Rich and Flavourful Christmas Fruit Cake

Imagine a Christmas cake so perfect, I haven’t dared to tweak the recipe in 30 years! Every bite is a nostalgic journey back to the warmth and joy of family gatherings, the scent of spices filling the air, and the glow of holiday lights. Ready to discover the timeless secret behind this festive favorite?

As has been noted, this delicious baked Christmas cake has been the heart of my holiday celebrations for three decades. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition steeped in love and memories. Another key point is that the recipe has remained unchanged because it embodies perfection in every sense, bringing the essence of the holidays to life. Each year, as I prepare this cake, I’m reminded of the laughter, the shared stories, and the magic that makes the season special. Additionally, the simplicity of this recipe ensures that anyone can recreate it and make it their own holiday tradition. Accordingly, this cake continues to be a symbol of joy and togetherness in my home, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you.”

Rich, flavorful, and bursting with festive cheer, this cake is a symphony of classic holiday flavors. As has been noted, it’s a tradition that has brought joy to my family for decades, and now I’m thrilled to share it with you. Another key point is that this recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust it to suit your taste preferences—such as adding extra black currants, as I often do.

Additionally, this cake is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether it’s your first time baking a Christmas cake or you’re looking for a recipe to cherish for years to come, this is the one. Accordingly, by following this tried-and-true method, you’ll create a cake that not only delights the taste buds but also fills your celebrations with warmth and joy. Let’s bake some holiday magic together and create a tradition that will light up your celebrations for generations to come!”

Key ingredients in a fruit cake!

Dried fruits: raisins, currants, dates, and apricots are commonly used dried fruits in fruitcakes. They provide a chewy and fruity texture to the cake and add moisture too.

Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, are often added to provide a crunchy element and enhance the flavor. For me, nuts are a MUST in a fruit cake; otherwise, there’s nothing to cut through the dried fruit, which can sometimes be overwhelming (well, that’s me anyway).

Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are typical spices used in fruitcakes to add warmth and depth of flavor.

Alcohol: Some fruitcakes are soaked in alcohol, such as brandy, rum, or whiskey, which helps preserve the cake and adds a unique flavor. I have used the boiled fruit cake method, which doesn’t require a long aging or curing time.

Ingredients!

Step 1:

1 kg cake mix
1.5 kg black currants
Soak and rinse thoroughly. Leave in a large colander.
1 kg salted butter
500g brown sugar
600 ml room temperature water
Cook for 20 minutes on medium heat. Remove from heat and leave to cool. Allow to cool and add 1 tsp of bicarbonate of soda. Leave to cool completely before moving onto the next step.
Step 2:
500g almonds
250 g red and green glazed cherries
250 peel
Dark brown food coloring (totally optional)
Mix well
Step 3:
8 extra large eggs
2 x 45g mixed spice
1/2 cup cinnamon powder
3 cups of brandy
Combine well. Now add 2 cups of bread crumbs (unspiced breadcrumbs)
Mix really well, incorporating all ingredients.
Final step:
Now separate the mix into two quantities.
Using 4 cups of self-rising flour. Combine self-rising into the mix. Cover and set aside. Switch on the oven and butter the oven pans. Half fill the pans with the cake mix and bake. 25 minutes later, check in with a cake tester. It must be clean.
Please measure accordingly. This recipe is doubled. Enjoy!

Boiled Fruit Mixture!

When taking it out of the oven, you do this!

Allow the cake to cool in the cake pan, then run a thin knife around the edges of the cake tin to release the cake, and then turn it out onto a wire rack (right side up) to cool.

FAQ’S!

  • Can I make this Christmas cake ahead of time?
    Absolutely! This cake is even better when made in advance. You can bake it a few weeks before Christmas and store it in an airtight container. For added richness, brush it with a little brandy or fruit juice weekly to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Can I substitute alcohol in the recipe?
    Yes, you can substitute the alcohol with fruit juice, such as orange juice, to soak the dried fruits and maintain the cake’s moisture. It will still be delicious and perfect for those who prefer a non-alcoholic version.
  • How should I store the cake to keep it fresh?
    Wrap the cooled cake tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If made well in advance, you can refrigerate or freeze it for longer storage, ensuring it retains its freshness and flavor.

Thank you for popping by. 

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