Easy Christmas Cake
Easy Christmas Cake: A Holiday Tradition
This Christmas cake is a rich, dark, and moist fruit cake that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for making your holiday season extra special. For a festive touch, try icing it with almond paste. This recipe is traditionally started in October or November, allowing the flavors to mellow perfectly in time for Christmas. I fondly remember my mother storing her fruit cake in an old butter churn that belonged to my grandmother and great-grandmother. Oh, how I wish I had that old crock today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our easy Christmas cake recipe is a straightforward, all-in-one method that results in a deliciously hearty fruit cake. Serving between 14-21 people, it takes about 3 hours to prepare and bake, but the effort is definitely worth it. With only 242 calories per slice, you can indulge guilt-free. This tried-and-tested recipe is a favorite in the GoodtoKnow kitchen. Once you master the base, you can decorate with fondant, marzipan, royal icing, or keep it simple with a drizzle of honey or apricot jam.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- 8x8x3 inch fruit cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Wax paper
- Toothpick
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) containers candied cherries
- 1 (8 ounce) container candied mixed citrus peel
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 cup dried currants
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 2 (2.25 ounce) packages blanched slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 6 eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 3/4 cup apple juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cherries, citrus peel, raisins, currants, dates, and almonds. Stir in brandy and let stand for 2 hours or overnight. Dredge the soaked fruit with 1/2 cup flour.
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease an 8x8x3 inch fruit cake pan, line with parchment paper, and grease again.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, baking soda, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter until light. Gradually blend in brown sugar and eggs.
- Mix together the molasses and apple juice. Beat into the butter mixture alternately with the flour mixture, making 4 dry and 3 liquid additions.
- Fold in the floured fruit and turn the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove from the pan and lift off the parchment paper. Cool the cake completely, then wrap it loosely in wax paper and store in an airtight container.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas cake is a success, make sure to soak the fruit mixture for the recommended time to allow the flavors to develop. Be patient during the baking process, as low and slow is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits and nuts to suit your taste. You can also add a splash of your favorite liqueur instead of brandy for a unique twist. For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or orange zest.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 242
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the brandy with orange juice or apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
How long does this cake last?
When stored in an airtight container, this cake can last up to a month. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
Can I freeze the Christmas cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to three months.
Conclusion
This Easy Christmas Cake is a delightful addition to your holiday festivities, rich with tradition and flavor. Give it a try and let the aromas of spices and fruits fill your home. We’d love to hear about your experience and any personal touches you add to this classic recipe. Share your stories and enjoy every slice of your homemade Christmas treat!
