Ah, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so special about sharing *christmas food recipes* with family and friends during those cozy gatherings. I still remember the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the sweet aroma of baked goods and laughter echoing around the table. We’d all gather, each person bringing their favorite dish, and the whole house felt alive with festive cheer. This delightful recipe I’m sharing is a staple from those joyful times, perfect for any holiday celebration. It’s packed with flavors and memories, making it a great addition to your own festive spread. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
For this festive treat, you’ll need the following ingredients to create a deliciously moist and flavor-packed dessert:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (your choice, but walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
- 1 cup dried fruit (think raisins, cranberries, or a mix for extra flavor!)
Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even toast the nuts for an added depth of flavor. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s bring that festive magic to life! Here’s how to whip up this delightful treat step-by-step:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our dessert bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—don’t rush it! It’s the secret to a tender texture.
- Once that’s done, add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is beautifully combined and smooth.
- Now, in another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help distribute the baking powder evenly, giving your cake that perfect rise.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—if you see a few floury spots, that’s perfectly okay!
- Next, stir in the milk, chopped nuts, and dried fruit. Feel free to get creative here with your favorite combos!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ah, that smell will really make your kitchen feel festive!
- Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
And there you have it! A scrumptious treat that’s bound to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. Enjoy every slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously moist and packed with festive flavors from nuts and dried fruit.
- Great for sharing at gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix of fruits and nuts.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Trust me, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!
Tips for Success
To make sure your festive cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature; this helps everything mix together smoothly. If you want to enhance the flavors even more, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for that cozy holiday vibe. Also, don’t skip the cooling step—allowing the cake to cool completely helps it set and makes slicing easier. Lastly, feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to find your perfect combination. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful holiday treat. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
This recipe is a fantastic balance of flavors and nutrients, making it a festive addition to your holiday menu! Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common ones I hear about these delightful *christmas food recipes*:
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Absolutely! While dried fruit adds a nice chewiness and sweetness, fresh fruit can work too. Just be mindful of the moisture content—if you’re using very juicy fruits, you might need to reduce the milk slightly to keep the batter from getting too wet.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results, as it helps mimic the texture of regular flour!
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
Oh no, that can happen sometimes! It usually means the cake was underbaked or overmixed. Make sure to test for doneness with a toothpick and mix just until combined for a fluffy texture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can! Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil, and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy it plain, or jazz it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra festive touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing to avoid extra moisture. If you decide to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months—perfect for those last-minute holiday cravings!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. You can serve it cold, or for a cozy treat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through. Enjoy that festive flavor again!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun ways to customize this recipe! Try swapping out the dried fruit for some zesty candied orange peel or chopped apples for a fresh twist. You could also use different nuts—how about swapping walnuts for crunchy almonds or hazelnuts? For an extra festive touch, add some chocolate chips or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting on top once it’s cooled. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting to find your perfect holiday flavor combination!
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Christmas Food Recipes to Evoke Holiday Joy and Flavor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas food recipes for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in milk, nuts, and dried fruit.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas food recipes
