Classic Christmas Cake Recipe Step by Step Fruit Cake Guide for Beginners
Written by jheelum basu | October 1, 2024
Nothing else carries the essence of Christmas celebrations like a classic, rich fruit cake soaked in a sweet fruit juice. While it is an integral part of the baking traditions of the occasion, the rich flavor also represents the
Christmas bounty.
The significance of a classic Christmas fruit cake is deeply rooted in history. This cake is often considered a
symbol of prosperity, indulgence.
Made with rich ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this cake also represents abundance.
Traditionally, the
Christmas cake recipe
mixes soaked dried fruits, nuts, and spices with a classic cake batter. Soaking them in either alcohol or a non-alcoholic substitute like orange juice is considered a key step in this
Christmas cake recipe.
Once ready, the cake is often glazed with sweet and syrupy fruit juices to bring in an enhanced festive flavor.
History of Christmas Fruit Cake: Looking Back
The answer to how fruit cakes became the most popular Christmas delight lies in history. Chronologically, it all started from a medieval dried fruit and meat-containing dish called plum porridge. Ancient Rome was the first place where the early versions of the Christmas cake were made for the first time. They used ingredients like
barley, honey, dried fruits, and nuts
. Later, England designed a recipe with oats, dry fruits, and spices to break the pre-Christmas fasts. It was the 16th century when the baked versions were introduced with flour, sugar, and eggs in the recipe. Since then, the world of baking has evolved drastically. However, this easy
Christmas cake recipe
is crafted for beginners. This Christmas, make sure this one finds its place in the festive platter.
Classic Christmas Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, and dates),
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅓ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Step-by-Sep Guide
Step 1:
Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C. Keep a baking pan ready by lining it with a baking sheet.
Step 2:
Prepare the dry fruit mix by soaking the dried fruits in orange juice for at least a few hours. To prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake, consider adding a little flour to them before soaking.
Step 3:
Use an electric hand mixer to cream the softened butter with brown sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Next, beat in eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract as well.
Step 4:
Once the wet ingredients are mixed well, add the dry ingredients such as all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix all of them to form the cake batter.
Step 5:
Combine the prepared fruit mixture with the cake batter and give it a good mix before pouring it into the prepared baking pan.
Step 6:
Bake it for about 1.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top layer is browning too quickly, a piece of parchment paper can be placed on it with a hole in the center for the last 15-20 minutes.
Step 7:
Once it is out of the oven, allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.
Step 8:
Meanwhile, prepare the orange syrup by combining orange juice and sugar in a bowl, and then heating it on the stovetop until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 9:
Once ready, brush the orange syrup all over the cake while it is still warm. Allow the cake to absorb the juice for some time before serving.
Conclusion:
Christmas baking is for everyone. While complex recipes require skill and expertise, this easy
Christmas cake recipe
is also for those who bake occasionally or have just started exploring. This year, try this simple recipe for friends and family.