessert table.
- Perfectly moist texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Great for sharing with family and friends during holiday gatherings.
- Easy to customize with toppings like whipped cream or festive sprinkles.
Tips for Success
To really nail this *christmas dessert*, here are some pro tips I swear by! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything combine beautifully. Don’t rush the mixing; gently folding in the chocolate chips ensures they distribute without melting too much. Also, keep an eye on your baking time—every oven is a bit different, so check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. And if you want to elevate it even further, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before serving for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Trust me, these little details make a big difference!
Variations of the Christmas Dessert
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this *christmas dessert*! For a minty twist, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients—perfect for those holiday vibes! You can also try mixing in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Want to introduce a fruity element? Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries along with the chocolate chips for a pop of color and flavor. And if you’re a fan of spiced desserts, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra warmth that screams holiday cheer!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delightful *christmas dessert* has about 250 calories, which isn’t too shabby when you’re indulging during the holidays. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a general guideline. Enjoy every bite, but as always, moderation is key—especially with such a rich dessert!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Christmas dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s perfect for making a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container after it cools, and it’ll still be delicious the next day.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips? If you’re looking for a change, try using white chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile!
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I freeze this dessert? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it’ll be good in the freezer for up to two months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.
What if I don’t have cocoa powder? You can substitute it with carob powder for a different but still tasty flavor, though it will change the taste a bit!
Print
Christmas Dessert: 5 Steps to Pure Festive Joy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and delightful Christmas dessert that brings joy to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with festive sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas dessert
