Irresistible Classic British Christmas Cake Recipe

The rich aroma of a Classic British Christmas Cake wafts through the air, promising a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine biting into a moist, spiced fruitcake generously studded with plump raisins, zesty currants, and crunchy nuts, all encased in a beautifully adorned layer of marzipan and icing. gourmet charcuterie ideas It’s like Christmas in your mouth!

As you gather around the table with loved ones during the festive season, this cake becomes more than just dessert; it’s a cherished tradition filled with memories. Picture yourself slicing into this beauty while laughter fills the room, creating moments that will warm your heart long after the last crumb has disappeared.

Ingredients for Classic British Christmas Cake

For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Poppy Seed Cake recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Mixed Dried Fruits: A combination of raisins, currants, and sultanas gives the cake its signature sweetness and texture.
• Glazed Cherries: These add vibrant color and a sweet burst of flavor that brightens up each slice.
• Nuts: Chopped almonds or walnuts provide crunch and contrast against the soft fruitcake.
• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that classic festive aroma that fills your home.
• Unsalted Butter: Using high-quality butter ensures a rich flavor and moist texture in your cake.
• Dark Brown Sugar: This adds depth of flavor with its molasses undertones, perfect for holiday baking. For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
• Eggs: They bind the ingredients together while adding richness to the cake’s texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cake while allowing all those delightful flavors to shine.
• Marzipan: A layer of marzipan adds an almondy sweetness that complements the fruits perfectly.
• Icing Sugar: For covering the cake in a beautiful layer of icing that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Classic British Christmas Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruit

Start by soaking your mixed dried fruits in your favorite liquor—brandy or rum work wonders—for at least eight hours or overnight. This step infuses them with flavor and ensures they stay moist during baking.

Step 2: Mix Your Batter

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time before folding in sifted flour and spices until no dry lumps remain.

Step 3: Add Fruits & Nuts

Gently fold in your soaked fruits along with chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake light yet dense enough to hold all those fabulous add-ins!

Step 4: Bake It Right

Pour the mixture into a prepared round cake tin lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately two hours or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. quick and easy fudge If it browns too quickly on top, cover it lightly with foil.

Step 5: Cool Down & Decorate

Allow your cake to cool completely in its tin before turning it out onto a wire rack. Once cooled, apply a thin layer of marzipan followed by icing for an elegant finish that screams holiday cheer!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Slice this festive delight with family and friends! Consider pairing it with some cheese or serving it alongside hot beverages for an even cozier experience.

This Classic British Christmas Cake will not only become a staple in your holiday repertoire but also create memories that linger long after you’ve devoured every scrumptious bite! delicious holiday cookies.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your dried fruit mixture overnight to let those flavors mingle. When ready, cream the butter and sugar, then gradually add eggs. Finally, fold in the flour and fruit mixture for a well-blended batter.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out fruits based on personal preferences or what’s in your pantry. You could add chopped nuts for crunch or a splash of whiskey for an extra kick! The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Classic British Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it moist. If you want to reheat it, do so gently in the oven at low heat to maintain its texture without drying it out.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays, where we would laugh and bake together, creating cakes that filled our home with joy and warmth.

FAQs:

What is a Classic British Christmas Cake?

A Classic British Christmas Cake is a rich, fruit-laden cake traditionally enjoyed during the festive season in the UK. It usually features a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often soaked in alcohol for enhanced flavor. The cake is typically covered with marzipan and royal icing, making it visually appealing for holiday celebrations. It can be made weeks in advance and improves in flavor over time as it matures. This cake is often served at Christmas gatherings and is a cherished part of British holiday traditions.

How do you store a Classic British Christmas Cake?

To keep your Classic British Christmas Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Wrap the cake tightly in parchment paper before placing it in the container to prevent air exposure. If you soak the cake with alcohol, it can last longer due to the preservative qualities of spirits like rum or brandy. For extended storage, consider freezing the cake after wrapping it well in plastic wrap and foil. Defrost it at room temperature when ready to enjoy again.

Can I make a Classic British Christmas Cake without alcohol?

Yes, you can create a delicious Classic British Christmas Cake without alcohol if you prefer. Instead of soaking the fruits in spirits, use fruit juice or tea for soaking to infuse moisture and flavor into the cake. Make sure to adjust your recipe accordingly by adding extra liquid to maintain the right consistency. spiced pumpkin roll recipe The resulting cake will still be rich and flavorful without any alcohol content, making it suitable for all ages.

How long does a Classic British Christmas Cake last?

A well-stored Classic British Christmas Cake can last several weeks or even months if properly wrapped and kept cool. When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it remains fresh for about 2-3 weeks. If you have soaked it with alcohol, its shelf life extends significantly due to the preservative properties of spirits. If frozen, the cake can last up to a year while retaining its taste and texture.

Conclusion for Classic British Christmas Cake:

In summary, the Classic British Christmas Cake stands out as a festive staple filled with rich flavors from dried fruits and spices. Its ability to be made ahead of time makes it convenient for holiday preparations. Whether enjoyed on its own or adorned with marzipan and icing, this cake delivers joy during celebrations. Following proper storage methods enhances its longevity and taste, ensuring that each slice remains delightful throughout the festive season.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Classic British Christmas Cake

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• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a Classic British Christmas Cake, a festive fruitcake filled with rich dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and aromatic spices. Adorned with a layer of marzipan and icing, this cake is not only a treat but also a centerpiece for holiday traditions. Perfect for gatherings or as a thoughtful gift, each slice promises to create cherished memories.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 1 cup glazed cherries, halved
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup marzipan
• 2 cups icing sugar

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Instructions

1. Soak mixed dried fruits in brandy or rum for at least eight hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C). Cream together the butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Fold in sifted flour and spices until smooth. Gently add soaked fruits and nuts without overmixing.
4. Pour the batter into a lined round cake tin and bake for about two hours or until a skewer comes out clean.
5. Cool completely before applying a thin layer of marzipan followed by icing.
6. Slice and serve with cheese or hot beverages.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg