Holiday Baking: Cakes and Breads Edition

Step into the enchanting realm of holiday baking, where the delightful scents and tastes of freshly baked cakes and breads come alive. Whether you're a novice baker or an enthusiast seeking to elevate your culinary prowess, we've got invaluable baking advice and irresistible recipes to guide you. Craft exquisite homemade confections that will astound your loved ones and forge unforgettable memories to be cherished forever.

Piece of Cake Baking Tips

  • Have the eggs and butter at room temperature 
  • Preheat the oven so when the cake goes in it’s hot enough and doesn't affect the way the cake rises
  • Measure ingredients carefully- remember baking is a science
  • Add air and volume to the cake by creaming together sugar and butter until the mixture lightens in color 
  • Sift flour and other ingredients like baking powder or soda together to mix, add air and make them easier to fold in
  • Mix lightly or whisk gently when folding in ingredients in so you don’t wind up with a heavy cake
  • Pour cake batter into a prepared pan immediately upon thorough mixing, and place right into the preheated oven since the rising agent will begin to react upon contact with the wet ingredients 
  • Check the cake shortly before the end of the cooking time
  • Cake is done when a cake tester, skewer or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
  • Follow recipe instructions for cooling
Cake with gingerbread men on side

Gingerbread Layer Cake

Warm cinnamon, fiery ginger, and sweet molasses evoke nostalgic feelings of holiday sweet treats. In this delightful recipe from Farm Flavor, these ingredients unite to form a whimsical yet scrumptious layer cake, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The addition of miniature gingerbread men and crumbled gingersnaps lend an extra sprinkle of festivity.

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Eggnog Bundt Cake

Farm Flavor presents a moist cake that draws its delightful richness from a traditional holiday favorite - eggnog. Infused with the smooth flavor of bourbon and topped off with a sweet eggnog glaze, this cake is a decadent masterpiece. Not only does it make the perfect finale to any holiday feast, but it also brings a sense of warmth and cheer, encapsulating the true spirit of the festive season in every bite.

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Orange Scented Olive Oil Cake

This recipe brings together the rich, fruity notes of olive oil with the refreshing zest of oranges to create a moist, luscious cake that is both simple and sophisticated. The essence of candied oranges permeates the cake, providing a sweet yet tangy flavor that is perfectly balanced by the depth of the olive oil. The final touch of sea salt sprinkled on top not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a delightful crunch.

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Quick Bread Basics

Perfect for gift giving, quick breads are like the name implies ... quick! There’s no yeast needed, no long rising times, and little to no kneading, thanks to leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder. Making a quick bread involves just a couple steps and a couple bowls. The secret to making light and tender quick breads is thoroughly mixing the dry ingredients in one bowl, the wet ingredients in a second bowl, and then combining them, mixing just only until the dry ingredients are moistened.The batter should have some small lumps. Avoid over mixing or you’ll wind up with dry, tough bread. Other tips include: 


  • Gently stir in nuts, dried fruit or chocolate chips if adding near the end of mixing
  • Grease and flour loaf pans, and fill about ½ full
  • Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
  • Check the bread 15 minutes before the baking time is completed, and cover bread with foil if browning too quickly
  • Cool in loaf pan 5-10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to complete cooling


Banana bread and cornbread are the most popular quick breads, and while often sweet, quick breads can also be savory like beer bread. There are so many delicious flavor possibilities that you can create with the addition of spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, cheeses and more! 

Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread

McCormick's banana bread, infused with the warm and inviting aroma of cinnamon, is a fantastic treat that you'll find hard to resist. Its delightful texture, wonderfully moist yet punctuated with a satisfying crunch, makes every bite a pleasure. This bread is not just a dish; it's an experience, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to a holiday brunch or elevating your Christmas morning breakfast into something truly special.

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Gluten-Free Pear Bread

This delightful pear bread recipe, brought to you by Farm Flavor, is a testament that gluten-free doesn't mean taste-free. Packed with the wholesome goodness of pears and a symphony of complementary spices, this bread bursts with flavor in every bite.

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Cranberry Almond Bread

Experience an explosion of flavors with Ocean Spray's delightful creation, where tart cranberries and crunchy almonds come together in perfect harmony. Each bite promises a surprise, with dried cranberries and generous pieces of almonds studded throughout the loaf. A sweet almond glaze adds an extra layer of indulgence, beautifully balancing the tartness of the cranberries.

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Storing Baked Goods

  • Wrap quick breads in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks or in the freezer for 3 to 6 months
  • Unbaked pies fruit pies may be frozen up to 8 months and baked pies 1 to 2 months


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