Christmas Cake And Pudding Recipe

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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22-11-2024

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Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the rich, decadent flavors of Christmas cake and pudding. These traditional treats are the stars of many festive celebrations, offering a delightful culmination to a holiday meal or a perfect accompaniment to a cozy evening by the fire. Let's explore how to create these culinary masterpieces.

The Classic Christmas Cake

This recipe focuses on a moist and fruity cake, perfect for slicing and sharing throughout the festive season. The key is to allow ample time for soaking and maturation, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 225g (8 oz) butter, softened
• 225g (8 oz) caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 200g (7 oz) mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
• 100g (3.5 oz) chopped candied peel
• 50g (1.75 oz) glace cherries, halved
• 2 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)
• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F, Gas Mark 2). Grease and line two 20cm (8 inch) round cake tins.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and cinnamon. Gently fold in the fruit, candied peel, and glace cherries. Stir in the orange zest and brandy (if using).
4. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Leave the cakes to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once cool, you can dust the top with icing sugar or cover with marzipan and icing for an extra-festive touch.

Christmas Pudding: A Rich and Fruity Delight

Christmas pudding is a steamed pudding, traditionally made weeks in advance to allow the flavors to develop fully. It’s a dense, rich pudding, full of dried fruits and spices.

Ingredients:

• 225g (8 oz) mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
• 100g (3.5 oz) chopped suet
• 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
• 100g (3.5 oz) brown sugar
• 50g (1.75 oz) plain flour
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 150ml (5 fl oz) strong black coffee or stout
• 50g (1.75 oz) chopped candied peel
• 50g (1.75 oz) glace cherries, halved
• 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Add the beaten eggs and gradually stir in the coffee or stout, mixing until well combined. Stir in the candied peel, glace cherries, and brandy (if using).
3. Grease and flour a 1.5-litre (2.5-pint) pudding basin. Pour in the pudding mixture. Cover with a lid or greaseproof paper, then foil.
4. Steam the pudding for 4-6 hours, topping up the water in the pan as needed.
5. Once cooked, carefully remove the pudding from the basin and leave to cool. It's best served warm with brandy butter or custard.

Remember: These recipes are guidelines; feel free to adjust the fruit and spices to your own preferences. Enjoy the process of making these festive treats, and Merry Christmas!