Ah, Christmas! It’s that wonderful time of year when the air is filled with laughter, love, and the sweet aroma of festive treats. I can’t tell you how much I cherish whipping up a delicious dessert for Christmas that brings everyone together. This chocolate cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! Picture this: you’re gathered around the table, the soft glow of twinkling lights reflecting off the icing, and everyone is eagerly waiting for that first slice. Trust me, this cake is rich, moist, and oh-so-decadent, making it the perfect ending to your holiday feast. I love how it brings warmth and joy, creating memories that last long after the last crumb is gone. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this festive delight!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (make sure it’s well-mixed)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for best mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, your choice!)
How to Prepare a Dessert for Christmas
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven working! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises just right. While it’s heating up, you’ll have about 15 minutes to gather the rest of your ingredients and get everything ready—perfect timing!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk them together to really aerate the mixture and ensure no lumps. You want everything to be evenly distributed so each slice of your dessert for Christmas is packed with that rich chocolate flavor!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, add your buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until they’re smooth and well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen! Gradually pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients, and mix just until everything is incorporated. Don’t overdo it—just a gentle stir will do!
Incorporate Boiling Water
Here’s the fun part: slowly stir in the boiling water. Be careful—it’s hot! This step creates a lovely, smooth batter that’s going to keep your cake super moist. Make sure you mix it well until you have a silky consistency. It might look a bit runny, but trust me, that’s exactly how it should be!
Add Chocolate Chips
Now, fold in those chocolate chips. This is where you can really personalize your cake! Whether you choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate, it adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Gently mix them in so they’re evenly distributed but don’t overmix. You want those chips to be scattered throughout the batter, just waiting to melt slightly as they bake.
Bake the Cake
Pour your luscious batter into a greased cake pan. I usually use a 9×13 inch pan for easy serving, but you can use whatever suits your fancy. Bake it for about 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden!
Cooling and Serving
Once your cake is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This is crucial; if you cut it too soon, it might crumble! After it cools completely, it’s time to slice and serve. I love serving mine with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra festive touch. Enjoy the cheers around the table as everyone dives in!
Why You’ll Love This Dessert for Christmas
This chocolate cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s a holiday masterpiece that will have everyone raving! Here’s why you’ll adore making this cake for your Christmas celebrations:
- **Quick Preparation**: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities.
- **Delicious Flavor**: The rich chocolate flavor, combined with the moist texture, makes every bite irresistible.
- **Festive Appeal**: Its beautiful presentation and decadent taste make it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- **Family-Friendly**: Perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves chocolate!
- **Easy to Customize**: Add your favorite toppings like whipped cream, ice cream, or seasonal fruits to make it your own.
Trust me, this dessert will be the highlight of your holiday feast!
Tips for Success
To make sure your dessert for Christmas turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, always measure your ingredients accurately—too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Make sure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature; this helps everything blend smoothly and contributes to a lighter texture. When adding the boiling water, do it slowly to prevent splattering—safety first! Lastly, let your cake cool completely before frosting or serving; this helps flavors develop and makes for cleaner slices. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a show-stopping cake that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
As with all recipes, the nutritional values for this dessert for Christmas can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can change based on any variations you make to the recipe!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this dessert for Christmas? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some FAQs that might help you out:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld!
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! If you’re out of buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Definitely! While this chocolate cake is a star on its own, you can add a touch of peppermint extract or orange zest for a festive twist. Just a hint will elevate that holiday spirit!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes! Feel free to use a round cake pan or even bake them in cupcake liners for individual servings. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. Happy baking!
Print
Dessert for Christmas: 5 Irresistible Moments to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Slowly stir in boiling water until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased cake 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: dessert for christmas
