Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about the aroma of baking wafting through the house, isn’t there? This *simple Christmas cake* is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when the weather turns chilly. I remember the first time I made it for my family gathering—everyone raved about how moist and flavorful it was! The blend of dried fruits and a hint of cinnamon really makes it festive. It’s such a joy to see their faces light up when they take that first bite. Trust me, this cake not only tastes delightful, but it also fills the room with warmth and holiday cheer, making it the perfect treat for any celebration!
Ingredients List
Now, let’s gather our ingredients! This simple Christmas cake comes together with just a handful of items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g all-purpose flour – this is the base of our cake.
- 150g sugar – for that sweet, delightful flavor.
- 100g butter, softened – it helps make the cake moist and rich.
- 3 eggs – they add structure and a lovely texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder – our rising agent, ensuring a fluffy cake.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – because everything’s better with a hint of vanilla!
- 100g mixed dried fruits – I love using a mix of raisins, currants, and sultanas for variety.
- 50g almonds, chopped – they add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon – just a touch for that warm, festive aroma.
Make sure to measure carefully, and you’ll be on your way to creating this beautiful cake!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and start baking this delightful cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious *simple Christmas cake* in no time!
Preheat and Cream
First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is super important because it ensures our cake bakes evenly and rises perfectly! While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but trust me, it’s worth it! You want to incorporate air into the mixture, which is key for that lovely texture we’re after.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps them blend smoothly into the buttery goodness. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly—this little step adds so much flavor!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Make sure they are well combined. Then, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do it in thirds, gently folding it in so it stays light and airy. Don’t rush this part!
Incorporate Fruits and Nuts
Now it’s time for the fun part! Fold in those mixed dried fruits and chopped almonds gently into the batter. This way, you’ll ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake without overmixing, which can make it dense.
Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—let it cool before you slice into it and enjoy that festive flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *simple Christmas cake* is a true gem for the holiday season, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick preparation: You can whip this cake up in no time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Easy to make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can feel like pros in the kitchen.
- Festive flavors: The combination of dried fruits and a hint of cinnamon makes every bite taste like Christmas!
- Perfect for gatherings: Slice it up and serve—this cake is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
- Great storage: It keeps well, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the holiday season.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it your own!
I promise, this cake will not only be a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your *simple Christmas cake* turns out perfectly every time? I’ve got you covered with some tried-and-true tips that I always keep in mind when baking this delightful treat!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates that lovely fluffy texture in the cake.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients carefully is key! I like to use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be tricky! I recommend using an oven thermometer to ensure it’s actually at 180°C (350°F). If it runs hot or cold, it can affect your cake’s rise and baking time.
- Don’t overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and airy!
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart and helps maintain its shape.
- Decorate as desired: Once cooled, feel free to dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. It adds that festive flair to your cake!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking a stunning and delicious cake that’s sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional content of this *simple Christmas cake*? Here’s a handy estimate per serving (that’s one slice of deliciousness!):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But it’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying, especially during the festive season! So go ahead, indulge a little, and share this delightful cake with your loved ones!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries I get about this *simple Christmas cake* along with my answers to help you out.
Can I substitute the dried fruits?
Absolutely! You can mix it up with your favorite dried fruits. If you prefer cranberries, apricots, or even some tropical options like mango, go for it! The key is to keep the total weight similar to the original recipe.
How do I store the cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay delicious for about a week. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You bet! This cake is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it often tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors have time to meld together. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after it cools and keep it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! You can freeze this *simple Christmas cake* for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, and it’ll taste as good as fresh!
What if my cake doesn’t rise?
If your cake doesn’t rise, it could be due to a few things. First, check that your baking powder is fresh—old baking powder can lose its potency. Also, make sure you didn’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, you can! If you want a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour. Just note that it might give the cake a slightly denser texture, but it’ll still be delicious!
I hope these answers help you on your baking journey! If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your *simple Christmas cake*, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing it properly will help keep it fresh and delicious for days to come. Here’s how to do it:
- Airtight container: Make sure to store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. It should stay fresh for about a week!
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate the cake. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving, as it tastes best that way!
- Freezing: If you’ve got more cake than you can handle, feel free to freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
As for reheating, this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like it a bit warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might end up with a dry piece instead of that moist, delectable treat you love!
Print
simple christmas cake: 7 joyful bites for festive cheer
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Christmas cake that is easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g butter, softened
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 100g mixed dried fruits
- 50g almonds, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the dried fruits and almonds.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or powdered sugar.
- Best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: simple christmas cake
