Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year filled with laughter, joy, and the sweet aroma of delicious treats wafting through the air. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering with family or throwing a festive bash with friends, having the right *christmas desserts for a crowd* can make all the difference. Trust me, nothing brings people together quite like a rich, chocolatey dessert that everyone can enjoy. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those joyful evenings where you want to indulge in something delightful without spending all day in the kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s make this holiday season a little sweeter together!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a dessert that’s sure to impress. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful chocolate treat:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for lightness
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to add that perfect sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, because we want all that chocolate flavor
- 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 4 large eggs, which will give our dessert that rich texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, to enhance the overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, for that lovely rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, to balance out the sweetness
- 1 cup chocolate chips, because you can never have too much chocolate!
- 1 cup chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch
With these ingredients at the ready, you’ll be well on your way to creating a festive dessert that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this scrumptious dessert! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the results are worth it. Ready? Let’s go!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little step is crucial for ensuring our dessert bakes evenly and perfectly!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and keeps everything light and fluffy.
- Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You really want to whip some air into this mixture—it makes all the difference!
- Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Take your time with this; it’s important for creating that rich, velvety texture. Don’t forget to add in the vanilla extract with the last egg!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep it tender!
- Now, fold in those glorious chocolate chips and chopped nuts. This is where the magic happens—so much yum!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. It should look like a chocolatey dream!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Trust me, the smell will be heavenly!
- Finally, let it cool in the pan for a bit before cutting it into squares. This helps set the texture, making it easier to serve!
And there you have it! A delightful chocolate treat ready to be enjoyed at your holiday gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate dessert is not just any treat; it’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together and leaves them asking for seconds! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making this for your holiday gatherings:
- Perfect for large gatherings: With 24 generous servings, it’s ideal for feeding a crowd without the stress.
- Easy to prepare: The steps are straightforward, making it a breeze even for novice bakers!
- Deliciously rich: Chocolate lovers will rejoice with every bite—it’s decadence at its finest!
- Can be made ahead of time: Bake it a day in advance for the flavors to deepen, making your holiday prep even easier.
- Versatile: Serve it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream—either way, it’s a hit!
Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a holiday favorite that you’ll want to make year after year!
Tips for Success
To ensure your chocolate dessert turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps it cream with the sugar beautifully. If you want extra fudginess, consider adding a bit more chocolate chips or even a swirl of chocolate ganache on top after it cools. Ooh, that’s a game changer!
Don’t forget to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer; sometimes they can run hot or cold, and we want that perfect bake. And when it comes to cutting, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful treat that your guests will rave about!
Variations
One of the best things about this chocolate dessert is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting for every gathering. For a fruity twist, try adding dried cherries or cranberries—trust me, the tartness pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate. If you’re a nut lover, experiment with different kinds like pecans or hazelnuts instead of the usual walnuts. You could even toss in a handful of toffee bits for an extra crunch!
Feeling adventurous? Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving for a decadent touch or sprinkle with sea salt for that sweet-and-salty combo that everyone loves. And don’t forget, you can change up the toppings too! A scoop of peppermint ice cream or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes can make this dessert feel like a holiday celebration in every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This chocolate dessert is not only delicious but also has some nutritional information to keep in mind. Each serving, which is one square, contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoying this dessert in moderation is key, especially during the festive season where indulgence is part of the fun!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about this delicious chocolate dessert, so let’s dive right in! One common question I get is, “Can I substitute the butter?” Absolutely! You can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but just remember that it might slightly change the texture.
Another frequent inquiry is about storage. “How should I store leftovers?” Great question! You can keep the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
And what if you want to make these ahead of time? You can definitely bake them a day in advance! Just wrap them tightly to maintain their freshness. Lastly, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. It works surprisingly well!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further tips on making this dessert a hit at your holiday gathering!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed this delightful chocolate dessert, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping them fresh and tasty. To store, simply place the squares in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for up to three days, but if you want them to last longer, pop them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
If you find yourself wanting to enjoy them warm again, no problem at all! Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the squares on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave—just heat them in short increments, about 15 seconds at a time, until they’re warm but not too hot. Trust me, warm chocolate is a whole new level of deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your chocolate dessert experience, consider serving it with a few delightful accompaniments! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic choice that adds a creamy, cool contrast to the rich chocolate flavor. You could also whip up some homemade whipped cream for a light and fluffy topping that complements the decadent squares perfectly.
If you want to add a festive touch, try garnishing each serving with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries; their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully. For a little extra flair, drizzle some warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. Trust me, it takes things to a whole new level of indulgence! And don’t forget to serve with a warm beverage, like hot cocoa or spiced cider, to keep the holiday spirit alive. Enjoy the cozy vibes with every bite!
Print
Christmas Desserts for a Crowd: 24 Indulgent Faves
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious desserts perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: christmas desserts for a crowd
