Ah, the festive spirit of the holiday season is truly magical! There’s something so heartwarming about gathering with loved ones and sharing homemade treats, and my classic Christmas cake recipe is always a highlight on our table. Just the smell of spices and dried fruits baking in the oven fills the house with warmth and cheer. I remember the first time I made this cake; it was a family affair, with everyone pitching in to mix and taste as we went along. Trust me, the joy of slicing into a beautifully baked cake, revealing all those colorful fruits, is unmatched! This Christmas cake recipe is not just a treat; it’s a tradition that brings everyone together, making those holiday memories even sweeter. So, let’s dive into making something truly special for this season!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (like raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work wonderfully)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 325°F (160°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures even baking throughout the cake. You don’t want to put your cake in a cold oven and end up with unevenly cooked goodness. So, while you’re prepping your ingredients, let that oven do its thing!
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. I love using a whisk to mix everything together; it helps break up any lumps and evenly distributes the spices. This step is super important because it ensures that each slice of your Christmas cake is bursting with flavor!
Cream Butter and Sugar
Now, grab your mixing bowl and cream the softened butter with the packed brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this, but don’t skip the fluffiness! This is what gives your cake that lovely texture. Trust me, the right creaminess makes a world of difference!
Combine Wet Ingredients
One at a time, add the room temperature eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the fresh orange juice. This not only adds moisture but also a delightful citrusy zing to the cake. Make sure everything is well combined—smooth is the way to go!
Mix Everything Together
Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet bowl, stirring gently until just combined. Finally, fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix; we want a nice, uniform batter that will rise beautifully!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 1 hour. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, I promise!
Cooling and Storing
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is key for the flavors to settle. Store your Christmas cake in an airtight container at room temperature, or even better, wrap it up and let it sit for a week for the flavors to deepen—if you can wait that long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic that fills your home with the delightful aroma of spices and sweetness.
- Super easy to make—perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Packed with rich flavors from dried fruits and warm spices that scream holiday cheer.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen—just get ready for the compliments!
- Decorate it with icing or keep it simple; it looks beautiful either way.
- Each slice brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth, making it a true holiday favorite.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with my Christmas cake recipe, here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this helps it cream better with the sugar. If it’s too cold, you won’t get that fluffy texture we want. Next, don’t rush the mixing! Take your time when incorporating the eggs and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we definitely want it light and airy.
Also, consider using high-quality dried fruits and nuts—they really make a difference in flavor! If you can, let your cake rest for a few days before slicing; this helps the flavors meld beautifully. Lastly, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven can vary, so check for doneness a little early to avoid overbaking. Enjoy the process, and your cake will turn out fantastic!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used, so these numbers are approximate and not provided with precision. That said, here’s what you can typically expect per serving (1 slice):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy this festive treat in moderation, and remember, the love you put into baking makes every bite even sweeter!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While fresh fruits are delicious, they contain a lot of moisture and can affect the cake’s texture. I recommend sticking to dried fruits for this Christmas cake recipe to ensure the best flavor and structure.
How long can I store the Christmas cake?
You can store your Christmas cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Some people even say it tastes better after a few days as the flavors meld together—if you can resist slicing into it right away!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. Your Christmas cake will still be delicious!
What’s the best way to decorate my Christmas cake?
You can keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or go all out with festive icing and decorations! A classic marzipan layer underneath icing works beautifully too. It’s all about what makes you happy!
Can I add alcohol to the cake?
Of course! Adding a splash of brandy or rum can enhance the flavors even more. Just be mindful of the quantity, as too much liquid can affect the cake’s texture. A couple of tablespoons mixed with the dried fruits works wonders!
Christmas Cake Recipe: 7 Secrets for Joyful Baking
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Christmas cake recipe filled with dried fruits and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix dried fruits and nuts.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in orange juice and fruit-nut mixture.
- Pour into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be made a week in advance.
- Decorate with icing if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: christmas cake recipe
