Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a festive masterpiece with this ridiculously easy Christmas cake recipe! Perfect for busy cooks, this recipe delivers big on flavor and festive cheer without sacrificing precious time. Get ready to wow your family and friends with minimal effort – this is holiday baking made simple!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it prioritizes simplicity and deliciousness. We’re ditching complicated techniques and focusing on maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect blend of classic Christmas spices and moist, tender cake, all ready in a fraction of the time you’d expect. It’s so easy, even beginner bakers can conquer it!
Key Ingredients
- 🍰 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 🎄 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 🎄 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 🎄 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 🍊 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍬 1 cup mixed candied fruits (optional)
- 🌰 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. This is key for easy release later!
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (🧈) and brown sugar (🍯) until light and fluffy. A stand mixer makes this super quick, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well.
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs (🥚) one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract (🍊).
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (🍰), baking powder (🥄), baking soda (🧂), cinnamon (🎄), nutmeg (🎄), and cloves (🎄).
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6️⃣ Stir in the milk (🥛), candied fruits (🍬) and nuts (🌰) if using.
7️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are your best friend! Softened butter mixes easier, and room-temperature eggs create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten and can lead to a tough cake.
- Check for doneness a little early – it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven; start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
Crunch Factor
The optional addition of nuts (🌰) adds a delightful crunch contrast to the moist cake. If you prefer an extra-chewy texture, consider adding some chopped dried cranberries.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon.
- To speed up cooling, let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack set over a bowl of ice water.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Christmas cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully!
Gift Packaging Ideas
Wrap your delicious cakes individually in festive cellophane bags, tied with ribbon and a sprig of holly. A simple handwritten tag adds a personal touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, zesty flavor.
🌟 Spiced Rum: Add 1 tablespoon of spiced rum to the batter for a warm, boozy kick (for adult-only consumption).
🌟 Chocolate Chip Cheer: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate twist.
🌟 Gingerbread Spice: Replace the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with 1 ½ teaspoons of gingerbread spice.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Cake is gummy: Your oven temperature might have been too low, or you may have underbaked the cakes.
- Cake is uneven: Ensure your oven racks are level and your pans are evenly distributed.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! Bake it a day or two in advance; it’ll only enhance the flavor.
- What if I don’t have candied fruit? It’s perfectly fine to omit the candied fruit; the cake is delicious on its own.
- Can I use a different type of sugar? Granulated sugar can be used, but the brown sugar provides better moisture and a richer flavor.
Conclusion
This easy Christmas cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy cooks who still want to create something special this holiday season. Share your creations and tag us – we can’t wait to see your delicious results! Happy baking!
30-Minute Christmas Cakes: Festive Flavor, Zero Fuss
Deliciously spiced Christmas cakes that are quick to make, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F) and grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, soak the dried fruits in warm water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a festive touch.