Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) orange juice
- 1 cup (240ml) dark rum or brandy (optional for soaking fruits)
- 1 ½ cups (225g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup (75g) chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts)
For Decoration:
- Marzipan or fondant
- Powdered sugar
- Candied cherries or nuts
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- Soak the mixed dried fruits in dark rum or brandy overnight for enhanced flavour. If skipping alcohol, use orange juice instead.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover the top with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before decorating.
4. Decorate the Cake:
- Roll out marzipan or fondant and cover the cake for a festive finish. Garnish with candied cherries, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Christmas fruit cake and serve as a center piece for your holiday table.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugars: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
Tips for Success:
- Soak the fruits for at least 24 hours for the best flavour.
- Use a combination of your favourite dried fruits and nuts to customize the cake.
- Store the cake wrapped in parchment paper and foil for up to a month to allow the flavours to mature.
Try this recipe today and share your experience in the comments below!
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