Christmas Cake Using Mixed Fruit

Liam Oliver Theodore

2 min read

·

21-11-2024

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The aroma of warm spices and sweet fruitcake is synonymous with Christmas celebrations across many cultures. This year, ditch the store-bought version and try your hand at a homemade Christmas cake brimming with mixed fruit. It's a rewarding project that will fill your home with festive cheer and impress your loved ones.

A Recipe for Festive Memories

This recipe provides a classic approach to making a delicious mixed fruit Christmas cake, focusing on achieving a moist, flavorful result.

Ingredients:

• For the Fruit:
  • 225g mixed dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, currants, cranberries, cherries – feel free to experiment with your preferred mix!)
  • 115g glacé cherries, halved
  • 115g candied peel, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp mixed spice
  • 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
• For the Cake:
  • 225g softened unsalted butter
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits, glacé cherries, candied peel, mixed spice, brandy (if using), and orange juice. Mix well and set aside to allow the fruit to soak up the liquid for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for a moist cake.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done using an electric mixer.
3. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add the Fruit: Stir in the soaked fruit, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and lined 20cm round cake tin. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F/Gas Mark 2) for approximately 2.5-3 hours. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success:

• Soaking the Fruit: This is paramount for a moist cake. The longer you soak the fruit, the better.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to check if the cake is fully baked. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a little longer.
• Storage: Once cooled, store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

A Festive Tradition

Making a Christmas cake is more than just baking; it's a tradition that brings families together and creates lasting memories. This year, embrace the joy of baking and create a festive masterpiece that will be the centerpiece of your Christmas celebrations. Enjoy!