Christmas Cake

Why Make This Christmas Cake

There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked Christmas cake wafting through your home. This delightful cake brings warmth and joy during the holiday season, making it a cherished recipe for many families. With its rich flavors and lovely aroma, it embodies the spirit of Christmas. The combination of mixed dried fruits, warming spices, and a buttery cake base creates a treat that not only tastes fantastic but also looks festive on any holiday table. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering or as a sweet treat for your loved ones, this Christmas cake is sure to make the season brighter.

How to Make Christmas Cake

Making Christmas cake is an enjoyable process that brings out the holiday spirit! You’ll start by creaming the unsalted butter and sugar, which helps create a light and fluffy texture. The eggs give structure and richness, while the mix of dried fruits adds a burst of sweetness and chewiness to every bite. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smooth batter, preventing any lumps. Finally, allow the cake to bake until it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Once cooled, you can decorate it however you wish—perhaps with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a warm glaze for extra flair!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is combined.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor.
5. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
7. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before decorating and serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 slice, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 250
• Total fat: 12g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.

How to Serve Christmas Cake

This Christmas cake is perfect for serving during holiday gatherings, office parties, or even as a cozy dessert after dinner with a warm cup of tea. Slice it into generous pieces and consider pairing it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra festive touch, you can garnish each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or some fresh fruit.

How to Store Christmas Cake

To keep your Christmas cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will last well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cake

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature; it incorporates better with the sugar.
• For a richer flavor, brown the butter slightly before mixing it with sugar.
• Don’t skip sifting; it helps the baking powder activate properly.
• Experiment with different dried fruits like dates or apricots for unique flavors.
• Feel free to add nuts or spices like clove and ginger for additional warmth.

Delicious Variations

• Spiced Orange Cake: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
• Nutty Christmas Cake: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Chocolate Variant: Mix in chocolate chips for a delightful surprise with every bite.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes, making it a day or two ahead enhances the flavor. Just store it properly to keep it fresh.

• What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
  You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

• How can I tell when the cake is done?
  Insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is done.

Conclusion

This Christmas cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. Its warm flavors and festive appearance make it an instant classic. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at baking this delicious cake and share the joyous spirit of Christmas. Get into the holiday mood with every slice you serve, and be sure to let us know how it turns out in the comments! Happy baking!

Christmas Cake

This delightful Christmas cake brings warmth and joy to the holiday season with its rich flavors, mixed dried fruits, and festive aroma.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Baked Goods, Dessert

Cuisine: Holiday, International

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter At room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruits and Add-ins

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, etc.)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is combined.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract for an extra touch of flavor.

Mixing

1. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before decorating and serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the butter slightly before mixing with sugar. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months.