Ah, the magic of *Christmas cooking*! There’s something truly special about gathering around the kitchen with family and friends, the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the air. This dish is one of my go-to recipes during the holiday season because it brings everyone together, sparking joy and laughter. I remember the first time I made it; my little niece helped me mix the ingredients, her giggles filling the room as we made a delightful mess! Trust me, this festive dessert is perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, and it’ll have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into this festive treat that’s sure to spread cheer!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment you pop it in. You want that warm, cozy heat to wrap around your batter like a warm hug!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial! Make sure to mix it well so the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. I usually take a minute to really get in there with a whisk—it helps to aerate the flour, giving your cake that lovely light texture.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, in another bowl, it’s time to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want to see that beautiful pale color! Trust me, this step makes a huge difference in texture.
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and create a fluffy batter. Don’t forget to add in the vanilla extract too—oh, the smell is heavenly!
Combining Ingredients
Now we’ll alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter-sugar-egg mixture. Start with a third of the flour mixture, mix until just combined, add half of the milk, and repeat until everything is in the bowl. Be careful not to overmix—just until you see that smooth batter!
Baking the Mixture
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your guests will be wondering what’s baking!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the fun part—once it’s cooled down, you can decorate it with icing or colorful sprinkles to really make it festive! Get creative and enjoy sharing this delightful treat!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make some substitutions, I’ve got your back. You can replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil for a vegan option. For the eggs, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water—one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water equals one egg. Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken! You can also use almond milk instead of whole milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Get creative!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers? No problem! Just store any uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw in the fridge before enjoying—if you can wait that long!
What are some decoration ideas?
Decorating is where you can really let your creativity shine! Simple icing drizzles are always a hit, or you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Want to go all out? Add colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh berries for a festive touch. You can even make a fun whipped cream topping for extra indulgence. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 15 minutes to get everything mixed and ready for the oven!
- Festive flavor that perfectly captures the essence of holiday baking, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to make, even for those who are new to *Christmas cooking*—no complicated techniques here!
- Perfect for gatherings, as it yields 12 generous servings, ensuring everyone gets a slice of joy.
- Versatile decorating options to match your holiday theme or personal style, making it fun and creative!
Tips for Success
To ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips! First, always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer if you have one. Oven temperatures can vary, and you want to make sure you’re baking at the right heat for that golden perfection.
Next, when you’re checking for doneness, remember that every oven is different. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out! Don’t let it sit in the oven too long, or it might dry out.
Also, be careful not to overmix your batter. Once you see a smooth consistency, stop! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want that lovely light texture instead. Lastly, if you’re baking at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the baking time or add a bit more flour to ensure the right texture. Just keep an eye on it, and you’ll be golden!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This information is an estimate and not provided precisely. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional details per slice (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy this festive treat knowing you can indulge a little without the guilt! Just remember, if you tweak the recipe, it might change the nutritional data a bit, so keep that in mind as you whip up this delightful dish!
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear about your adventures in *Christmas cooking*! Did you try this recipe? What did you think? Maybe you added your own twist, or perhaps it brought back some cherished memories of holiday gatherings. Whatever it is, please share your thoughts in the comments below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps fellow home cooks who are eager to try this festive treat.
If you snapped a photo of your delicious creation, feel free to share that too! I can’t wait to see how your cake turned out and if you added any fun decorations. Remember, we’re all in this together, spreading holiday cheer one slice at a time. So, go ahead and leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share your favorite moments from your *Christmas cooking* experience!
Print
Christmas Cooking: 5 Joyful Treats to Share Today
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dish perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.
- Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or sprinkles.
- 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: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: christmas cooking
