The holiday season is here, and it’s time to get creative with gift-giving. What better way to spread some festive cheer than with a Christmas cake hamper? A hamper filled with delicious treats is the perfect gift for family and friends. Plus, it’s a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit. So, whether you’re a baking pro or a newbie in the kitchen, we’ve got some delicious Christmas cake hamper ideas that will make your loved ones feel extra special.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mixed fruits (raisins, cherries, cranberries, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc.)
For the icing:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the mixed fruits and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- To make the icing, cream the butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- Add food coloring if you want to make the icing festive.
- Frost the cake and decorate with additional mixed fruits and nuts, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 52g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 39g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Cake pan
- Cooling rack
- Icing spatula
Serving Suggestions:
This Christmas cake is perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for the ultimate holiday treat.
Variations:
Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits and nuts to create your perfect Christmas cake. You can also add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive touch.
Substitutions:
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute some of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt. You can also use gluten-free flour to make this cake gluten-free.
Storage:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure to grease and flour your cake pan well to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Feel free to get creative with your decorations. Use festive sprinkles or edible glitter to make your cake extra special.
Notes:
This Christmas cake is perfect for gift-giving. You can wrap it in festive wrapping paper or place it in a hamper with other holiday treats.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use different types of fruit and nuts?
A: Yes, feel free to mix and match your favorite fruits and nuts.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Q: How long can I store this cake?
A: You can store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Personal Thoughts:
This Christmas cake is the perfect addition to any holiday gathering. It’s easy to make and tastes delicious. I love how versatile it is, and how you can mix and match your favorite fruits and nuts. It’s also a great gift idea, and looks lovely wrapped up in festive wrapping paper. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!