Oh, there’s something truly magical about baking a *merry Christmas cake*! The scent of warm, buttery goodness mixed with sweet spices fills the air, creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece for festive gatherings, bringing family and friends together around the table. With each slice, you’ll enjoy a delightful blend of mixed dried fruits and crunchy nuts that adds a special touch to your celebrations. Trust me, this cake will become a cherished tradition, filling your home with joy and your hearts with warmth during the most wonderful time of the year!
Ingredients
(You’ll find that gathering these ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your merry Christmas cake.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (I love using cranberries, raisins, and apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work wonderfully)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for a lovely dusting on top)
These ingredients come together to create a cake that’s not only festive but also bursting with flavor and texture. Make sure you have everything ready before you start, and let the holiday baking magic begin!
How to Prepare the Merry Christmas Cake
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Batter
Alright, let’s get this festive baking party started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and start creaming together the softened butter and sugar. You want it to be light and fluffy—this will make your cake extra tender! Once that’s achieved, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps the cake rise beautifully.
Now, stir in the milk and vanilla extract—oh, the smell is heavenly! In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. You’ll want to mix just until combined—don’t overdo it! Finally, gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. This is where the fun happens; the colors and textures create such a festive vibe!
Baking the Cake
Now that your batter is ready, pour it into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The aroma will start to waft through your home, and trust me, it’s pure bliss! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden! Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps avoid any sticking. Finally, let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. You’re now ready to serve a slice of holiday joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, adding a festive touch to any table.
- Simple and straightforward preparation makes it easy for bakers of all levels to join in the fun.
- The delightful combination of mixed dried fruits and nuts creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Great for sharing! This recipe yields 12 servings, so there’s plenty of cake to go around.
- It can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen—trust me, it’s even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Getting the best out of your merry Christmas cake is all about a few key tips! First, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps it cream better with the sugar, resulting in a fluffier cake. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but just reduce the added salt slightly.
Don’t skip the step of folding in the dried fruits and nuts gently—this keeps your batter light and airy. And speaking of air, be careful not to overmix once you combine the wet and dry ingredients! You want to mix just until everything is incorporated; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Lastly, keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to catch it just as it’s done to avoid dryness. Trust your senses—the smell alone is a good indicator that it’s almost ready!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a slice of this merry Christmas cake:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 25g
Keep in mind these figures are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness packed into each slice! Enjoy every festive bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making your merry Christmas cake? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
While fresh fruit can be delicious, it might add too much moisture. Stick with dried fruits like cranberries and raisins for the best texture.
How can I make this a gluten-free merry Christmas cake?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure!
Can I frost my cake?
Absolutely! A light cream cheese frosting or a simple icing drizzle would be delightful. Just remember, the cake is already sweet!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day in advance enhances the flavors! Just wrap it tightly to keep it fresh.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your merry Christmas cake properly is key to keeping it delicious for days to come! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture and keep it fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days, or if you want to enjoy it later, pop it in the fridge for up to a week.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, just let it sit at room temperature for a bit. If you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want it warm, not hot! Enjoy your festive treat!
Print
Merry Christmas Cake: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cake perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This cake can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Feel free to decorate with icing or fresh fruits.
- 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: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: merry christmas cake, holiday cake, festive dessert
