Classic Christmas Cake
A rich and festive Christmas cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of whisky, perfect for the holiday season. A traditional treat to enjoy throughout the festivities!
Equipment
- 23 cm loose-bottomed cake tin
- greaseproof paper
- String
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Sifter
- Skewer
Ingredients
- 225 g raisins
- 125 g prunes stoned and chopped
- 225 g sultanas
- 225 g currants
- 225 g dried cranberries
- 60 g glacé cherries rinsed and chopped
- 60 g mixed peel
- 4 tbsp blended whisky
- 2 oranges juice and zest
- 275 g unsalted butter
- 275 g light soft brown sugar
- 5 eggs
- 275 g plain flour
- 1 tbsp black treacle
- 60 g almonds chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- ½ tsp nutmeg grated
- 3 tbsp apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 140°C (Gas mark 1).
- Grease and double line a 23 cm loose-bottomed cake tin with greaseproof paper.
- Wrap a double layer of brown paper around the outside of the cake tin and secure it with string to prevent the cake from burning on the outside.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a tablespoon of flour to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Mix in the treacle.
- Sift the flour, mixed spice, and nutmeg together.
- Add about 2 tbsp of the flour mixture to the dried fruit and stir to coat.
- Fold the remaining flour and spice into the egg mixture.
- Add the fruits and chopped almonds to the cake mix and fold in gently.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin, making a slight dip in the center.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 4 to 4 ½ hours.
- After 2 hours, check the cake; if it looks too dark, cover it with a greaseproof paper disc and continue baking until the cake is firm to the touch and well-colored.
- Check the cake is cooked by inserting a skewer into the middle.
- It should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin.
- When fully cooled, wrap the cake in greaseproof paper and foil, and store in a dry place.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Serving Tip:
This cake can be decorated with marzipan and royal icing for a more festive look. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine, like a Sauternes, or a rich mulled wine to complement the rich flavors of the cake.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450 kcal | Carbohydrates: 65 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 20 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 50 g | Salt: 0.3 mg
