Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s something so special about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing laughter, and of course, indulging in delicious treats. One of my absolute favorites is this *Christmas and New Year cake*. Every year, my family and I have a tradition of baking together, and this cake always steals the spotlight. The smell of the mixed dried fruits and warm spices fills the house, wrapping us in a cozy embrace. It’s the perfect centerpiece for our celebrations, symbolizing joy and togetherness. Whether it’s Christmas dinner or New Year’s brunch, this cake is a delightful way to sweeten the occasion. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find yourself smiling, and maybe even reaching for a second slice!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make your *Christmas and New Year cake* shine:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (chopped if large)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (your choice, I love walnuts!)
These ingredients blend together to create a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for your festive gatherings. Make sure your butter is softened – trust me, it makes a world of difference in the mixing process!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get our hands a little floury and make this *Christmas and New Year cake* come to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive masterpiece in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
- Next, grab your favorite cake pan and grease it well with butter, then sprinkle a little flour to coat the inside. This helps the cake release easily once it’s baked.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes, and oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want to make sure everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract – this is where the magic begins!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures no lumps and a uniform rise.
- Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined – we don’t want to overdo it!
- Gently fold in the chopped mixed dried fruits and nuts. This adds a lovely texture and festive flair to the cake.
- Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and makes it easier to frost or serve later.
And there you have it! Let the cake cool completely before you dive in, as the flavors will deepen and it’ll slice beautifully. Enjoy the festive aroma wafting through your kitchen while you wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously moist and flavorful—each bite is a festive celebration!
- Easy to prepare, even for novice bakers; it’s all about mixing and baking!
- Perfect for sharing during the holidays, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile enough to dress up with icing or fresh fruits for a stunning presentation.
- Great for any festive occasion, from Christmas dinners to New Year’s brunches!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas and New Year cake* truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you’re short on time, you can swap the dried fruits for your favorite store-bought fruit mix or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before creaming it with sugar – it adds a lovely depth! Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes early. Lastly, when it comes to decoration, dusting the cooled cake with powdered sugar or draping it with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk can elevate your presentation. Happy baking!
Variations
If you want to get creative with your *Christmas and New Year cake*, there are so many fun variations to try! You can switch up the dried fruits; think about using cranberries or apricots for a tangy twist. Want to spice things up? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday warmth. For a tropical vibe, toss in some diced pineapple or coconut flakes. You could even incorporate a splash of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas and New Year cake* fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. For even longer storage, freeze the cake! Just slice it up, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and pop it in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let the slices thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates! For each slice of this delightful *Christmas and New Year cake*, you can expect about 250 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of sugar, and 3g of protein. It’s a festive treat that can fit into your holiday celebrations without too much guilt, but always enjoy in moderation!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about this *Christmas and New Year cake*:
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried ones?
While you can experiment with fresh fruits, they may add too much moisture to the cake. Stick with dried fruits for the best texture!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well wrapped to keep it fresh!
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple icing. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate treat!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it, just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping!
Christmas and New Year Cake: 10 Secrets for Joyful Baking
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A festive cake perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Składniki
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared 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 fresh fruits.
- Best served with tea or coffee.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: International
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 15g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 6g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: christmas cake, new year cake, holiday dessert
