Making a Christmas Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. It combines the joy of baking with the pleasure of sharing a sweet treat with family and friends. This cake is soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any festive gathering. Whether enjoyed after a holiday meal or as part of a cozy winter afternoon, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite tradition in your home.
Why Make This Christmas Cake
This Christmas Cake is more than just a delicious dessert; it’s a celebration of the flavors of the season. The combination of fluffy, rich cake with the option for colorful decorations adds a joyful touch to any holiday table. It’s ideal for special occasions, making it a wonderful centerpiece, and the versatility allows for any creative twist you want to add. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to involve kids or grandkids in the kitchen, creating memories that last a lifetime.
How to Make Christmas Cake
Baking this Christmas Cake is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by mixing the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla, creating a rich base. The flour mixture, combined with buttermilk, results in a soft, moist cake that’s delightful after a quick bake in the oven. Once cooled, you can express your festive spirit through frosting and decorations, making each cake unique!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Frosting and decorations as desired
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating them according to your Christmas theme.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 295
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 157mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Christmas Cake
This cake can be served plain or embellished with frosting, whipped cream, or fresh berries. For a festive touch, consider decorating it with red and green sprinkles, or even edible glitter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, making it an excellent dessert for holiday gatherings or an afternoon treat.
How to Store Christmas Cake
Store your Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider refrigerating it, where it will last for up to a week. For extended preservation, you can wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it, which will keep it fresh for about three months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure the best creaming results.
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until incorporated to keep the cake tender.
- For a pop of flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- If you want a richer taste, you can use sour cream instead of buttermilk.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Christmas Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate version.
- Fruit Cake Twist: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Lemon Zest Cake: Add zest from one lemon for a refreshing citrus note.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly. -
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a few days in advance, store it properly, and then frost it just before serving. -
How can I make a smaller cake?
Simply halve the recipe and use smaller cake pans. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cake is a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations, impressing guests with its soft texture and festive decorations. Its ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Why not give it a try this holiday season? Baking this cake could become a cherished tradition in your family, so gather your ingredients and let the festivities begin!
Print
Christmas Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and festive Christmas Cake that’s soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Frosting and decorations as desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating them according to your Christmas theme.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for about three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 157mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Keywords: Christmas, holiday cake, festive dessert, baking
