The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start planning your Christmas menu. And what’s a Christmas celebration without a delicious cake? This year, why not switch things up and try baking a square Christmas cake instead of the traditional round one? Not only is it a unique twist, but it also opens up a world of decorating possibilities. In this article, we’ll share some fun and festive ideas for decorating a square Christmas cake that will have your guests’ mouths watering.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before decorating.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 375
Total fat: 18g
Saturated fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 125mg
Total Carbohydrates: 49g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 27g
Protein: 6g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment
- 9×9 inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or whisk
- Sifter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Serving Suggestions
Serve your square Christmas cake as a delightful dessert after your holiday feast. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Variations
If you want to switch things up with the flavor of your cake, you can add in some festive spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. You can also make a chocolate version of this cake by substituting 1/2 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Substitutions
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the added salt by half. You can use any type of milk for this recipe, including almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version.
Storage
Your decorated square Christmas cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to avoid clumps.
- If you’re using a stand mixer, start on low speed when adding in the flour to avoid a dusty mess.
- Let your cake cool completely before decorating to prevent any melting or sliding decorations.
Notes
The nutritional information provided is for one serving of the cake without any decorations. The calorie count will vary depending on the type and amount of decorations you add.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different size pan?
If you don’t have a 9×9 inch square baking pan, you can use an 8×8 inch or 10×10 inch pan instead. Just be aware that the baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your pan.
What kind of decorations can I use?
The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating your square Christmas cake. You can use frosting, fondant, edible glitter, candy canes, fresh berries, or anything else that inspires you.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to decorate and serve it.
This square Christmas cake recipe is a fun and festive twist on the traditional round cake. Plus, the decorating possibilities are endless, making it a great activity to get the whole family involved in. Whether you choose to go all out with elaborate decorations or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a showstopper at any holiday gathering. So why not give it a try this season and add some extra sweetness to your holiday celebration?