Recipe Overview 🍽️
The Christmas Cake is a rich and spiced dessert, perfect for the holiday season. Topped with dried fruits and flavored with spices, it brings warmth and Christmas flavors to your table. This moist cake, , is a tradition in many cultures and is ideally enjoyed with coffee or spiced tea.
| Prep Time | Total | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Min | 3 Hr (including baking time) | 10 |
History of the Recipe ✍️
The Christmas Cake has its origins in European traditions, particularly in England, where it is known as “Christmas Cake” or “Fruitcake.” This recipe spread worldwide, with each culture adding local fruits, spices, and preservation techniques.
Ingredients 🛒
listed in the order of use in the procedure:
- 250 g softened butter
- 200 g brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 200 g raisins
- 150 g mixed candied fruits (cherries, orange peel, lemon)
- 100 g chopped almonds
- 100 ml orange juice or apple juice (substitute for alcohol)
- A pinch of salt
Steps (How to Make ) 🥣
- Prepare the fruits: Soak the raisins and candied fruits in orange juice or apple juice for at least an hour (ideally overnight for more flavor).
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Butter and flour a cake pan.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift the flour with baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt, then gently fold them into the mixture.
- Add the fruits: Add the soaked fruits and chopped almonds to the batter. Mix gently to evenly distribute the fruits.
- Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake the cake: Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, checking the doneness with a knife. Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
Chef Tips 👨🍳
- For an even more intense flavor, you can soak the cake in orange juice or apple juice after baking by pricking it with a fork and pouring the liquid over the top.
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and let it rest for a few days before serving so the flavors can develop fully.
Possible Variations 🎭
- Nutty Cake: Add pecans or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
- With Chocolate: Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Bake Time 🔥
Baking a Christmas Cake typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours at 160°C (320°F). This slow and steady baking process ensures that the cake is cooked evenly throughout, allowing the rich flavors of dried fruits, spices, and often a touch of brandy or rum to fully develop. The result is a moist, dense, and aromatic cake that embodies the festive spirit of the holiday season. Patience is key when baking a Christmas Cake, as the extended time in the oven helps to create its characteristic deep, complex flavor and tender crumb.
How to Store 🥡
How to Store the Christmas Cake
Store the cake wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil in a cool, dry place. It can also be stored in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life of the Christmas Cake
This cake keeps well for 2 weeks at room temperature or up to 1 month in the refrigerator. The flavors intensify over time.
Food and Drink Pairings 🥂
- Hot drinks: Perfect with black coffee, spiced tea, or hot chocolate.
- Festive drinks: Pair it spiced cider, or a glass of orange juice for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Presentation Suggestion 🍽️
Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive “snow” effect and decorate with candied cherries or orange zest. Serve in thin slices to appreciate the rich flavors.
Why It’s Healthy 💚
Dried fruits provide fiber and antioxidants, while almonds and spices are beneficial for digestion. This cake offers a healthier alternative to sweeter desserts by highlighting natural ingredients.
Nutritional Value (per serving) (1 slice).
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g