Christmas Cake Nz Recipe

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

·

22-11-2024

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Christmas in New Zealand wouldn't be complete without a delicious, fruit-laden Christmas cake. This recipe offers a classic Kiwi take on this festive favourite, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:

  • 250g dried mixed fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants, cranberries)
  • 100g chopped candied peel
  • 100g glace cherries, halved
  • 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional, but adds great flavour!)
  • 200g butter, softened
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp mixed spice
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Zest of 1 orange

• For the Icing:

  • 250g butter, softened
  • 500g icing sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk
  • Food colouring (optional)
  • Festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Fruit:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the dried mixed fruit, candied peel, and glace cherries.
2. Pour over the brandy or rum (if using) and let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for a moist and flavourful cake.

Making the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan/300°F/Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, and baking powder.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the soaked fruit and orange zest. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Cooling and Icing:

1. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Once completely cool, prepare the icing by beating the softened butter until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the icing sugar, alternating with the milk, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add food colouring if desired.
4. Ice the cake evenly and decorate with festive sprinkles, if using.

Tips for Success:

• Soaking the Fruit: The longer the fruit soaks, the more flavourful the cake will be.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached, bake for a further 10-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store the iced cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Enjoy your homemade New Zealand Christmas cake! It's a perfect addition to your festive celebrations.