Ah, the holiday season! There’s just something magical about the smell of baked goods wafting through the house, isn’t there? I can still remember my grandmother whipping up her famous *simple Christmas cake* every year, and it truly became a cherished family tradition. This cake is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, which means more time for festive fun! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on its delightful taste and simplicity. Let’s dive into this joyful baking adventure!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delightful *simple Christmas cake*! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 200g mixed dried fruits, diced if large
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Make sure to measure everything out before you start—it’s a surefire way to avoid any last-minute scrambles! With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to a lovely festive treat.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious *simple Christmas cake*:
Preparing the Oven and Cake Tin
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This is super important because you want your cake to bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, take your cake tin and grease it with a bit of butter or oil to ensure nothing sticks later. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper for extra protection. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, throw in your softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer (or a good old-fashioned whisk if you’re feeling strong!), cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Mixing well here adds air to your batter, making your cake wonderfully light!
Adding Eggs
Next, it’s time for the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs well into your batter. You want to see that glossy texture forming—it’s a good sign you’re on the right track!
Combining Dry Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Sifting not only breaks up any lumps but also helps to aerate the flour, which is key for a fluffy cake. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Just until you don’t see any more flour is perfect!
Incorporating Fruits and Vanilla
Time to add that festive touch! Gently fold in the diced mixed dried fruits and vanilla extract. Be light-handed here—over-mixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it to be moist and fluffy. The fruits add such a lovely flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful surprise!
Baking the Cake
Pour your beautifully mixed batter into the prepared cake tin and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re golden! If not, give it a few more minutes. Remember, every oven is a little different!
Cooling the Cake
Once your cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial—cutting into a warm cake can result in a crumbly mess. Letting it cool fully brings out all those lovely flavors, making it even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
- Easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- Deliciously moist and flavorful, thanks to the mixed dried fruits
- Great for holiday gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Versatile for decorating; you can dress it up with icing or keep it simple
- Stores well, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the festive season
- A lovely, homemade touch to your holiday celebrations
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure your *simple Christmas cake* turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a world of difference. Use real butter, fresh eggs, and good dried fruits. It really elevates the flavor!
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend better into the batter, giving you that lovely, smooth texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the dry ingredients and fruits, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it to be light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can be sneaky! Always use a skewer to test for doneness—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If not, pop it back in for a few more minutes.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of brandy or orange juice to the batter. It gives that festive touch that’s hard to resist!
- Patience is Key: Let your cake cool completely before serving. This not only helps with the texture but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a *simple Christmas cake* that’s not just good but truly unforgettable! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your *simple Christmas cake*, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Storing it properly is key to keeping it delicious for days to come!
To store your cake, simply place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it moist and prevents it from drying out. If you don’t have a container big enough, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you seal it up—this prevents condensation from making it soggy.
Your cake will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just slice it into portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. You can eat it cold, or if you prefer, warm it up slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This gives it that freshly-baked feel all over again! Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your *simple Christmas cake*, it’s always nice to know a bit about the nutrition behind this delightful treat! Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Disclaimer: Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in the recipe. This information is provided as a general guide and may not be exact. Enjoy your cake guilt-free, and remember that the joy of baking and sharing is what truly matters!
FAQ Section
Can I make this *simple Christmas cake* ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the cake even more delicious. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of mixed dried fruits?
If dried fruits aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruits like chopped apples or pears. Just be mindful of the moisture content if you choose fresh fruits!
Can I add spices to my *simple Christmas cake*?
Yes! If you want to spice things up a bit, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, festive flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the cake; a little goes a long way!
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Definitely! This cake freezes very well. Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll be good for 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
How do I know when my cake is done?
The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your *simple Christmas cake* is ready to come out of the oven. If there’s batter on the skewer, give it a few more minutes and check again!
Simple Christmas Cake: 7 Magical Tips for Perfection
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and delicious Christmas cake that is easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Ingrédients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g butter
- 3 large eggs
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a cake tin.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Fold in mixed dried fruits and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or fruits.
- Best served after a day to enhance flavors.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: British
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 15g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: simple christmas cake, holiday cake, easy cake recipe
