Description
Holidays Cake is a warmly spiced, moist cake bursting with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus zest, and optional fruit or nuts. Perfectly festive and versatile, it’s ideal for winter gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange or lemon zest
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: cream cheese frosting, orange glaze, powdered sugar, sugared cranberries, rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or bundt pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another large bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and citrus zest.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk/yogurt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in optional nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Top with frosting, glaze, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Use a bundt pan for a dramatic presentation with glaze drizzle.
- Add chopped apples or pears for extra fruit flavor.
- Top with sugared cranberries and rosemary for a festive look.
- Substitute almond extract for a subtle twist.
- Store covered at room temp for 3 days or refrigerated for 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
