Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *holiday cake* that’s simply perfect for Thanksgiving! It’s moist, flavorful, and has that wonderful combination of walnuts and dried cranberries that just screams “fall” to me. I remember the first time I baked this cake for my family—everyone gathered around the kitchen, the aroma of warm butter and sugar filling the air. It was like a hug! The way this cake comes together is so easy, too. You don’t need to be a baking expert to impress your guests. Just imagine serving this gorgeous cake, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream on top, and watching everyone’s eyes light up. Trust me, this holiday cake will become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients for Holiday Cakes Thanksgiving
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
How to Prepare Holiday Cakes Thanksgiving
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of preparing this scrumptious holiday cake! It’s all about following these simple steps to ensure that your cake turns out moist and delicious. Trust me, the process is as enjoyable as the end result, and I can’t wait for you to taste it!
Preheat and Prepare the Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps your cake rise beautifully! While that’s warming up, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good grease and flour. This prevents your cake from sticking and makes for a clean release—no one wants a cake that stays in the pan, right?
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, in a large bowl, it’s time to cream together that softened butter and sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want to incorporate air into the batter at this stage, which will give you that lovely, tender texture. When you see it turning pale and fluffy, you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Mixing in the Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s egg time! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to create a smooth batter. Once all the eggs are in, pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is combined. You should have a lovely, creamy mixture that smells divine!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps! This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake rises evenly and has a consistent texture. Once it’s all whisked together, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined. We don’t want to overmix here, or we might end up with a dense cake!
Folding in Add-ins
Now comes the fun part—folding in those delicious walnuts and dried cranberries. Gently scoop them into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. You want those beautiful bits to be evenly distributed without breaking them apart. Just think of how tasty they’ll be in each bite!
Baking and Cooling
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Make sure to keep an eye on it towards the end—every oven is a little different! Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for keeping that perfect texture! And there you have it—your holiday cake is on its way to being a showstopper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
- The combination of walnuts and dried cranberries adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that complements the cake beautifully.
- This holiday cake brings that warm, cozy feeling of Thanksgiving right into your kitchen.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress your family and friends at any festive gathering.
- You can make it ahead of time, leaving you more room to enjoy the festivities.
- It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
- This cake is versatile—feel free to add your favorite spices or even swap in some other nuts if you prefer.
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure you nail this holiday cake! Here are my top tips for ensuring your cake turns out absolutely perfect:
- Measure ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so using the right amounts is crucial. I always use a kitchen scale when possible—it’s a game changer!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and creates a lovely texture.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Taste your batter: This may sound strange, but tasting the batter before it goes into the oven is a fun way to ensure it’s delicious! Just be careful with the raw eggs, okay?
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if it’s done, but don’t leave it in too long or you might end up with a dry cake. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Add spices: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It really enhances that cozy, festive vibe!
- Let it cool completely: If you’re frosting or serving the cake later, make sure it’s completely cooled before you do anything. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning holiday cake that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the process—it’s all part of the fun!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep your delicious holiday cake fresh and tasty! After you’ve enjoyed your first slice (or two, no judgment here!), it’s important to store the leftovers properly so they stay moist and flavorful.
To store your cake, simply place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help prevent it from drying out and keep those delightful flavors intact. If you’ve got a lot of cake left over, you can also slice it up and wrap individual pieces—perfect for grabbing a quick treat later!
If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze the cake. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This double layer protects it from freezer burn. It should stay good for about 2-3 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
As for reheating, I recommend slicing your cake and popping it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly. This will bring back that fresh-baked taste and make it even more inviting! If you’d prefer to enjoy it at room temperature, just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. And don’t forget that dollop of whipped cream on top—it’s the cherry on the cake!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional values of this delightful holiday cake! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates based on typical values, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Each slice of this scrumptious cake (about 1/12 of the recipe) contains:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is a wonderful treat that balances indulgence with some nutritional value, thanks to the nuts and cranberries. Just remember, it’s all about enjoying in moderation, especially during the festive season!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this fabulous holiday cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my best answers. Hopefully, this helps you feel confident as you whip up this delicious treat!
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just don’t like walnuts, feel free to swap them out for another type of nut, like pecans or almonds. You can even go nut-free by adding in some chocolate chips for a fun twist!
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
If cranberries aren’t your thing, you can use raisins, chopped dates, or even dried cherries. Each option will bring its own unique flavor to the cake, so feel free to get creative!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You sure can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum in it to help with the cake’s texture.
How do I know if the cake is done?
Great question! Use the toothpick test—insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Just be careful not to overbake it, or you could end up with a dry cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! This cake stays moist and delicious for a few days, so it’s perfect for making ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container, and you’ll be all set for your Thanksgiving celebrations!
What if I want to add spices?
Ooh, I love that idea! Feel free to sprinkle in some cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin spice to the dry ingredients for an extra flavor boost. It’ll add that warm, cozy vibe that’s just perfect for the holidays!
Can I frost this cake?
Oh, definitely! A simple cream cheese frosting or a light whipped cream would be delightful on this cake. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you frost it to keep everything nice and neat!
Hopefully, these FAQs help clear up any uncertainties you might have. Happy baking, and enjoy every slice of your holiday cake!
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Holiday Cakes Thanksgiving: 7 Cozy Recipes to Delight You
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious holiday cake perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Add the milk and vanilla, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the walnuts and cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be served with whipped cream.
- Add spices for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: holiday cakes thanksgiving
