close
close
Christmas Cake In Air Fryer

Christmas Cake In Air Fryer

2 min read 22-11-2024
Christmas Cake In Air Fryer

The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Christmas cake? This year, skip the hours of oven time and embrace the speed and convenience of the air fryer. This recipe delivers a moist, richly flavored cake with a delightfully crisp exterior, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why Air Fryer?

Traditional Christmas cakes require long baking times, often exceeding an hour. Air fryers, with their rapid air circulation, significantly reduce this time, while still achieving that perfectly baked texture. This method is also a great energy saver, particularly useful during the colder months when energy consumption is higher.

Ingredients You'll Need:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, currants)
  • ½ cup chopped candied peel
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1 tablespoon brandy or rum (optional)
  • For Glaze:
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2-4 tablespoons milk or fruit juice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Batter: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Add Fruit and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruits, candied peel, nuts, and brandy (if using).
  5. Air Fry the Cake: Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or a similar air fryer-safe pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk (or juice) until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cake.

Tips for Success:

  • Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
  • Adjust Baking Time: Air fryer models vary, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on your appliance. Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.

This air fryer Christmas cake offers a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional methods. Enjoy the festive flavors and the ease of this modern baking approach! Happy Holidays!