Christmas Party Dessert: 7 Delightful Flavors to Savor

Name: Christmas Party Dessert: 7 Delightful Flavors to Savor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped nuts; 1/2 cup dried cranberries

November 18, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Ah, Christmas time! It’s that magical season filled with laughter, love, and the sweet aroma of holiday treats wafting through the air. One of my absolute favorite parts of holiday gatherings is the dessert table, and this *Christmas party dessert* always steals the show! Picture this: a warm, delightful treat bursting with festive flavors like tart cranberries and crunchy nuts. It’s the kind of dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and savoring each bite. I’ve made this dessert for countless gatherings, and trust me, it never fails to impress. So whether you’re hosting a big family feast or an intimate gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to add that perfect touch of holiday cheer! Let’s dive into the details—you’re going to love it!

Ingredients for Your Christmas Party Dessert

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans!)
1/2 cup dried cranberries for that festive touch

Make sure to measure everything accurately for the best results! You’ll love how these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special for your holiday gatherings.

How to Prepare Your Christmas Party Dessert

Preheat the Oven

First things first—let’s get that oven going! Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial because it ensures that your dessert bakes evenly. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a delicious dessert that’s undercooked in the middle. So, while you’re prepping your ingredients, let your oven warm up!

Cream the Butter and Sugar

Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s cream together the softened butter and sugar. You want to beat these two together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this can take about 3-5 minutes. This step is super important because it creates air pockets, giving your dessert a lovely, light texture. Oops! Don’t rush this part; patience pays off!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, it’s time to add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to really incorporate them into the batter. This helps the mixture emulsify, making it smooth and creamy. Then stir in the milk and vanilla until everything is well combined. The smell of vanilla is just heavenly, isn’t it?

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, let’s mix the dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to whisk them together well to ensure an even distribution of the baking powder. This will help your dessert rise beautifully as it bakes!

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this could toughen your dessert. You want to keep that lovely light texture we worked so hard on earlier!

Add Nuts and Cranberries

Finally, fold in the chopped nuts and dried cranberries. I like to use a spatula for this so I can be gentle and keep everything evenly distributed. Those cranberries will add a pop of color and a tart sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the dessert!

Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and pop it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Once done, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is key—patience is a virtue, especially with desserts! After it cools, you’ll be ready to slice and serve this delightful treat at your Christmas gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Party Dessert

Quick preparation time—just 15 minutes and you’re on your way to a festive treat!
Festive flavors of tart cranberries and crunchy nuts that scream holiday spirit.
Perfectly moist and delicious texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Impressive enough to wow your guests, yet simple enough for even beginner bakers.
Versatile—great as a standalone dessert or served with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra special touch.
Can be made a day in advance, freeing you up to enjoy the holiday fun.
Absolutely delightful aroma fills your kitchen, creating that perfect holiday atmosphere.

Trust me, this dessert will become a beloved tradition at your holiday gatherings! Everyone will be asking for the recipe, and you’ll feel like a superstar in the kitchen!

Tips for Success

To make sure your *Christmas party dessert* turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips that I’ve picked up over the years:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together seamlessly, giving you a smoother batter.
Don’t Skip the Preheat: I can’t stress this enough—always preheat your oven! This ensures even baking and helps your dessert rise beautifully.
Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Scoop the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This prevents your dessert from becoming too dense!
Mix Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we want it to be light and fluffy!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and high-quality vanilla make a big difference in flavor. Check the expiration dates on your baking supplies for the best results!
Cool Properly: After baking, let your dessert cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents it from breaking apart.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Swap out the cranberries for dried cherries or add some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.

Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the spirit of the season. Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed this delightful *Christmas party dessert*, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can savor that festive flavor even after the party is over!

First, make sure to let the dessert cool completely before you store it. Once it’s cooled, you can slice it into pieces and place them in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and prevents it from drying out. I recommend using a container that’s not too big—just enough to hold those delicious slices snugly without squishing them!

If you’re planning to keep it for more than a couple of days, you can also wrap the individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in the container. This extra layer of protection helps preserve freshness. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or if you want to save it for a longer time, freeze it! Just make sure to label your container with the date so you remember when you made this festive treat.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply take out a piece and let it come to room temperature, or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up slightly. If you want to elevate it even more, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on top. Trust me, it’s like having a fresh dessert all over again!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the numbers! This delightful *Christmas party dessert* not only tastes amazing, but it also has a pretty reasonable nutritional profile, making it a great option for holiday indulgence. Here’s what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 4g

This dessert is not only a sweet treat but also brings a bit of balance with nuts and cranberries, adding some healthy fats and fiber to the mix. So go ahead, enjoy that slice (or two!) without guilt during your festive celebrations!

FAQ About This Christmas Party Dessert

Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or just prefer something different, you can swap the nuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They’ll still add a nice crunch!

What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your thing, feel free to use other dried fruits like raisins, chopped apricots, or even cherries. Each will give a unique flavor twist to your dessert!

How should I serve this dessert?
This *Christmas party dessert* is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes for a lovely presentation too!

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
You sure can! Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend looking for one that already has xanthan gum added to help with texture.

How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

What if I want to make this dessert in advance?
This dessert is perfect for making a day ahead! Just bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It’ll taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Oh, totally! Chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition. Just fold them in along with the nuts and cranberries for a decadent twist!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.