Ah, Christmas desserts! There’s something so magical about the sweet scents wafting through the kitchen during the holiday season. This festive *christmas dessert* not only brings joy to the table but also fills the air with warmth and cheer. I remember one year when I baked this treat with my niece; we were covered in flour, giggling as we tried to measure the ingredients just right. It turned into a delightful mess, but that’s what makes holiday baking so special! This dessert is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and trust me, when you serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, you’ll see smiles all around. It’s the kind of dessert that wraps you in a cozy hug, making every celebration feel even more festive.
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits (like raisins, apricots, or cranberries)
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent, making your dessert rise beautifully.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and trust me, it makes a world of difference in taste!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget the vanilla extract—it adds that lovely aroma!
- Now, combine your dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This helps keep the batter smooth and lump-free.
- Gently fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts. Be careful not to overmix; you want those goodies evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll know it’s done when the kitchen smells irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Festive flavors that capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
- Family-friendly—everyone from kids to grandparents will adore it.
- Versatile enough to serve at any holiday gathering or cozy night in.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *christmas dessert* turns out absolutely delightful, let’s go over a few handy tips! First, using high-quality ingredients really makes a difference—opt for fresh eggs and pure vanilla extract if you can. They’ll add so much flavor! Also, make sure your butter is softened properly; it should be creamy but not melted for the best texture.
When mixing, be gentle—overmixing can lead to a dense dessert instead of the light, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. If you’re unsure about doneness, check a few minutes early; ovens can vary, and nobody wants a dry dessert! Lastly, let it cool slightly before slicing; this helps it set up nicely and makes for easier serving. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece that everyone will love!
Variations
Now, let’s get creative with this *christmas dessert*! One of the best things about it is how easy it is to switch things up based on what you love or have on hand. For instance, you could swap out the dried fruits for some zesty candied ginger or even some chopped fresh apples for a different flavor profile. If you’re a fan of tropical vibes, try adding dried pineapple or coconut for a fun twist!
As for nuts, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts would bring a delightful crunch and unique taste. And don’t overlook spices! A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavors and make it feel even more festive. You could even drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top for a sweet finish. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to have fun experimenting with what makes your taste buds sing this holiday season!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious *christmas dessert*, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers—if there are any! Allow the dessert to cool completely before wrapping it up. I like to store mine in an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist; it’ll last in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight so it doesn’t absorb any fridge odors!
If you want to enjoy it warm later, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through. You can also warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes—this way, it gets nice and cozy, just like when it came out of the oven! Trust me, nothing beats that warm, festive flavor on a chilly winter day.
Nutritional Information
Here’s some estimated nutritional data for each slice of this delightful *christmas dessert*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy this festive treat in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute fresh fruits for dried fruits? Absolutely! If you prefer fresh fruits, just remember to adjust the moisture in the recipe. You might want to reduce the milk slightly to prevent a soggy dessert.
What nuts can I use instead of walnuts or pecans? You can use any nuts you love! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios would work beautifully and add a unique flavor.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free? Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’re good to go! Just make sure the baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this ahead of time for a holiday gathering? Of course! This *christmas dessert* keeps well for a few days in the fridge, and it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
What’s the best way to serve this dessert? I love to serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It adds that perfect festive touch!
Z nadrukami
Christmas Dessert That Will Delight Your Family’s Hearts
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruits
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Combine both mixtures and add milk gradually.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Uwagi
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas dessert, holiday dessert, festive dessert
