Introduction
While Christmas is still a few weeks away, it’s never too early to start preparing for the festive season, especially when it comes to baking a delightful Christmas cake. This article will guide you through a step-by-step process to create the most delicious Christmas cake you’ve ever tasted. Packed with fruit and soaked in cherry brandy, this cake is sure to be a showstopper at your holiday gatherings. So, let’s dive into the history, ingredients, tools, and tips to make this cake a perfect addition to your Christmas celebrations.
History and Origins of the Recipe
The tradition of baking a rich fruitcake for Christmas dates back centuries. It originated in Europe and was initially known as “plum porridge.” Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of dried fruits and spices, and it became a symbol of holiday indulgence. In the 18th century, it gained popularity in England, and the modern Christmas cake as we know it today began to take shape.
Tools, People, and Cooking Time
Before we get into the details of this recipe, let’s gather the necessary tools and understand how many people it serves and the cooking time involved.
Tools Needed:
- Large Pan
- 20 cm Cake Tin with Removable Base
- Baking Parchment
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Skewer
- Foil
- Airtight Container
Number of People:
This Christmas cake serves approximately 10-12 people.
Cooking Time:
- Initial baking: 45 minutes at 150°C (300°F).
- Further baking: 1 to 1.5 hours at 140°C (275°F).
- Feeding the cake: Weekly until a few days before decorating.
Ingredients and Possible Replacements
Now, let’s delve into the heart of the recipe—the ingredients and their possible replacements. This detailed list ensures you have everything you need:
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (175g) unsalted butter
- 1 packed cup (210g) light brown muscovado sugar
- 2 + 2/3 cups (400g) mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup (200g) glacé cherries roughly chopped
- 1 cup (100g) dried cranberries
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cherry brandy
- 1/2 cup (85g) ground almonds (coarsely ground – not the type that is like flour)
- 3 large eggs lightly whisked
- 1 + 2/3 cup (200g) plain/all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground mixed spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
Possible Replacements:
You can replace glace cherries with candied orange peel or candied ginger for a different flavor. Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or currants. Cherry brandy can be replaced with regular brandy or rum.
Click Next To Watch The Full Steps On Video
