Holiday Party Cake: Perfect for Celebrations!
This delightful Holiday Party Cake is a moist, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any festive occasion. It’s light, fluffy, and easy to make, making it a great addition to your holiday celebrations. With a dusting of powdered sugar on top, it not only tastes wonderful but also looks festive.
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll adore this Holiday Party Cake for several reasons. First, it’s a classic recipe that brings a warm, inviting feel to your gatherings. Its simplicity allows anyone, regardless of baking experience, to whip it up effortlessly. Additionally, the versatile flavor pairs beautifully with various toppings, making it suitable for any occasion—be it Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a New Year’s party. It’s a dessert that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Substitutions & Key Variations
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or another plant-based milk. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can replace the vanilla extract with almond extract or add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease and flour your cake pan. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, making your cake fluffy.
Step 5: Mix in Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s well combined.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step 7: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Wait for it to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Success Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing for the best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. This can make the cake dense.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick; every oven can vary in temperature.
How to Serve
Serve slices of Holiday Party Cake on a beautiful platter for a festive touch. You can enjoy it plain, or for an extra treat, pair it with fresh berries or whipped cream. It also goes well with coffee or tea!
Storage & Reheating
To store your Holiday Party Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, take the cake out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it as suggested. It tastes just as good after resting.
2. What can I do if I don’t have baking powder?
If you’re out of baking powder, you can make a substitute using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.
3. Can I add frosting to the cake?
Absolutely! This cake is also delicious when topped with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple buttercream.
4. Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, it can be made gluten-free.
5. Can I add fruit to the batter?
Certainly! Adding fruit like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples can enhance the flavor and make it even more enjoyable.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
This Holiday Party Cake provides a generous serving of carbohydrates and sugars, making it a delightful treat for special occasions. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider reducing the granulated sugar by half.
Conclusion
The Holiday Party Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself! Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the perfect sweet treat for your gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share it with friends and family. Your taste buds will thank you!
Links to Related Recipes
- Classic Vanilla Cupcakes
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Lemon Drizzle Cake
Holiday Party Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with cake flour for lighter texture.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar Consider reducing by half for less sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results.
- 1 cup milk Use almond milk or other plant-based milk for dairy-free version.
- 3 ½ tsp baking powder Can substitute with baking soda and vinegar if necessary.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract Almond extract or lemon zest can be used for variation.
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- to taste Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour your cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and mixing until just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar before serving.