Holiday Baking

Little treats for the cold, grey months

Author

Abby Kacen
November 28, 2024

I love baking for the holidays, y’all. Today is Thanksgiving, and I’m not making a single thing for the first time in years. Why? Because we’re moving back to Georgia in two days. New job, big change, big emotions, all of my baking stuff is in boxes, etc. But this newsletter isn’t about that! I’m here to share some holiday bakes and recipes I want to try.

ORANGE & GINGER POMEGRANATE CAKE

  • 6 Tbs non-dairy butter

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup orange juice

  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk

  • 1 heaping Tbs flax seed + 2-3 Tbs warm water

  • 1 1/2 cup flour

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 2 tsp ground ginger

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

  2. Meanwhile, seed your pomegranate, placing the arils on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to remove some moisture. Then, generously grease an 8 or 9-inch cake pan with the non-dairy butter or cooking spray.

  3. Whisk together the flour, ginger, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

  4. Then, in a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Turn down the mixer and slowly add in the flax egg, non-dairy milk, and vanilla. Reduce to the lowest speed and gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until the batter is formed, free of lumps.

  5. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Then, spread the pomegranate arils on top of the batter and lightly press them into the cake. 

  6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at350°F. Then reduce to 325°F and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before cutting.

  7. It is best enjoyed fresh, but you may store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Other Goodies

Recipes To Try

If anyone else is watching Bake Off, can we all just say that Georgie should win? I empathize with her. She’s talented and determined but often loses confidence in herself. What does that say about me? Heh heh.

Best of luck to y’all in the holiday baking season! Baking can be so intimidating, but I love the trial and error, the precision, and, of course, making a bunch of tasty treats for everyone. Stay warm + safe! ❤️