Oh, the joy of the holiday season! There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the house, and that’s where my *Christmas party cake* comes in. This cake is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day, packed with festive flavors that just scream celebration. I remember my grandma carefully measuring ingredients while I eagerly watched, dreaming of the delicious cake that would soon grace our holiday table. The best part? It’s not just tasty; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together! So, whether you’re hosting a big gathering or a cozy family dinner, this cake will surely spread cheer and delight. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, room temperature
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (like raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, preheating is key for a perfectly fluffy cake! While that’s happening, grab your favorite cake pan and give it a good greasing with some butter. I like to use a little flour afterward, too—just sprinkle it in and shake it around to coat the pan evenly. This will help your cake slide right out when it’s done baking. Oops! Don’t forget to tap out any excess flour; we don’t want a floury mess on the outside of our gorgeous cake!
Mixing the Batter
Now, onto the fun part—mixing the batter! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, but it’s worth the wait! Next, add in the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix it all up until you have a nice, smooth mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently. You don’t want to overmix; just combine until you see no more flour streaks. Finally, it’s time to fold in those mixed dried fruits—this is where the magic happens! Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into your prepared cake pan. I like to give the pan a little shake to settle the batter evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: to check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it. When it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is super important to keep your cake from getting soggy, and it will make it easier to frost later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of the holiday season
- Simple and straightforward preparation—perfect for bakers of any skill level
- Deliciously moist and flavorful, thanks to the mixed dried fruits
- Impressive enough to be the centerpiece of your Christmas dessert table
- Great for making in advance, saving you time on party day
- Sure to please both kids and adults alike—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas party cake* truly shine, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake. When mixing, don’t rush—cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and airy for that perfect texture. Also, be gentle when folding in the dried fruits; you want them evenly distributed without deflating your batter. For a festive touch, consider dusting the cooled cake with powdered sugar or topping it with a simple icing and some sprinkles or edible glitter. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to keep an eye on the nutritional side of things, but remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For one slice of my delightful *Christmas party cake*, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 4g
So, while it’s a treat to indulge in this festive cake, just keep in mind the balance of joy and moderation! Enjoy every bite, and let the holiday spirit shine!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can use fresh fruits, but keep in mind that they might add extra moisture to the batter. If you choose to go this route, consider reducing the milk slightly to compensate. Dried fruits add a lovely texture and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cake, so it’s worth trying both ways!
How should I store the *Christmas party cake*?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to maintain its moisture. If you have any leftovers, you can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This *Christmas party cake* is perfect for making a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to store it properly so it stays moist and delicious for your holiday gathering.
What can I substitute for the butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. Just remember to melt the coconut oil first before mixing it in. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still yield a wonderfully moist cake!
Can I add spices for extra flavor?
Oh, for sure! Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to the batter for that extra festive touch. These spices will enhance the cake’s holiday vibe and make your *Christmas party cake* even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas party cake* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week; just make sure it’s well-wrapped to retain moisture. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat if you love it chilled, but if you prefer it warm, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *Christmas party cake*, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla or eggnog ice cream—trust me, the combination is heavenly! You can also add a side of freshly whipped cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to elevate each slice. And don’t forget about a simple fruit compote; the tartness really balances the sweetness of the cake. Enjoy the delightful flavors together during your holiday festivities!
Print
Christmas Party Cake: 7 Festive Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake perfect for your Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs, milk, vanilla, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in mixed dried fruits.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Decorate with icing and festive toppings.
- Store in a cool place.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: christmas party cake, holiday cake, festive dessert
