There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking! The aroma of spices filling the kitchen, the warm glow of festive lights, and the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones—it’s a time that brings everyone together. My *Christmas and New Year cake* has become a beloved tradition in my house. I remember the first time I made it; I was trying to impress my family during our holiday gathering, and let me tell you, I nailed it! The combination of dried fruits and nuts creates such a delightful texture, and the fluffy, buttery cake is absolutely irresistible. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for celebration, embodying the spirit of joy and togetherness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a yearly tradition too!
Ingredients for Christmas and New Year Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed dried fruits (a mix of raisins, cranberries, and apricots works wonderfully)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch)
- 1/4 cup icing sugar for dusting
How to Prepare Christmas and New Year Cake
Alright, let’s get baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cake to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab your favorite cake pan and give it a good greasing with butter, then dust it lightly with flour. This helps ensure your cake comes out perfectly without sticking.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. You’ll want to mix this until it’s light and fluffy—trust me, this makes all the difference in texture! Once you’ve got that going, add your 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s like giving your cake a little love with each egg!
Next up, pour in 1 cup of whole milk and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Give it a gentle stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix—let’s keep that cake light and fluffy!
Finally, fold in 1 cup of packed dried fruits and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. These add such a wonderful texture and flavor! Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit before dusting it with 1/4 cup of icing sugar. And voilà, your Christmas and New Year cake is ready to shine at your holiday table!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas and New Year Cake
- Festive Flavors: The delightful combination of dried fruits and nuts brings a burst of holiday cheer in every bite. You can practically taste the joy of the season!
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a pro to impress your friends and family!
- Versatile Options: Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits and nuts. Want to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg? Go for it! This cake can easily adapt to your tastes.
- Perfect for Sharing: This cake is a crowd-pleaser! It makes a beautiful centerpiece at holiday gatherings and is sure to spark joy and conversation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually gets better after resting for a day, so you can bake it in advance and enjoy a stress-free holiday celebration!
Tips for Success with Your Christmas and New Year Cake
To make your *Christmas and New Year cake* truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming—it makes all the difference in texture. If you’re looking to switch things up, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor or use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for added richness.
Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a bit different! Start checking at the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking. And don’t forget about decoration—dusting with icing sugar is lovely, but you could also top it with a simple glaze or fresh fruits for a festive touch. Lastly, let your cake rest for at least a few hours (or even overnight) before slicing; it enhances the flavors beautifully!
Variations of Christmas and New Year Cake
If you want to mix things up with your *Christmas and New Year cake*, there are so many fun variations to explore! For a tropical twist, try adding dried mango and pineapple instead of the usual dried fruits—it’s like a sunshine-filled holiday on your plate! If you’re a fan of spices, a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavors and give your cake a warm, cozy aroma.
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the nuts for slivered almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch. You can also experiment with adding a splash of orange or lemon zest to brighten up the batter. And if you want to turn it into a chocolate delight, fold in some mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild and make this cake truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas and New Year cake* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out!
If you’ve frozen it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat, as this cake is delightful at room temperature. But if you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just to take the chill off. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information for a slice of my *Christmas and New Year cake*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is a delightful treat, perfect for the festive season while still being mindful of indulgence. Enjoy every delicious slice!
FAQ about Christmas and New Year Cake
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While dried fruits provide that chewy texture and concentrated flavor, you can use fresh fruits, but keep in mind they will add moisture. If you choose to go this route, consider reducing the amount of milk slightly to avoid a soggy cake.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can easily adapt my *Christmas and New Year cake* to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well!
What nuts work best in this recipe?
I love using walnuts or pecans for their lovely crunch and flavor, but you can definitely experiment! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a unique twist to your cake. Just chop them up and fold them in!
Can I frost the cake instead of dusting with icing sugar?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling fancy, a light cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream would be delightful. Just remember to let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid the frosting melting into the cake.
How long will this cake stay fresh?
Your *Christmas and New Year cake* will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for a couple of months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped!
Christmas and New Year Cake to Brighten Your Holidays
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with frosting or fruits.
- Best enjoyed after a day of resting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: christmas cake, new year cake, festive dessert
