Oh, there’s something so magical about making a *simple Christmas cake*! The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. I love how easy this recipe is – you don’t need to be a pro baker to whip it up and impress your friends and family. Just a few basic ingredients come together to create a cake that’s not only delicious but also beautifully festive! It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, or even as a sweet gift for someone special. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this cake is a must-have during the holiday season. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients for Simple Christmas Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful *simple Christmas cake*:
- 200g all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cake, giving it structure.
- 150g sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake beautifully and helps create a lovely texture.
- 100g butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
- 3 eggs: These add moisture and richness; room temperature eggs work best!
- 1 tsp baking powder: This will give your cake that lovely rise.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor.
- 100g mixed dried fruits: A mix of raisins, currants, or sultanas gives a festive touch and bursts of sweetness.
- 50g almonds, chopped: These add a nice crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to substitute with other nuts if you prefer!
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon: A hint of cinnamon brings that wonderful holiday warmth to every bite.
How to Prepare Simple Christmas Cake
Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking your *simple Christmas cake*! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a delightful treat in no time. Ready? Let’s go!
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and beautifully.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of good mixing—trust me, it makes a difference!
- Add the eggs: Next, crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter for a lighter cake.
- Stir in the vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and give it another good stir. You’ll love the warm, inviting scent that fills your kitchen!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. This ensures that the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep your cake tender!
- Fold in the fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped almonds. This adds bursts of flavor and a delightful crunch to your cake.
- Pour the batter: Now, pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be incredible!
- Cool: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—let it rest before diving in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip it up in just 20 minutes!
- Simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have.
- Flavorful and moist, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings, as it’s sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile—enjoy it plain, or dress it up with icing or powdered sugar!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *simple Christmas cake* turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips I’ve learned along the way! First, if you want a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular softened butter—just melt it until it’s golden and nutty. Also, if you don’t have mixed dried fruits on hand, feel free to swap them out for chocolate chips or your favorite dried fruit; it’ll still be delicious! Keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary—check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step! Letting the cake cool completely before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. And if you’re feeling festive, a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze can elevate the presentation dramatically. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your *simple Christmas cake*, I love pairing it with a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate for that cozy vibe. It also goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—it’s like a hug in dessert form! For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside some gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark. Trust me, it’ll be a hit at your holiday gatherings!
Nutritional Information
When you indulge in a slice of this *simple Christmas cake*, here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition (these values are estimates): each slice contains about 250 calories, with 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. It also packs a modest amount of sugar at 15g. Enjoy it as part of your holiday festivities, and remember, moderation is key to savoring all the deliciousness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This *simple Christmas cake* actually tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
What can I use instead of dried fruits?
If dried fruits aren’t your thing, you can substitute them with chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruits that suit your taste. Get creative!
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It should work just fine, but make sure to check for a suitable baking powder too!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover *simple Christmas cake* in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to a week, but I doubt it’ll last that long!
Can I freeze the cake?
Definitely! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *simple Christmas cake* fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—just serve it chilled or let it come to room temperature for the best flavor. Trust me, it’s just as delightful!
Z nadrukami
Simple Christmas Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A simple and delicious Christmas cake that is easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Składniki
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g mixed dried fruits
- 50g almonds, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the dried fruits and almonds.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Uwagi
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or powdered sugar.
- Best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: British
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 120mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Słowa kluczowe: simple christmas cake
