Whether you are just starting out as an amateur cook or you have an entire list of successful warm oven cakes and desserts to your name, come winter and you will need every idea for comfort food. Be it your Christmas desserts, or just for a quiet night at home, these recipes will feel like a giant, warm hug when the weather turns cold.
Spiced Apple Cider Cake
Ingredients:
- 253 gm flour
- 204 gm sugar
- 105 gm butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp ginger
- 47 ml apple cider
Method:
- You have to first preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Next, you need to beat together sugar, butter, flour, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger.
- Then, to this semi-solid mixture, you have to add apple cider and give everything a good mix.
- Once you have combined everything well with a spoon, pour this batter into a baking tray, and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
To get the best out of this recipe, it is advisable to use fresh apple cider vinegar instead of store-bought, and an easy garnish of icing sugar and oatmeal for that extra crunch.
Cranberry Orange Cake
Ingredients:
- 252 gm flour
- 201 gm sugar
- 103 gm butter
- 3 eggs
- 25 gm cranberries
- 50 ml orange juice
- 2 tsp orange zest
Method:
- To begin this recipe, you have to first preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Then, you need to add together sugar, flour, eggs, butter, orange juice, orange zest and cranberries together.
- Next, you just need to transfer everything into a baking tray that has been greased, and bake it for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Viola! Your easy and delicious cake is ready with almost no effort.
It is perfect for winter evenings when you're craving good desserts to eat but are not in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen.
Chocolate Peppermint Lava Cake
This recipe will not just give you the necessary comfort during winter, but will also remind you of the freshness of summer and spring.
Ingredients:
- 202 gm flour
- 204 gm sugar
- 102 gm butter
- 2 eggs
- 3 tsps cocoa powder
- 2 tsp peppermint extract
- 70 gm chocolate chips
Method:
- For the first step, you have to preheat the oven to 220°C.
- Then, you need to combine sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and flour into a crumbly consistency.
- After this, press everything into little baking cups, and let everything bake for 15 to 17 minutes.
- Once done, your beautiful lava cakes with minty centers will be ready to dig in while still warm.
Maple Pecan Coffee Cupcake
Ingredients:
- 255 gm flour
- 152 gm sugar
- 104 gm butter
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp maple extract
- 57 gm chopped pecans
- 60 ml maple syrup
Method:
- For the first step, you need to preheat the oven to 190°C.
- While it is heating, you have to mix sugar, flour, eggs, butter, pecans and maple extract together.
- Next, you have to transfer this batter into a cupcake baking mould lined with cupcake liners, and a good amount of maple syrup before setting it to be for 40 to 45 minutes.
These recipes are not just perfect for the winter season, they can also double up as great dessert recipes for any time of the year. If you are looking to serve a large number of people, then it is advisable to prepare them in advance as all of these recipes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you are looking for a healthier twist to these recipes, you can add in some bits of nuts and fresh fruits and can also experiment with some fruits and seasonal berries for a nutrient-rich meal that is also super delicious. Winter doesn't only have to mean savory snacks and elaborate recipes during Christmas. These recipes will show you just how much more you can do with regular ingredients from your pantry and convert them into beautiful sweet treats. Here's to doing things differently - but the next time you feel the nip in the air when you wake up one morning, know you have these dishes to fall back on.