Nothing says cozy, festive holidays quite like a slice of rich, decadent Christmas Pound Cake. This recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season with its warm spices and buttery crumb. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a thoughtful gift, this classic dessert will surely become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire.
**Christmas Pound Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup eggnog
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Powdered sugar for dusting
– Optional: holiday sprinkles for decoration
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the eggnog. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar and holiday sprinkles for a festive touch.
10. Slice and serve this luscious Christmas Pound Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a warm mug of cocoa for the ultimate holiday indulgence. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender crumb as you celebrate the season with loved ones.
With its nostalgic aroma and timeless appeal, this Christmas Pound Cake is sure to bring joy to your home and gatherings. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a quiet winter evening or shared at a festive party, this recipe is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Happy baking!
