The aroma of warm spices and sweet baked goods is synonymous with Christmas. This year, ditch the traditional large cake and embrace the charm of individual Christmas mini loaf cakes! These delightful little loaves are perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying a festive treat throughout the holiday season. They're incredibly versatile, allowing for creative variations to suit every palate. Get ready to bake up a batch of deliciousness with these easy recipes and homemade cooking tips!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cranberry sauce (or other festive fruit preserves)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
- Christmas sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini loaf pan (approximately 12 mini loaves). You can also line them with cupcake liners for easier removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Extras
Gently fold in the cranberry sauce, nuts (if using), and crystallized ginger (if using).
Step 7: Fill the Loaf Pans
Fill the prepared mini loaf pans about ¾ full.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool & Decorate
Let the mini loaves cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with Christmas sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Mini Loaf Cakes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and a lighter texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cakes. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness – a few moist crumbs are okay, but the toothpick shouldn’t be wet with batter.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the mini loaves to cool completely before frosting or decorating to prevent melting.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Cheer: Include ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delicious chocolate cranberry combination.
- Spiced Delight: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per mini loaf, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
These Christmas mini loaf cakes are a delicious and easy addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They are perfect for quick dinner ideas, festive gatherings, or a simple, healthy meal accompaniment. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delightful results!