There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Christmas cake wafting through the house during the festive season. This traditional recipe is a delightful combination of rich dried fruits, aromatic spices, and a hint of citrus zest, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. It’s not just a cake; it’s a cherished tradition that brings friends and family together around the table.
Picture this: a beautifully decorated cake, its layers packed with flavors that evoke the warmth of holiday gatherings. The moist texture and the beautiful blend of spices create a slice that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you enjoy it plain or adorned with marzipan and icing, this Christmas cake is sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.
The Ultimate Christmas Cake for Your Holiday Table
This Christmas cake is a rich and fruity dessert, featuring a blend of raisins, currants, and almonds, all bound together with a moist sponge. The addition of warming spices and a touch of brandy elevates the flavor, making it a truly festive treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a round cake tin with parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruits, nuts, brandy, and zests until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Decorate (Optional): Once completely cooled, you can decorate the cake with marzipan and fondant icing or simply dust it with powdered sugar before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
