Ah, Christmas! The twinkling lights, the laughter, and the warmth of gathering with loved ones. There’s something magical about sharing *christmas foods for party* that brings everyone together. I still remember last Christmas, when my family transformed our living room into a cozy wonderland. We had a spread of delicious treats, but the star of the show was this delightful recipe I’m about to share. It was a blend of rich butter, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts that made every bite a celebration. Everyone couldn’t get enough, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! This recipe encapsulates the spirit of the season, making it perfect for any festive gathering. Trust me, you’ll want this on your holiday table!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your festive treat shine:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This will be the base of your delicious dessert.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness is key, so don’t skimp!
- 1 cup butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 3 eggs: These will help bind everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of flavor that makes all the difference!
- 1 tsp baking powder: This will give your dessert the lift it needs.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped nuts: Choose your favorites for that lovely crunch!
- 1 cup dried fruits: Adds sweetness and a festive touch!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). It’s like setting the stage for your delicious creation! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together your softened butter and sugar. I like to use an electric mixer for this part, beating it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it adds air, making your dessert nice and tender!
Mixing Ingredients
Now, it’s time to incorporate the eggs! Add them one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Trust me, this makes all the difference in texture. Then, stir in that delightful splash of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to your buttery mixture, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as that could lead to a dense dessert. A few lumps are perfectly okay!
Adding Nuts and Dried Fruits
Next up, it’s time to fold in those crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits! Gently lift and turn the batter with a spatula until they’re evenly distributed. This is the fun part! If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to swap out the nuts for chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Yum!
Baking Instructions
Now, pour that beautiful batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly! Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. Patience is key here, but I promise it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a holiday hero for so many reasons! It’s not just delicious; it’s also super easy to make, which means more time to enjoy with friends and family. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick prep time, so you can whip it up in a flash.
- Perfect for festive gatherings, bringing everyone together.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts and fruits.
- Deliciously moist and bursting with flavor.
- Looks impressive on any holiday spread!
Tips for Success
To ensure your festive treat turns out perfectly, here are some pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar to match your sweetness preference; if you like it less sweet, cut back a bit. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for a week. And if you want to prep ahead, you can make the batter a day in advance—just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Trust me, these little adjustments make a world of difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to change up this recipe! Try swapping the chopped nuts for walnuts or pecans for a different crunch. You can also mix in some chocolate chips or even a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. For the dried fruits, consider using cranberries or apricots instead of the usual mix. And don’t forget, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, festive flavor that’s simply divine!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this festive treat, so you can indulge with a bit of knowledge! Each piece contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these festive treats? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready!
What if I don’t have certain nuts or dried fruits?
No problem at all! Feel free to substitute with your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Chocolate chips make a fantastic alternative too!
How do I know when it’s done baking?
Keep an eye on it! When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Christmas Foods for Party: 7 Delicious Treats to Share
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive collection of delicious foods for your Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in nuts and dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute nuts with chocolate chips.
- Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas foods for party, holiday desserts, festive baking
