Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and delicious treats, and no holiday table is complete without a beautifully baked Christmas cake. Packed with rich flavors, dried fruits, and festive spices, this cake is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday festivities. Follow this easy recipe to create a moist, flavorful Christmas cake that your family and friends will adore.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups (225g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
- ¾ cup (175g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, cranberries)
- ½ cup (75g) chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice (or brandy for extra richness)
For Decoration (Optional)
- Marzipan and fondant icing
- Edible decorations like gold stars or sugar snowflakes
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Soak the Fruits
- Combine the dried fruits and orange juice (or brandy) in a bowl. Let them soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a richer flavor.
3. Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and lemon zest.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
5. Add Fruits and Nuts
- Gently stir in the soaked fruits and chopped nuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate (Optional)
- Roll out marzipan and fondant icing to cover the cake. Smooth the icing over the cake and decorate with festive edible ornaments or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for a Perfect Christmas Cake
- Start Early: Christmas cakes taste better with time. Bake it a few weeks in advance and store it in an airtight container to let the flavors mature.
- Feed the Cake: For added richness, "feed" the cake with a teaspoon of brandy or orange juice every week.
- Get Creative: Personalize your cake with your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices to make it truly unique.
Conclusion
This Christmas cake recipe is the perfect blend of tradition and flavor, sure to bring holiday cheer to your table. Whether you keep it simple or go all out with decorations, this festive dessert will be a hit with everyone. Happy baking, and may your Christmas be as delightful as your cake! 🎄
