White Chocolate Mocha Pound Cakes are the sweetest way to say "Happy Holidays" to family and friends! This recipe makes 3 mini loaves, perfect for wrapping up and giving as a beautiful homemade gift that everyone will enjoy.
So... Did you "Gobble 'til you wobbled?" Did you "Shop 'til you dropped?" I didn't do much of either, but I am fully ready to get in the holiday spirit. Around here, that means baking! {I know, big surprise, right?}
While I technically bake all year long, there's something special about holiday baking. Maybe it's because many of the things that come out of my kitchen this time of year become tokens of appreciation for the long list of people who I want to show a little love to around the holidays. Between family, friends, neighbors and service providers, you might find that it's nearly impossible to buy gifts for everyone without spending a small fortune.
With just a few dollars worth of ingredients and a little time invested in the kitchen, you can easily whip up enough holiday treats for your whole list {plus a few extra for those "last minute" gifts you always need at the 11th hour!}. Who doesn't love some homemade goodies?
Here are a few tips for creating gorgeous edible gifts without breaking the bank {or breaking a sweat!}:
- The key to turning ordinary cookies, cakes and candy into beautiful edible gifts is packaging. Presentation is everything! Stock up on packaging essentials such as cellophane wrap, bags, individual ceramic baking pans and disposable boxes at the craft store when they go on sale and have them ready for holiday gifting.
- Choose a recipe that's easy to double or even triple for maximum gift-making efficiency. Hand-decorated cookies and cutouts are stunning, but I can assure you that you'll lose steam after the first dozen or so! Pick something that's appealing even if it's rustic.
- Buy quality ingredients! They may be a bit more expensive but they'll make a difference in the taste and outcome. Spring for the good butter, real extracts and high-quality flours like Bob's Red Mill and no one will be re-gifting your baked goods! 😉
- Consider food allergies and sensitivities. Have a batch gluten-free/nut-free/dairy-free options on hand for those who have special dietary needs. Bob's Red Mill has an astounding assortment of nut flours that you can use for delicious gluten-free recipes, or simply use their Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour to bake up treats anyone can enjoy.
- Embellish! This is the time to step up your decorating game. Buy pre-made gum paste decorations, festive sprinkles and decorative piping tips to help make your goodies picture perfect. {Take advantage of coupons and sales to get the best price on these as they can get expensive.}
Now all you need to do is bake! These petite White Chocolate Mocha Pound Cakes are a festive and delicious way to say "Happy Holidays" to everyone on your gift list!
Flavored with instant coffee granules, these pound cakes taste like a coffeehouse holiday beverage! The hint of white chocolate gives the pound cake a subtle sweetness without overpowering. Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Flour is the same type of high-protein flour used by pro bakers, resulting in great texture and is so versatile it can be used in any of your baked goods. A slice of this pound cake and a steamy cup of cocoa would make a sweet ending to any holiday gathering!
Get baking today and start crossing those names off your gift list! But first, grab a Bob's Red Mill coupon and save those pennies... you may even be able to buy a little something special for yourself!
What are your favorite homemade and DIY gifts to give to loved ones? I'd love to hear what you make!
White Chocolate Mocha Pound Cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick butter, slightly softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate about 3 squares from a white chocolate baking bar
- 1 ½ cups Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cups plain Greek yogurt {I used whole milk Greek yogurt}
For Icing
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons water or milk
- Optional: Coarse sanding sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare mini baking loaf pans (I used 3 5"x 3" ceramic loaf pans) by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add one egg at a time, beating after each addition.
- Add coffee granules and vanilla extract; mix until most of the crystals have dissolved, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in melted white chocolate until smooth.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
- Add half of the dry mixture to the wet mixture and mix until it just disappears.
- Add Greek yogurt and mix until just combined. Add remaining flour mixture and beat until just incorporated (do not over-mix).
- Pour ⅓ of the batter into each greased loaf pan. Place the loaf pans onto a baking pan (to catch leaks if they overflow), and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make Icing: Add a teaspoon of water to powdered sugar and mix. Slowly add in about ¼ teaspoon of additional water and stir until the icing reaches desired consistency. Set aside.
- When pound cakes are completely cool, drizzle with icing. While the icing is wet, sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar and adhere decorative embellishments if desired. Allow the icing to set before wrapping.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Deborah says
Normally I bridle at "sponsored" posts. But last year I used Bob's White Flour for the first time (I usually buy hand milled, organic, artisanal flours) and I haven't used anything else since then. And I never use anything but their metallic-free baking soda/powder. Will try...
thekitchenprep says
Hi Deborah, I agree that their flour is wonderful. I have many of their products in my pantry! Also, while sponsored posts do help me keep my blog running, know that I am extremely picky about the brands that choose to work with and really try to only post about those I truly enjoy or have a great idea for. I hope you'll try the pound cakes and that you like them! Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment.
billi says
how many eggs?