There’s something truly magical about a holiday dessert table, isn’t there? I remember the warm, cozy gatherings at my grandmother’s house, where the sweet aroma of baked goods would fill the air as we all gathered around the table, eagerly anticipating the feast. This delightful assortment of desserts is not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it’s about creating memories with loved ones. This recipe brings together rich flavors and comforting textures that will steal the spotlight at any holiday gathering. Trust me, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough to have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly! While that’s heating up, grab a bowl and mix together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Just whisk them together until they’re well combined—this will create the perfect base for your cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, it’s time to cream the butter and sugar together. I like to use an electric mixer for this part. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—around 3 to 5 minutes should do the trick! This step adds air to the batter, making your cake nice and soft.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Now, let’s add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them fully—trust me, you don’t want any eggy pockets in your cake! After that, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s just combined. The smell is going to be heavenly!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add your dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Don’t overmix, though! Just blend until everything is nicely combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour that glorious batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re golden!
Prepare the Frosting
While your cake is cooling, let’s whip up the frosting. In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This frosting is going to add the perfect sweet touch to your cake!
Frost and Serve
Once the cake has cooled completely—don’t rush this part!—it’s time to frost it. Spread your cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, and voila! You’re ready to slice it up and serve. Trust me, your holiday dessert table is about to shine with this beauty!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings
- Rich chocolate flavor that everyone will adore
- Beautifully frosted, making it a stunning centerpiece on your holiday dessert table
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry
- Great for sharing—yielding 12 generous servings
- Deliciously versatile; pair it with seasonal fruits for a fresh twist
Tips for Success
To ensure your cake turns out perfectly, start by measuring your ingredients accurately—trust me, this makes a huge difference! Use fresh eggs for better flavor and texture. When creaming the butter and sugar, take your time; the fluffier the mixture, the lighter your cake will be. Don’t skip the cooling step; letting the cake cool completely before frosting is crucial to avoid a melty mess! Also, feel free to play around with the frosting; adding a splash of vanilla or a hint of citrus zest can elevate the flavor. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious cake, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll last about a week. If you need to reheat, just slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It’ll be just like fresh out of the oven!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this delightful cake a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious when you serve it!
What can I use for decoration?
For decoration, I love using seasonal fruits to add a pop of color and freshness. Think berries, slices of citrus, or even pomegranate seeds—they look gorgeous on the cake and taste amazing too! You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for that charming, snowy effect.
Is this dessert suitable for special diets?
This cake is vegetarian, which makes it a great option for many diets. If you need to make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy this festive treat!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is approximate. Each slice of this delightful cake contains about 250 calories, with 12g of fat, 3g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates. Enjoy indulging in this festive treat while being mindful of your portion sizes!
For more tips on baking and dessert ideas, check out our blog for inspiration!
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Holiday Dessert Table: 5 Decadent Treats to Cherish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful assortment of desserts perfect for a holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cake cools, frost it and serve.
Notes
- Use seasonal fruits for decoration.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: holiday dessert table, festive desserts, seasonal treats