Description
A rich, moist cake filled with dried fruits and spices, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. Traditionally enjoyed at Christmas, this cake can be decorated with marzipan and royal icing for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup glace cherries, halved
- ¼ cup chopped almonds (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup brandy (plus extra for brushing)
- For Decorating (Optional):
- Marzipan or fondant icing
- Royal icing
- Edible decorations (like holly leaves, silver balls, or snowflakes)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Cream butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Fold in orange and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and spices. Gradually fold into the butter mixture.
- Add Fruits and Nuts:
- Stir in dried fruits, cranberries, candied peel, glace cherries, almonds, and brandy.
- Bake the Cake:
- Spoon batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and Store:
- Cool completely in the tin. Brush with extra brandy, then wrap in parchment and foil. Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Optional Decoration:
- Cover with marzipan or fondant icing, then royal icing and decorate as desired.
Notes
Allowing the cake to age improves flavor. Brush with brandy periodically for added moisture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg