Crafting the perfect and delish classic Christmas cake is the foremost favourite thing to do for all. The holiday season is synonymous with delightful aromas wafting through the kitchen, and nothing captures the essence of Christmas quite like a classic Christmas cake. Rich, moist, and bursting with festive flavours, this timeless treat is a centerpiece of holiday celebrations. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of creating your own delicious masterpiece from the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup ground almonds
• 3 tablespoons treacle or molasses
• 3 tablespoons brandy or dark rum
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or a mix)
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For the Soaking Syrup:
• ¼ cup brandy or dark rum
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruits:
• Add the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts together in a bowl.
• Pour the brandy or dark rum over the fruits and nuts.
• Allow the mixture to soak overnight or for at least a few hours, thereby allowing the fruits to absorb the flavours.
2. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin with parchment paper.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
• Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
• Stir in the ground almonds, treacle or molasses, brandy or dark rum, and orange marmalade.
• Finally, fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture until well blended.
4. Bake the Cake:
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
• Let the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing.
5. Make the Soaking Syrup:
• In a small saucepan, combine brandy or dark rum, orange juice, water, and granulated sugar.
• Simmer over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Allow the syrup to cool.
6. Finish the Cake:
• Once the cake is completely cooled, use a skewer to poke several holes in the top.
• Brush the soaking syrup over the cake, allowing it to absorb the flavours.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and let it mature for at least a week, ensure feeding it with additional syrup every few days.
Baking a classic Christmas cake is a labour of love, and the result is well worth the effort. This festive treat, with its rich blend of spices, fruits, and nuts, is a perfect way to bring warmth and joy to your holiday joy and feast. Share it with family and friends or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift — it’s a delicious embodiment of the holiday spirit.
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