The Christmas cake is a traditional and beloved dessert that is typically made and enjoyed during the Christmas season. It is a rich and decadent fruitcake that is often filled with a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied citrus peel. The cake is typically infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, which give it a warm and festive flavour.
The preparation of a Christmas cake usually begins well in advance, as it requires a period of soaking the dried fruits in brandy or rum to enhance their flavours and ensure a moist texture. The soaked fruits are then mixed with a buttery batter containing flour, eggs, sugar, and sometimes ground almonds or other nuts.
Once the cake batter is prepared, it is baked slowly and at a low temperature to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its moisture. After baking, the Christmas cake is often decorated with a layer of marzipan or icing, which is then adorned with festive designs and decorations. Some people also like to add a final touch by dusting the cake with powdered sugar or adding edible embellishments like edible holly leaves or berries. The Christmas cake is typically served in small slices, enjoyed with a cup of tea or perhaps a glass of mulled wine, and shared with family and friends during the holiday season. It is a special treat that symbolises joy, togetherness, and the spirit of Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, mixed peel, etc.)
- 1 cup of glace cherries, halved
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1/4 cup of brandy or rum (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a round cake tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried fruit, cherries, and nuts. If using alcohol, pour it over the mixture and let it soak for a few hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. Fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until well combined.
- Add the dried fruit mixture to the cake batter and mix until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For added richness, you can occasionally brush the cooled cake with a little more brandy or rum.
- Once the cake is completely cool, you can decorate it as desired with icing, marzipan, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Christmas cake!
