Christmas Cake Recipe Easy

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

·

21-11-2024

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The holidays are fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, homemade Christmas cake? This recipe is designed for the busy baker, focusing on simplicity without sacrificing flavour. Forget those complicated, multi-day recipes; this one is manageable and delivers fantastic results.

Ingredients:

• 175g (6oz) softened unsalted butter
• 175g (6oz) caster sugar
• 175g (6oz) self-raising flour
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100g (3.5oz) dried mixed fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants - feel free to add cranberries or cherries!)
• 50g (1.75oz) chopped glace cherries (optional, but adds a festive touch)
• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer is ideal, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well. This is crucial for a light and airy cake.
3. Add Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture begins to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour.
4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution.
5. Combine: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Fruit & Glaze: Stir in the dried fruit and glace cherries (if using).
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust (Optional): Once completely cool, dust with icing sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures a smoother batter.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick to test if the cake is fully baked. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
• Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different fruits and spices to create your own unique Christmas cake flavour.

This easy Christmas cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Enjoy the process, and Merry Christmas!