Christmas is just around the corner, and nothing captures the festive spirit quite like a homemade Christmas cake. Packed with dried fruits, warming spices, and a hint of brandy, it’s a delicious tradition that fills your kitchen with cozy holiday aromas. Don’t worry if you’ve never made one before—this recipe is simple, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Traditional Christmas Cake
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Ingredients
- Dried fruits: A mix of raisins currants, sultanas, and chopped cherries (about 2 cups). Feel free to add dried cranberries or apricots for a twist.
- Zest and juice: From one orange and one lemon.
- Spices: Cinnamon nutmeg, and ground cloves for that holiday vibe.
- Cake essentials: Butter sugar, eggs, flour, and a splash of brandy or rum.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Fruits
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Soak your dried fruits in brandy or orange juice overnight. This step ensures the fruits are plump and infused with flavor. If you’re short on time, a quick soak for a few hours works too.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
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Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour and spices. Add the soaked fruits and citrus zest, mixing gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake with Care
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a deep cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are also covered to prevent over-browning. Pour in the batter, level the top, and bake for 2-3 hours. The cake is done when a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Feed the Cake
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Once baked, let the cake cool completely. For extra flavor, “feed” the cake by brushing it with a little brandy every week until Christmas. Wrap it tightly in parchment and foil to keep it moist.
Step 5: Decorate Your Cake (Optional)
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Closer to Christmas, cover your cake with marzipan and a layer of royal icing. Decorate with festive touches like silver balls, ribbon, or even a little holly sprig.
