Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and of course, indulging in delicious food. When it comes to holiday food ideas for Christmas, I love creating dishes that not only taste amazing but also bring everyone together around the table. It’s all about those warm, cozy moments where everyone is savoring each bite and reminiscing about past celebrations. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites—it’s easy to make, bursting with festive flavors, and perfect for both holiday parties and quiet nights by the fire. Trust me, you’ll want to make this dish a staple in your holiday repertoire! Let’s dive in and get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your dish bake evenly from the start. You don’t want to throw your batter into a cold oven and end up with a gooey mess! So, go ahead and set it now while you get everything else ready.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk or stir with a spoon to make sure everything’s mixed well. This step helps incorporate the baking powder evenly, which is essential for that perfect rise!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, in a large bowl, it’s time to cream together the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Use a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon—whichever you prefer! Mix until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process adds air to the mixture, making your final dish nice and tender.
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s key to really blend them in for a smooth batter. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ah, the smell! It’s like a warm hug already!
Combining Mixtures
Now it’s time to gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts—just to keep things manageable. Once it’s all combined, gently fold in 1 cup of mixed dried fruits and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. This is where the magic happens, and you can really customize it with your favorite additions!
Baking the Mixture
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no gooey batter sticking to it!
Cooling and Serving
Once baked, let it cool in the dish for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s crucial to let it cool completely before serving to avoid any sogginess. Trust me, the wait is worth it! When you’re ready, slice it up and revel in those sweet holiday flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for beginner bakers!
- Deliciously moist and packed with festive flavors that scream holiday spirit.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings—everyone will want a slice!
- Can be customized with your favorite dried fruits and nuts for a personal touch.
- Bakes up quickly, meaning you can whip it up even on busy holiday days.
- It makes your home smell amazing while it’s baking—such a cozy vibe!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delightful breakfast treat.
Tips for Success
Getting the best results from this recipe is all about a few simple tips that make a world of difference. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients if you want to elevate your dish. Stale flour or old baking powder can really affect the taste and texture. A quick check won’t hurt!
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming. This allows for better incorporation with the sugar, leading to a fluffier batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, and we want it light and airy.
- Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can be sneaky sometimes! Invest in an oven thermometer if you can, just to make sure it’s at the right temperature. Baking at the wrong temp can lead to uneven cooking.
- Cool Completely: Patience, my friend! Let your dish cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain the structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Play with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try different combinations of dried fruits and nuts. It’s a fun way to make this recipe your own and keep things interesting for the holidays!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious holiday treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying our delicious holiday treat, it’s always good to have an idea of what’s in it. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredient choices and portion sizes. But hey, it’s the holidays—enjoying a slice of this delightful dish is all part of the fun!
FAQ Section
As you embark on making this delightful holiday treat, you might have a few questions pop up along the way. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I encounter, along with my answers:
Can I substitute the dried fruits?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite dried fruit that you love, feel free to swap it in. Cranberries, apricots, or even raisins work beautifully. Just make sure to keep the total amount the same to maintain the balance of flavors.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
You can use salted butter, but just be mindful of the salt in the recipe. You might want to reduce the added salt a little to keep it from being too salty.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free, and you should be good to go!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly!
Can I add spices to the batter?
Oh, definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the holiday flavors even more. Just sprinkle it in when you combine the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced kick!
What’s the best way to reheat it if I freeze it?
The best way to reheat is to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps it maintain its moistness and flavors!
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you create a delightful holiday experience with this recipe. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious holiday treat, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible! Here’s how to store your leftovers and reheat them perfectly:
- Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to eat the leftovers within a few days, simply place them in an airtight container and store them at room temperature. This keeps them nice and moist for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, pop that airtight container in the fridge. Your dish will stay fresh for about a week. Just remember to let it cool completely before refrigerating to avoid any sogginess!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date so you know when they were stored!
When it’s time to enjoy those frozen slices, the best method is to thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 10 minutes. This will bring back that fresh, just-baked taste—yum!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can keep enjoying your holiday creation long after the celebrations are over. Happy indulging!
Print
Holiday Food Ideas Christmas: 7 Irresistible Recipes to Try
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday food ideas for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Check the oven temperature before baking.
- Let the dish cool completely to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: holiday food ideas, Christmas recipes
