Caledonian Wedding Cake 🎂
Introduction:
Indulge in the rich tradition of Scottish desserts with this delectable Caledonian Wedding Cake recipe. Bursting with fruity flavors and laced with the warmth of European spices, this cake is a true celebration of love and flavor. Perfect for any occasion, especially weddings, it promises to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Overview:
- Name: Caledonian Wedding Cake
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Fruit, Scottish, European, Weeknight, Oven, Easy
- Total Time: 10 hours and 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 hours
- Yield: 1 very large wedding cake
Ingredients:
- 4 cups raisins
- 4 cups currants
- 4 cups dried figs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 4 cups butter
- 4 cups sherry wine
- 4 cups brandy
- 16 eggs
- 16 dashes nutmeg
- 32 dashes cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 43924.6
- Fat: 1661.9g
- Saturated Fat: 988.4g
- Cholesterol: 9856.4mg
- Sodium: 20203.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 6699.7g
- Fiber: 299.6g
- Sugar: 4735.8g
- Protein: 551.5g
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to a low temperature, as this cake requires slow baking for its rich flavors to develop fully. Prepare your baking pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices throughout the flour mixture.
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Soak Fruits: In a separate bowl, combine the raisins, currants, and dried figs. Pour the sherry wine and brandy over the fruits, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the fruits to soak in this boozy bath for at least an hour, allowing them to plump up and absorb the rich flavors of the alcohol.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In another mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy texture in your cake.
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Incorporate Eggs: Gradually add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated and that the batter remains smooth and homogenous.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough and dense cake.
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Fold in Fruits: Gently fold the soaked fruits into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture. The plump, boozy fruits will add moisture and flavor to the cake, making each bite a delight.
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Bake Slow and Low: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pans, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for the cake to rise. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake at a low temperature for a long duration, allowing the flavors to develop slowly and intensify.
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Check for Doneness: After 10 hours of slow baking, check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, continue baking for another hour or until the toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve this decadent Caledonian Wedding Cake to your guests, and watch as they marvel at its beauty and savor its delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy slices of this Caledonian Wedding Cake on its own as a delightful dessert.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting afternoon snack.
Storage:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors, moist texture, and elegant presentation, this Caledonian Wedding Cake is sure to be the star of any celebration. Whether you’re tying the knot or simply celebrating the joys of life, this cake is the perfect way to mark the occasion in style. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a slice of Scottish tradition with this delightful recipe!