Ah, Christmas fruit cake! It’s such a cherished tradition in my home, and every year, I look forward to making it as much as the big day itself. The rich, warm scents of dried fruits and spices wafting through the kitchen are simply irresistible. I remember the first time I baked this cake; I was a bundle of nerves, but the moment I took it out of the oven, my heart soared! The combination of sweet, sticky fruits with the crunch of nuts brings such unique flavors and textures that it’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a cake that gets better with time—just like the memories we create around the holidays! Trust me, once you make your own Christmas fruit cake, it’ll become a tradition you cherish for years to come.
Ingredients for Christmas Fruit Cake
To make this delightful Christmas fruit cake, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that truly shine together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (like raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds work beautifully)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a festive masterpiece!
How to Prepare Christmas Fruit Cake
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Christmas fruit cake! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through each step so it feels effortless. First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures even baking—trust me on this!
Next, grab a round cake pan and grease it well, then line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent any sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter and packed brown sugar until it’s fluffy and light. This step is crucial for a lovely texture! Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate them fully.
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Here comes the fun part—fold in your mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, fresh orange juice, and brandy if you’re using it. This is where the magic happens!
Now, pour the rich batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, but keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—a beautiful Christmas fruit cake ready to delight your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in another bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, orange juice, and brandy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas fruit cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and a beautiful holiday tradition! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Rich, complex flavors from a delightful mix of dried fruits and spices.
- Easy to make with straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can follow.
- Perfect for making ahead of time—better flavor develops as it sits!
- A beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table that will impress your guests.
- Customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts, making it uniquely yours.
Trust me, this cake will fill your home with warmth and joy during the festive season!
Tips for Success with Christmas Fruit Cake
To ensure your Christmas fruit cake turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips! First, use high-quality dried fruits; they make a huge difference in flavor. I love to soak them in a bit of orange juice or brandy overnight for extra moisture and richness. When it comes to baking time, every oven is different, so check your cake a bit earlier than the suggested time—better safe than sorry! Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It actually improves in flavor as it sits, so making it a week in advance is a great idea! Enjoy the deliciousness!
Variations of Christmas Fruit Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Christmas fruit cake! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Change the fruits: Swap out the mixed dried fruits for your favorites—think dried cherries, figs, or even candied ginger for a spicy kick!
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like allspice or ground cloves for a unique flavor profile.
- Add citrus zest: Grate in some lemon or lime zest for a fresh, zesty twist that brightens the cake.
- Nut options: Try using pecans or hazelnuts instead of the usual walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Chocolate addition: For a decadent touch, fold in some dark chocolate chips or chunks for a rich contrast.
These variations allow you to make this cake truly your own while keeping the festive spirit alive!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Fruit Cake
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious Christmas fruit cake! Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Each slice of this festive treat comes in at around 350 calories, with 18 grams of fat (10 grams of which are saturated). You’ll also find approximately 20 grams of sugar and 5 grams of protein per slice. Plus, it contains 45 grams of carbohydrates, along with 2 grams of fiber. So, while it’s a treat to indulge in, it’s good to be aware of what’s in it as you enjoy this holiday classic!
FAQ About Christmas Fruit Cake
Got questions about making your own Christmas fruit cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear:
How do I store my Christmas fruit cake?
Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to a month!
Can I substitute the dried fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits. You can use apricots, figs, or even cranberries—get creative!
What if I don’t have brandy?
No worries! You can simply omit it or substitute it with apple juice or extra orange juice for that added moisture.
Can I serve it warm?
While it’s traditionally served at room temperature, warming a slice slightly in the microwave can be delightful—just don’t overdo it!
How far in advance can I make it?
You can make this cake up to a month in advance! It actually tastes better as it sits, so make it ahead and impress your guests!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Christmas Fruit Cake
To keep your Christmas fruit cake fresh and delicious, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it’s completely cooled. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay tasty for up to a month! If you want to enjoy it longer, you can freeze it. Just slice the cake, wrap each piece individually, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, let the slices thaw in the fridge overnight. You can serve it cold, or if you prefer a warm treat, pop a slice in the microwave for just a few seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Imprimer
Christmas Fruit Cake: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Tradition
- Temps Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 1 large cake 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A rich and flavorful Christmas fruit cake loaded with dried fruits and nuts.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in dried fruits, nuts, orange juice, and brandy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
- For best flavor, make the cake a few weeks ahead of time.
- You can substitute fruits and nuts based on your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: christmas fruit cake, holiday dessert, festive cake
