Hey there! Can you believe it’s already almost New Year 2024? It’s that time of the year when we reflect on the past and look forward to the future. And what better way to celebrate than with some delicious baking recipes? In this article, I’ll be sharing some mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for ringing in the New Year in a sweet and satisfying way.
From decadent cakes to irresistible cookies, I’ve got you covered with a variety of recipes that will impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to make your New Year’s celebration extra special. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let’s dive into some amazing baking adventures together!
Contents
Chocolate Mint Cake Recipe
One of my personal favorite baking recipes for the New Year is a decadent chocolate mint cake. This rich and indulgent treat is perfect for any celebration, and it never fails to impress.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. Gather all your ingredients, which include:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups of granulated sugar
- ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons of baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
- 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup of butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- Green food coloring
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s well combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water while continuing to mix. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry, that’s normal!
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then divide the batter evenly between them. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve a lovely minty hue.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For a festive touch, you can even decorate the cake with some chocolate shavings or mint leaves.
Perfect Sugar Cookies
When it comes to celebrating the New Year, one of my favorite baking recipes is the classic sugar cookie. These delicious treats are not only incredibly versatile but also a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party or simply treating yourself to a sweet treat, sugar cookies are the perfect choice.
To make the perfect sugar cookies, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let me guide you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious sugar cookies:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix as it can result in tough cookies.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters in your desired shapes to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once your sugar cookies are completely cooled, you can get creative with the decorations. You can use royal icing, frosting, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to add a festive touch to these delightful treats.
Celebration Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting
When it comes to celebrating the New Year, there’s nothing quite like biting into a delightful cupcake. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these celebration cupcakes with buttercream frosting are sure to be a hit. The soft and moist cake paired with the creamy and sweet frosting create a perfect balance of flavors.
To make these delicious cupcakes, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the buttercream frosting, you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let’s get baking!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process creates a smooth and airy texture in the cupcakes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This will allow the cupcakes to rise and create a nice dome shape.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
To make the buttercream frosting:
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. This will ensure a smooth and fluffy frosting.
Caramel Apple Pie
When it comes to New Year baking recipes, one cannot overlook the classic and comforting flavors of a caramel apple pie. This timeless dessert is perfect for warming up during the winter months and indulging in a sweet treat. With the combination of tart apples, luscious caramel, and flaky crust, caramel apple pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To make this delicious dessert, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 5-6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
- 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to baking your own caramel apple pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Line a 9-inch pie dish with one of the pie crusts. Pour the apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple filling. This will add a delightful caramel flavor to every bite.
- With the second pie crust, create a lattice top or a solid crust. Place the crust over the filling and trim any excess dough. Crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Optional: Brush the crust with an egg wash made by beating an egg with a tablespoon of water. This will give the pie a golden-brown finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake it in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set and make it easier to slice.
Conclusion
With the arrival of the new year, it’s the perfect time to try out some delicious baking recipes. In this article, I shared a classic and comforting dessert recipe: caramel apple pie.
By following the step-by-step instructions and using the recommended ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering pie that will impress your family and friends. The golden-brown crust and the irresistible caramel flavor will make this dessert a favorite at any gathering.
Remember to allow the pie to cool before serving, as this will ensure that the flavors are perfectly balanced. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this caramel apple pie is a must-try recipe for the new year.
I hope you enjoyed exploring this baking recipe and that it inspires you to get creative in the kitchen. Happy baking and cheers to a delicious new year ahead!
What are the ingredients needed for caramel apple pie?
For the caramel apple pie recipe, you will need 2 ready-made pie crusts, 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
How do I make a golden-brown crust for the pie?
To create a golden-brown crust for your caramel apple pie, brush the top crust with beaten egg before baking. This will give it a beautiful shine and color.
Can I make the pie without the caramel?
Yes, you can make a traditional apple pie by omitting the caramel. The pie will still be delicious with the sweet and tangy flavors of the apples.
How long does the pie need to cool before serving?
After baking, allow the caramel apple pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 4 hours. This will give the pie filling enough time to set and make it easier to slice and serve.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the caramel apple pie ahead of time. After it has cooled, store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.