Moist Christmas Cake (No Added Sugar or Fat) ππ°
Overview:
This delightful Moist Christmas Cake recipe brings together the festive flavors of the holiday season without any added sugar or fat. Bursting with the natural sweetness of fruit, this cake is perfect for any special occasion, from Christmas gatherings to afternoon tea parties. It’s a moist, flavorful treat that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With just a little prep time and a moderate bake, you’ll have a heavenly dessert ready to impress.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 148.9
Ingredients:
- 500g crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup dried apricots
- 1 orange, juiced
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, and currants)
- 2 eggs, separated
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
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Prepare Cake Tin: Line the base and sides of a 20cm squared cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs for easy removal later.
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Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the mixed fruit, dried apricots, crushed pineapple with juice, orange juice, and mixed spice. Slowly bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, covered.
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Mix Egg Yolks and Baking Soda: Once the fruit mixture has cooled, stir in the egg yolks (if using) and baking soda until well combined.
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Whip Egg Whites: In a large bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the fruit mixture into the whipped egg whites until evenly incorporated. Then, fold in the all-purpose flour to create a firm batter.
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Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake tin. Bake in a preheated moderate oven at 160Β°C (320Β°F) for 1 and 1/2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Once baked, cover the hot cake with foil and allow it to cool in the pan. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the cake from drying out.
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Decoration: For special occasions, adorn the top of the cake with glace cherries and a few almonds. However, be cautious as nuts contain a high fat content.
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Variations: If desired, you can replace the crushed pineapple with either 3/4 cup water and 1 cup mashed pumpkin, or 3/4 cup water and 1 cup pureed pie apricots. Add the pumpkin or apricots to the fruit mixture after it has cooled. The additional water is added to the dried fruit to facilitate boiling.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 148.9 per serving
- Fat: 1.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 35.2mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.9g
- Fiber: 3.9g
- Sugar: 8.2g
- Protein: 2.4g
Tips:
- Ensure the cake tin is properly lined to prevent sticking and aid in easy removal.
- Folding the ingredients gently ensures the cake remains light and fluffy.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to check for doneness before removing the cake from the oven.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
This Moist Christmas Cake is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration or special occasion. With its natural sweetness and moist texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy the festive flavors of Christmas without any added guilt, and share the joy with your loved ones.
