Ah, there’s nothing quite like the magic of Christmas recipes to bring warmth and joy into our kitchens! This delightful cake is perfect for beginners, making it super easy to whip up something special for the holidays. Trust me, the sweet aroma of baking will fill your home, creating a comforting atmosphere that feels just like Christmas. Plus, with just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll find that this recipe comes together in no time. Whether you’re celebrating with family or surprising friends, this easy dessert is sure to be a hit. So, let’s get started on making some wonderful festive memories together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the exciting part—making this delightful cake! Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and I’ll guide you through every step.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start. No one likes a cake that’s burnt on the outside but gooey on the inside, right?
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cake that lovely light texture. You can use a hand mixer or just a good old wooden spoon—whatever you have on hand!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the two large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg to fully incorporate them into the batter. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract; it adds such a wonderful flavor to the cake that screams holiday cheer!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cake, which is key for that perfect rise!
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Careful not to overmix here—this will help keep your cake light and fluffy!
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and smooth the top. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to come out!
Icing the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, it’s time to make the icing! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and milk until you achieve a smooth consistency. Drizzle this over your cake for a lovely, sweet finish. Just look at that shine—yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for beginners—no fancy techniques required!
- Quick prep time, so you can spend more time enjoying the holidays.
- Delightful flavors that fill your home with the spirit of Christmas.
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- A beautiful cake that looks impressive but is super easy to make.
Tips for Success
To make sure your cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, it’s essential that your butter is at room temperature—this makes it easier to cream with the sugar and will help create that fluffy texture we all love. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy batter.
Also, when you’re mixing the batter, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. And don’t forget to use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it’s sticky, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Trust me, these little tips will help you bake a cake that’s not only delicious but also beautifully light and fluffy!
Nutritional Information
Remember, nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect per slice of this delightful cake:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
This cake is a sweet treat that fits perfectly into your holiday festivities!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to substitute butter, you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For the sugar, brown sugar can add a nice depth of flavor, or you might try a sugar alternative if you’re keeping it low-cal. As for the eggs, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) if you want a vegan twist!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftover cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days, but you can pop it in the fridge for up to a week if you want to keep it a bit longer. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping to avoid any sogginess!
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time! I often bake it a day or two before I plan to serve it. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, you can ice it right before or even right after it’s come back to room temperature. This way, you can enjoy the festivities without the last-minute fuss!
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Separate bowl for dry ingredients
- 9×13 inch baking pan (or a similar size)
- Parchment paper (optional for easier removal)
- Toothpick for checking doneness
- Cooling rack or plate for cooling the cake
Having these tools ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
This delightful cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple pairings! Serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate for that cozy holiday vibe. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top can add a creamy contrast that everyone will love. You might even consider fresh berries or a fruit compote for a splash of color and flavor. Enjoy your cake with these tasty companions for a truly festive treat!
Print
christmas recipes: 7 simple steps to a festive cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delightful Christmas recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for icing
- 2 tablespoons milk for icing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool completely before icing.
- To make the icing, mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stop when it’s just combined.
- Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: christmas recipes, easy dessert, baking for beginners
