Festive Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe with Dried Fruits and Spices

Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe

Celebrate the festive season with a rich and flavorful Traditional Christmas Cake that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. With a mix of dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of orange zest, this cake is a true holiday classic. By soaking the dried fruits in rum and orange juice, you allow the flavors to deepen and infuse, creating a moist and aromatic cake. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make a Christmas cake that’s not only delicious but also a joy to prepare in advance for the holidays.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Soaking the Fruits
   To begin making the Traditional Christmas Cake, start by soaking the dried fruits in a mixture of rum and fresh orange juice (you can skip the rum if you prefer). This process helps ferment the fruits, releasing their natural flavors and making the cake more moist and rich.

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   Place the sultanas, dried prunes, chopped dates, figs, and apricots in a large mixing bowl. Pour the rum and orange juice over the dried fruits and sprinkle the orange zest on top. Mix everything well, then cover the bowl with cling film. Let it sit overnight or for a few weeks, months, or even a year if you have time. The longer you soak the fruits, the richer the flavor of the cake will be.

2. Preparing the Cake Batter
   Once your fruits have soaked and fermented to your satisfaction, it’s time to prepare the cake batter. Start by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F).

   Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, clove powder, and dry ginger powder together. This step helps the cake rise beautifully, so sift the ingredients twice to ensure good air pockets in the flour.

3. Preparing the Pan
   Line the base and sides of a 9-inch springform cake pan with a double layer of parchment paper, making sure it reaches the top of the pan. Alternatively, grease the pan with butter and dust it with flour.

4. Mixing the Batter
   In a large mixing bowl or using a KitchenAid stand mixer, whisk the Nutralite Classic Spread (or softened butter) and brown sugar together until fluffy. Gradually add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

   Once the eggs are fully incorporated, slowly add the sifted flour and spice mixture, mixing gently until just combined.

   Now, gently fold in the soaked dried fruits (with the liquid), almond meal, and slivered almonds. Be careful not to overmix; you simply want to combine everything into a well-blended batter.

5. Baking the Cake
   Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared springform pan and level the surface with the back of a spoon. Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

   Tip: If the top of the cake begins to darken too quickly, cover it loosely with parchment paper during the last part of the baking process to prevent burning.

6. Cooling and Storing
   Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, store the Christmas cake in an airtight container wrapped in greaseproof paper and aluminum foil. Let it rest for two to three months for the best flavor development.

   Optional: If you want to share the holiday cheer, you can also bake the cake in smaller pans and gift them to family and friends.

7. Serving Suggestions
   Serve the Traditional Christmas Cake with a cup of Qahwa (Arabic Coffee) or Ginger Cardamom Chai (Indian-style spiced milk tea) to complement the rich flavors of the cake.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Cake:

• Soak the fruits well: The longer you soak your dried fruits, the more intense and rich the flavors will be. Soaking can be done anywhere from overnight to a year in advance.
• Use quality ingredients: Fresh butter and the best spices you can find will elevate the flavor of this cake. The richness of Nutralite Classic Spread (or butter) is essential for creating a smooth and moist texture.
• Don’t rush the cooling process: Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping and storing. The flavors will continue to develop as the cake rests.

This Traditional Christmas Cake recipe is perfect for those who want to share the love of the holidays with a homemade dessert that will surely become a cherished family tradition. Enjoy it with friends, family, or at your festive gatherings, and let the warmth and flavor fill the season with joy!