Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: this *peppermint Christmas* dessert! It’s like a joyous celebration in every bite, with the refreshing crunch of crushed peppermint candies that just screams festive cheer. What I love most is how easy it is to whip up—seriously, you won’t believe how quickly it comes together! Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in, this dessert is a delightful blend of sweet and minty that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, you’ll want to make this a holiday tradition!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (the more colorful, the better for a festive touch!)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for that perfect cake structure)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (to bring out all that sweetness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (this adds a lovely richness)
- 2 large eggs (for binding it all together)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (trust me, it elevates the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to help it rise just right)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance out the sweetness)
- 1/2 cup milk (to keep everything moist and delicious)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty before the batter goes in!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it; you want that airy texture!
- Next, crack in those two eggs and add the vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures there are no lumps and that your cake rises beautifully!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. You want to combine them without overmixing—just until you see no more flour streaks.
- Now, pour in the milk and stir until it’s all incorporated. The batter should be smooth and a bit thick; that’s perfect!
- Finally, fold in those crushed peppermint candies. Be gentle here; you want them evenly distributed without crushing them further.
- Pour the delightful batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Get every last drop in there—this is going to be delicious!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven times can vary!
- Once baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for those last-minute holiday baking needs!
- The festive peppermint flavor will have everyone in the holiday spirit.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Each bite is a delightful mix of sweet and minty goodness.
- It fills your kitchen with the most wonderful, nostalgic holiday scents.
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay fresh and tasty in an airtight container.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls (a large one for the batter and a smaller one for dry ingredients)
- Measuring cups (you’ll need these for both liquid and dry ingredients)
- Measuring spoons (for those precise teaspoons of baking powder and vanilla)
- Electric mixer or whisk (to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy)
- Spatula (for folding in the crushed peppermint and scraping down the sides)
- Baking dish (a 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe)
- Toothpick (to test for doneness—trust me, you’ll want this on hand!)
- Wire rack (for cooling the cake after baking, if you have one)
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s dive into some of the key ingredients for this *peppermint Christmas* dessert and a few easy substitutions you might consider if you’re in a pinch!
- Crushed peppermint candies: These are the star of the show! If you can’t find peppermint candies, you can use crushed candy canes instead for that same festive flavor. Just be careful with the size of the pieces; you want them small enough to blend into the batter without overwhelming it.
- All-purpose flour: This is your go-to for structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour can work well. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for the best texture!
- Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with that fluffy texture when creamed with butter. If you want a healthier twist, you can substitute with coconut sugar, but it may alter the color and flavor slightly.
- Unsalted butter: I love using unsalted because it lets me control the saltiness of my dessert. If you’re out of butter, you can use a neutral oil like canola or melted coconut oil, but keep in mind it might change the texture a bit.
- Milk: Whole milk works great, but if you need a dairy-free option, you can swap it with almond milk or soy milk. Just be sure to choose one that’s unsweetened to avoid extra sweetness.
- Eggs: They provide moisture and help bind everything together. If you’re vegan or allergic, you can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as a substitute.
With these notes in mind, you’ll be set to create your own peppermint masterpiece, no matter what you have on hand! Happy baking!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this *peppermint Christmas* dessert, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out absolutely perfect!
- Don’t overmix the batter: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can create a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy texture we want. Just mix until you see no more flour streaks—trust me, it’s worth it!
- Cool your butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps achieve that fluffy creaminess when mixed with sugar. If you forget to take it out in advance, you can cut it into small cubes to speed up the softening process!
- Check for doneness: Ovens can be a bit quirky, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off—when a toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to take it out!
- Fold in those peppermint candies gently: You want to distribute the crushed candies evenly throughout the batter without crushing them further. A folding motion works best—just scoop from the bottom of the bowl and lift it over the top.
- Let it cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but allowing your cake to cool fully helps it set and makes slicing much easier. Plus, the flavors will meld together beautifully!
- Adjust for altitude: If you’re baking at a higher altitude, you might need to tweak the baking powder slightly or reduce the sugar. It can help your cake rise better and prevent it from drying out.
- Have fun with toppings: Once it’s cooled, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate on top for an extra festive touch! It’s all about making it your own.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating a *peppermint Christmas* dessert that’s not just delicious but also looks stunning! Happy baking, and enjoy every festive bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up a bit with your *peppermint Christmas* dessert, I’ve got some fun variations for you to try! These little tweaks can add a whole new layer of flavor and excitement.
- Chocolate Peppermint: For a decadent twist, try folding in some mini chocolate chips along with the peppermint candies. The combination of minty freshness and rich chocolate is simply divine!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cake for an elegant touch. It adds a lovely sweetness and looks gorgeous on the plate!
- Different Candies: If you want to experiment, use different types of peppermint candies, like chocolate-covered peppermint patties or even peppermint bark. Each will bring a unique flavor profile to the dessert!
- Mint Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in some chocolate ganache into the batter before baking for a beautiful marbled effect. It tastes amazing and makes for a stunning presentation!
- Layered Dessert: Consider making a layered dessert by baking the peppermint cake in two separate pans, then adding a layer of whipped cream or frosting between them for a fabulous cake stack!
- Nutty Addition: If you love a little crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter. This adds a delightful texture and pairs well with the minty flavor.
- Holiday Spices: For a cozy twist, sprinkle in some ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. It’ll give your dessert a warm, festive flavor that’s perfect for the season!
With these variations, you can make the *peppermint Christmas* dessert uniquely yours! So get creative and have fun experimenting—each version is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made this delightful *peppermint Christmas* dessert, you’ll probably want to savor it for a few days (if it lasts that long!). Here’s how to store it properly to keep all that festive flavor intact!
- Storage: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Then, place any leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and delicious for up to 4 days. If you don’t have a container, you can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch or just want to save some for later, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: If you want to warm up a slice, you can pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give you that fresh-baked feel! Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might dry out. You could also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes if you prefer a crispy edge.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your *peppermint Christmas* dessert whenever you crave a sweet, minty treat! Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this delicious *peppermint Christmas* dessert, let’s take a moment to talk about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, but here’s a general idea of what to expect per slice:
- Calories: Approximately 180
- Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 5g, Unsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g)
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g (Fiber: 1g)
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
These estimates can help you plan ahead, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your holiday indulgences! So, enjoy each festive bite without a worry—just remember that moderation is key. Happy baking and munching!
Z nadrukami
Peppermint Christmas: 7 Joyful Bites of Holiday Cheer
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A festive peppermint dessert for the holiday season.
Składniki
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in milk until combined.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
- Pour batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Adjust peppermint quantity for desired flavor strength.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 24g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Słowa kluczowe: peppermint christmas, holiday dessert, festive treat
