Holiday Advent Calendar: Day 3 | Seasonal Sweets

Day 3 | Seasonal Sweets The usual holiday baking from scratch is completely out the window for us here. The twins have just turned three months old, and are in full growth-spurt swing, leaving very small pockets of time to get anything done between feeding them. And feeding them again. And again. How in the world are you hungry again?

Trader Joe's Ginger Cake and Bread Mix

Trader Joe‘s to the rescue, with their Gingerbread Cake and Baking Mix. Simple, delicious, and something I could do with the Big Sister while her brothers were (all too briefly) napping. 2 boxes were needed to fill a bundt pan, and the bake time then became 55 minutes or so at 350 F. Moon loves helping cook, and the reminder that babies don’t get to eat cake doesn’t hurt either when the twins are commanding so much time and attention.
Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Cake and Baking Mix | $2.49 / 14 oz box

Buche du Noel with um, lovely model

If the thought of even a baking mix seems like too much, Trader Joe’s has France’s favorite holiday treat in their freezer case — Buche de Noël (Yule Log). Thin slices of chocolate cake, surrounded by chocolate mouse, covered in a thin layer of chocolate and made to look like a log. Dusted with powdered sugar snow and meringue mushrooms, it is a sugar-filled seasonal treat you won’t want to miss.
Trader Joe’s Buche de Noël | $8.99 / 19 oz frozen cake

And of course, those wanting something local and more portable shouldn’t miss the holiday cupcakes at Cupcake Royale. Flavors like Egg Nog, Candycane, and even a Figgy Pudding cupcake with brandied chocolate buttercream (!) beg to be tried. Check out the Cupcake Royale blog for all the delicious details.
Cupcake Royale Holiday Cakes | $2.75 / cupcake

Can’t get enough sweets? Be sure to check out Cakespy, where there is always something new and delicious to tempt you with.

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