Oh, the joy of holiday gatherings! There’s just something magical about being surrounded by family and friends, sharing laughter, stories, and of course, delicious food. One of my absolute favorite parts is the holiday dessert table. It’s like a sweet wonderland, filled with treats that make everyone smile. I still remember the aroma of my grandma’s cakes wafting through the house, drawing all of us into the kitchen like moths to a flame. It wasn’t just about the desserts; it was about the memories we created around them. Trust me, setting up a beautiful holiday dessert table will make your gatherings even more special, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you need for this delightful cake that’ll shine on your holiday dessert table! Here’s the complete list of ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for frosting
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go. It makes the whole process so much smoother and more fun! I promise, the flavors that come together will be nothing short of magical!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—baking this delightful cake! Trust me, the process is just as lovely as the finished product. Here’s how to do it:
- First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your cake!
- In a medium bowl, combine the sifted flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Give it a good whisk to mix everything evenly. This is crucial for a light texture!
- Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The fluffier, the better!
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It helps create that rich, moist texture we’re after!
- Stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely layer of flavor.
- Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and smooth—don’t overmix!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While the cake cools, whip up your frosting by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously and get ready for the compliments!
And there you have it! A simple yet scrumptious cake that’ll be the star of your holiday dessert table. Can you smell it already? Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration on your holiday dessert table! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick preparation time—ready in under an hour!
- Delightful flavors that combine rich chocolate with a creamy frosting.
- Perfect for gatherings; it serves 12, making it great for sharing.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
- It’s versatile; feel free to add seasonal fruits or sprinkles for a festive touch!
Trust me, this cake will become a staple at your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
To make sure your cake turns out perfectly for your holiday dessert table, here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps create that fluffy texture we love, so don’t forget to take them out ahead of time!
- When measuring flour, fluff it up first and spoon it into your measuring cup. This prevents packing and ensures your cake is light and airy.
- Let your cake cool completely before frosting. This avoids a melty mess and helps the frosting stay beautiful and intact.
- If you want a smooth finish on your frosting, consider warming your spatula slightly or dipping it in hot water before spreading.
- For a festive touch, decorate with seasonal fruits or a sprinkle of powdered sugar right before serving!
Follow these tips, and you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful cake. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
This cake is a tasty treat, perfect for enjoying in moderation during your holiday festivities!
FAQ Section
Got questions about creating the ultimate holiday dessert table? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes even better the next day. Just wrap it well and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.
What can I add to the cake for extra flavor?
You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or even a splash of peppermint extract for a festive twist. The possibilities are endless!
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge.
Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This cake is vegetarian-friendly, but if you need it to be gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s chat about how to best store your delicious cake! If you have any leftovers (which I doubt will last long!), make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This will keep the cake fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to extend its life, pop it in the fridge; it’ll stay good for about a week.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need for reheating unless you prefer it warm—then just a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds will do the trick. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your holiday dessert table, consider pairing this delightful cake with a few scrumptious accompaniments! A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich chocolate wonderfully. You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—just imagine that warm cake melting into the creamy goodness. For a festive flair, how about some seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or citrus slices? They’ll not only look beautiful but also provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. Trust me, these little touches will make your holiday gathering even more memorable!