20+ Light American Christmas Cake Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
The holiday season is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, light American Christmas cake! This traditional dessert is a staple in many households during the festive season and is loved by both young and old. While the classic fruitcake may be heavy and dense, this recipe offers a lighter and more modern take on the beloved Christmas treat. So let's roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Get into the holiday spirit with these delicious Christmas sugar cookies. They are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a hint of vanilla. The best part? They are so easy to make and can be decorated in a variety of festive shapes and colors.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
This fun and tasty appetizer is perfect for any holiday gathering. A delicious combination of pizza dough, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It's also a great way to use up any leftover pizza toppings!
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Old-Fashioned Coffee Cake
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Unsalted Butter, Sugar, Vanilla
Nothing says comfort like a warm slice of old-fashioned coffee cake. This classic recipe is made with a tender sour cream cake batter and topped with a buttery crumb topping. Serve it for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee or tea.
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Sweet and Spicy Pecans
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Water, Pecan Halves, Sugar, Ground Cumin
Looking for a simple yet impressive snack to serve at your holiday party? Try these sweet and spicy pecans. They are coated in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a touch of salt for the perfect balance of flavors. Your guests will be begging for the recipe!
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Red Velvet Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Canola Oil, Granulated Sugar, Light
These red velvet cupcakes are a must-have for any holiday dessert table. Moist and fluffy with a rich cocoa flavor, they are topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting for the perfect balance of flavors. Don't forget to add some festive sprinkles for a pop of color!
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Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yukon Gold Potatoes
Even vegans can enjoy creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes with this delicious recipe. Roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor and the use of dairy-free milk and vegan butter keeps this dish completely plant-based. It's the perfect side dish for any holiday meal.
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Lemon Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Large Eggs, Vanilla
If you're looking for a break from all the rich and indulgent holiday treats, try these light and refreshing lemon sugar cookies. They are soft, buttery, and bursting with tangy lemon flavor. The perfect treat to balance out all the other sweet treats on your dessert table.
Also known as Russian tea cakes, these cookies are a holiday favorite for many families. They are buttery, nutty, and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar. You can even add a touch of spice with a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
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Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Garlic Sage Butter
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Dried Sage, Black Pepper
Take your holiday turkey to the next level with this dry-brined recipe. The turkey is coated in a flavorful mixture of salt, herbs, and spices and left to sit overnight for a tender and juicy result. The addition of a garlic sage butter adds even more flavor to this festive main dish.
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Cranberry Orange Bread
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Unsalted Butter, Granulated
This cranberry orange bread is a holiday staple in many households. It's moist, sweet, and bursting with tart cranberries and citrusy orange flavor. It's also a great way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday meal!
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Classic Apple Pie
Main Ingredients: Pie Crust, Granny Smith Apples, Lemon, Granulated
No holiday dessert table is complete without a classic apple pie. This recipe uses a flaky and buttery homemade crust and a filling of tender apples, warm spices, and a touch of brown sugar. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday treat.
Put a fun and creative twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing with these stuffing muffins. These individual portions are made with all the classic ingredients like bread, celery, onions, and herbs, but baked in a muffin tin for a crispy and perfectly portioned side dish.
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Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Main Ingredients: Artichoke Hearts, Frozen Spinach, Mayonnaise, Grated
This creamy and cheesy dip is always a crowd favorite at any holiday party. It's loaded with spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses for a rich and flavorful appetizer. Serve it with crackers, chips, or sliced veggies for a delicious and indulgent snack.
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Dark Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Main Ingredients: Dark Chocolate, Dried Cranberries, Pecans, Unsalted
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these dark chocolate cranberry cookies. The combination of tart cranberries and dark chocolate chunks creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite. These cookies are sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers.
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Easy Traditional Prime Rib Roast
Main Ingredients: Prime Rib Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Butter, Italian
Impress your guests with this easy and delicious prime rib roast recipe. The secret to a perfectly cooked prime rib is to start with a high temperature and then lower it for the remainder of the cooking time. The result is a juicy and flavorful roast that will be the star of your holiday meal.
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Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Light Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar
No one will believe that these chocolate chip cookies are vegan. They are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, just like the classic version. The use of flax eggs and coconut oil keeps these cookies completely plant-based without sacrificing any flavor.
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Cranberry Orange Muffins
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar
Start your holiday morning off right with these cranberry orange muffins. They are moist, fluffy, and bursting with tart cranberries and citrusy orange flavor. They are also a great make-ahead option for a stress-free breakfast or brunch.
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Nutella-Stuffed Hazelnut Snowball Cookies
Main Ingredients: Roasted Hazelnuts, Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar
These adorable and delicious cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. They are made with a buttery cookie dough and stuffed with a gooey Nutella filling. The addition of chopped hazelnuts adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor to these festive treats.
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Honey Glazed Baked Ham
Main Ingredients: Spiral Sliced Bone In Ham, Honey, Salted Butter
No holiday meal is complete without a ham, and this honey glazed version is a game-changer. The glaze is made with a combination of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor. It's the perfect complement to the salty and savory ham.
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Grilled Cheese Pinwheels
Main Ingredients: Salted Butter, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cayenne, White
Add some fun and creativity to your holiday appetizer spread with these grilled cheese pinwheels. They are made with your favorite cheese and bread and rolled up into bite-sized portions. They can also be customized with different fillings like ham, pesto, or roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
Fruit and Nut Mix:
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped almonds
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup chopped dates
½ cup chopped figs
½ cup chopped apricots
½ cup chopped raisins
⅓ cup brandy or rum (optional)
Decorations:
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk
Cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Slowly add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until well combined.
In a small bowl, mix together the dried fruit and nuts. If using, pour in the brandy or rum and let it soak for 10 minutes.
Gently fold in the fruit and nut mix into the cake batter.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze.
Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
Slice and serve your light American Christmas cake to your loved ones and enjoy the holiday season!
Conclusion:
This light American Christmas cake is the perfect dessert for your holiday celebrations. It's moist, flavorful, and filled with a variety of dried fruits and nuts that add a delicious crunch. Plus, it's not as heavy as a traditional fruitcake, making it a healthier option. So why not add this modern twist to your holiday menu and impress your guests with this delectable treat? Happy baking!
