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Traditional Christmas Cake


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 1 cake (serves about 12) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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