Sweet and Simple Holiday Recipes

 

There’s something magical about the smell of spices and fresh baking during the holidays. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing homemade gifts, or simply craving a cozy treat, there’s no shortage of quick, easy, sweet and simple holiday recipes to make a seasonal loaf to tickle your tastebuds. So, preheat the oven, grease your pans, and keep reading.

 

Classic cranberry-orange loaf

Few combinations say “holidays” quite like tart cranberries and bright citrus. This loaf balances tangy berries with the sweetness of orange zest and juice, creating a moist and fragrant bread that pairs perfectly with morning tea or an evening cocktail.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup milk, room temperature
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¼ cup of orange juice
• 6 tbsp butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cup fresh cranberries

Method:

• Preheat oven to 350F
• Prepare loaf pan with butter or cooking spray then dust with flour
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt then set aside
• In a separate bowl, combine milk, orange juice, and orange zest
• In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar and then add the eggs
• Add flour mixture in two parts, alternating with milk mixture and combine on low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed
• Fold cranberries into the mixture until just incorporated
• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 45-50 minutes until golden on top and toothpick comes out clean
• Dust with powdered sugar or glaze for an optional but elegant finish

 

Spiced gingerbread loaf

The spicy warmth of gingerbread with the soft, fluffiness of cake? Sign us up. A spiced gingerbread loaf is the perfect gift for the holiday purist—and it goes perfect with a glass of milk.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 ½ ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 2/3 cup dark molasses (not blackstrap)
• ¾ cup hot water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 350F
• Prepare a loaf pan with butter or cooking spray
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and better then set aside
• In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses and hot water
• In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth and then add brown sugar and cream together
• Beat in the egg and vanilla
• Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the hot water and molasses mixture
• Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until cooked through
• Cool the loaf before serving and frost if desired

 

Eggnog pound cake

Eggnog in cake form? Say less. Turn this holiday beverage staple into a soft, velvety loaf that’s sure to please.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups sugar
• 5 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 cup eggnog

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 325F
• Prepare a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter and then lightly flour the pan
• In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy
• Add the eggs one at a time and mix well
• Add the vanilla and mix
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg
• Add the dry ingredients and eggnog to the stand mixer, alternating each addition
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and make for 55-65 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean
• Allow the cake to cool, then flip the cake out onto a tray or serving platter
• Serve a la mode for an easy seasonal sweet treat

 

This holiday season, skip the stress of complicated cookie decorating and messy multi-step recipes and embrace the joy of simple baking. With a few pantry staples and a bit of creativity, you’re sure to fill your kitchen with warmth, sweetness, and the spirit of the season. What are your favourite sweet and simple holiday recipes? Find us on Facebook or Instagram and let us know!

 

 

From thoughtful gifts to epic eats, from play to going away, Westshore Town Centre offers something for the entire (read: busy!) family. Situated in the City of Langford, Westshore Town Centre’s convenient location, along with numerous retailers, such as Bulk Barn, Dollarama and Shoppers Drug Mart allows for the quick and easy completion of one’s daily “to do” list, including getting everything you need to try a new recipe. We’ve got you covered.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on everything WTC-related!