Are you ready to make this Christmas extra special with a homemade dessert that’s both delicious and visually stunning? Look no further than the classic Christmas Bundt cake! This recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in. It's easier than you think to create this show-stopping centerpiece, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful homemade treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup finely chopped cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup orange zest
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful cake release. Dusting with flour after greasing provides an extra layer of insurance.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light and airy cake.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, resulting in a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a small bowl, gently whisk together the buttermilk, cranberries, nuts (if using), and orange zest. Adding the zest adds a lovely citrus aroma and flavor.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
Baking and Cooling:
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Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking.
Glaze (Optional):
- While the cake cools, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake.
Tips for the Best Christmas Bundt Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing leads to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Properly grease and flour the pan: This prevents sticking and makes unmolding easier.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling the cake completely before glazing prevents the glaze from melting.
Variations:
- Spiced Bundt Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Bundt Cake: Replace the orange zest with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the buttermilk mixture.
- Chocolate Bundt Cake: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and festive Christmas Bundt cake! It’s a fantastic recipe for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, healthy meals (when enjoyed in moderation!), and delicious dishes for any holiday gathering. This simple recipe for homemade cooking is sure to become a new family favorite! Remember to share your baking masterpieces with us!