why make this recipe
The Christmas Cake is a delightful treat that celebrates the joy of the holiday season. Its rich flavors, filled with dried fruits and nuts, make it a perfect dessert for gatherings with family and friends. This cake becomes even better over time, which means you can prepare it ahead of the festivities. Its festive appearance and delicious taste can bring warmth and cheer to your holiday celebrations, making it a must-try recipe.
how to make The Christmas Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried fruits and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy!
how to serve The Christmas Cake
Serve The Christmas Cake on a nice platter. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a festive look. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. You may also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat.
how to store The Christmas Cake
To store your Christmas Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for longer freshness. If stored properly, it can last for a week or even longer!
tips to make The Christmas Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- For enhanced flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in a bit of rum or juice for a few hours before adding them to the batter.
- To ensure even baking, check your cake about 10 minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Feel free to customize the mix of dried fruits based on your taste.
variation
You can add a bit of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor. Some people like to include chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! The Christmas Cake actually tastes better after a few days as the flavors have time to develop. You can make it a week in advance.
Q: Can I freeze The Christmas Cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Q: What kind of dried fruits can I use?
A: You can use a mix of raisins, currants, cranberries, apricots, or any other dried fruits you enjoy!
The Christmas Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 0.5 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the dried fruits and walnuts.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving
- Serve The Christmas Cake on a nice platter, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an extra treat.
