We are so pleased to share the authentic, handwritten recipes that are staples for the Alls family every Christmas. From the warmth of Christmas Eve to the joyful morning rush, these three treats set the scene for celebration!



1. Christmas Eve Dessert: Jennifer's Old-Fashioned Coca-Cola Cake

Every Christmas Eve, the Alls family gathers to enjoy this rich, moist, and delightfully fudgy Coca-Cola Cake. This old Southern favorite is prepared specifically by the oldest of Malcolm’s daughters, a treasured tradition that ensures the cake is ready for sharing. The secret is pouring the warm frosting over the cake while it's still hot, creating an irresistible crackle and depth of flavor.

Coca-Cola Cake Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•  1 and 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

For the Frosting & Garnish:

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 3 Tbsp cocoa
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Cake Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch pan.
2. Combine the 1 cup Coca-Cola and 1 cup buttermilk; set aside.
3. Beat the 1/2 cup butter at low speed until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar; beat until blended. Add the eggs and 2 tsp vanilla. Beat at low speed until blended.
4. Combine the flour, 2 Tbsp cocoa, and baking soda. Add this dry mixture to the buttermilk mixture alternately with the cola mixture; begin and end with flour. Beat until just blended.
5. Stir in the  1 and  1/2 cups marshmallows. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 minutes.
6. Cool the baked cake for 10 minutes.
7. Prepare Frosting: While the cake is cooling, bring the 1/2 cup butter, 3 Tbsp cocoa, and 1 cup Coca-Cola to a boil in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
8. Remove from heat, whisk in the powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.
9. Finish: Pour the warm frosting over the warm cake. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Serve warm or cool.

2. The Comfort of Tradition: Alls Family Christmas Wassail Bowl

Alongside the cake, the Alls family fills the house with the unforgettable aroma of Christmas Wassail. This spiced cider is delicious and comforting, whether served plain or with a festive nip!

This recipe is delicious and warming even without the liquor, but for those enjoying a celebratory holiday libation, the addition of the spirits is the perfect finishing touch!

Wassail Bowl Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple cider
• 6 oranges
• Whole cloves (lots)
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 10 - 2-inch cinnamon sticks
• Liquor (Optional): 2 cups vodka and 1/4 cup brandy

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Oranges: Preheat the oven to $350. Put lots of whole cloves into the 6 oranges. Bake the oranges for 30 minutes.
2. Heat Cider: Heat the cider in a stockpot until bubbles form around the ground edge (do not boil rapidly).
3. Combine Spices & Fruit: Remove the cider from the heat. Add the 1/2 cup lemon juice, 10 cinnamon sticks, and the baked oranges.
4. Simmer: Put the pot on very low heat, covered, for about 30 minutes to allow the spices and fruit to infuse into the cider.
5. Serve: Add the liquor (if desired). Pour into a punch bowl and serve warm. Voilà!

3. Christmas Morning Joy: Aunt Marilyn’s Sticky Buns

The secret to a relaxed and delicious Christmas morning lies in the prep work done the night before! Aunt Marilyn’s Morning Sticky Buns are the treats that are prepared on Christmas Eve and baked while the family is opening gifts on Christmas Day. The sweet, buttery aroma is the ultimate sign that Christmas has arrived.

Aunt Marilyn’s Sticky Buns Ingredients

• 13x9 Baking Dish
• 1 package Frozen Dough Rolls (found in frozen section of store)
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 Box of Butterscotch Pudding
• Cinnamon (to taste)
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
• 6 Tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions (Prep - Christmas Eve)

1. Prepare Pan: Grease the 13x9-inch pan with butter. Sprinkle the chopped pecans ( ½ cup) on the bottom of the pan.
2. Place Rolls: Place the frozen dough rolls on top of the nuts.
3. Add Topping: Mix together the brown sugar (1/2 cup), pudding and cinnamon (to taste) in a bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Finish Prep: Pour the 6 tablespoons of melted butter on top.
5. Overnight Rise: Cover the pan and leave on the countertop overnight. The frozen rolls will thaw and rise.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Bake - Christmas Day)

1. Preheat: In the AM, preheat the oven to 350
2. Bake: Cook for 15 minutes uncovered, and then cook for an additional 15 minutes covered (Total bake time 30 minutes).
3. Invert: Let cool briefly, then place a serving platter over the pan and carefully flip the entire thing over. Lift the pan, allowing the gooey topping to flow over the buns. Enjoy while opening gifts!

From our family at Alls Real Estate to yours, we hope these cherished recipes bring warmth and delicious memories to your holiday season!