Ultimate British Christmas Cake

🎄✨ Introducing the Perfect British Christmas Cake Recipe from lovewithrecipes.com! 🍰🇬🇧 This delightful European-inspired dessert is a true celebration of Christmas, blending rich flavors, aromatic spices, and a touch of brandy for that extra festive kick. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary journey to create a show-stopping Christmas centerpiece that will leave everyone craving for more.

British Christmas Cake

Total Time: 7 hours
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 4 hours
Servings: 8
Calories: 1275 per serving

Ingredients:

• 400g plain flour
• 5g ground mixed spice
• 5g cinnamon
• 1/4 lemon, rind of
• 350g butter
• 6 eggs
• 100g currants
• 225g sultanas
• 225g seedless raisins
• 175g brandy
• 100g black treacle
• 100g walnuts
• 6g soft brown sugar
• 30g almond paste
• 125g mixed peel
• 150g granulated sugar
• 150g icing sugar
• 50g royal icing

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Grease an 8-inch square cake tin and line it with greased greaseproof paper. Secure a double layer of brown paper around the outside for added insulation.

2. Dry Ingredients:

   • Sift the plain flour and spices into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the grated lemon rind, infusing the batter with a citrusy aroma.

3. Butter and Sugar Mixture:

   • Cream the butter in a separate bowl, gradually beating in the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

4. Treacle Addition:

   • Add the black treacle and gently fold it into the batter, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.

5. Egg Incorporation:

   • Introduce the eggs one by one, beating the mixture after each addition. If the mixture begins to curdle, a dash of flour will restore its smooth consistency.

6. Fruit and Nut Fusion:

   • Lightly fold in the sifted flour along with the currants, sultanas, seedless raisins, walnuts, and mixed peel until evenly distributed.

7. Brandy Infusion:

   • Pour in the brandy (3 tablespoons) and lovingly mix it into the batter, adding a touch of holiday spirit to your creation.

8. Baking Preparation:

   • Spoon the luscious mixture into the prepared cake tin, leveling the surface. Create an indentation in the center to accommodate the cake’s rise.

9. Rest and Rise:

   • Cover the tin and let it rest in a cool place for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

10. Baking Magic:

    • Place an ovenware container of water on the bottom of the oven. Position the cake tin on a double layer of brown paper on the middle shelf, and bake at 150°C or 300°F for 4 hours.

11. Testing Perfection:

    • Insert a skewer into the cake; it should come out clean, indicating that your masterpiece is perfectly baked.

12. Cooling and Finishing Touch:

    • Allow the cake to cool in the tin for an hour. Then, transfer it onto a wire rack, removing the paper carefully.

13. Brandy Bath:

    • Once cold, prick the top with a skewer and generously spoon the remaining brandy over the surface. Wrap the cake in fresh greaseproof paper, followed by foil.

14. Aging Elegance:

    • Place the cake inverted into an airtight tin, allowing it to mature for at least one month before covering it with a luscious layer of almond paste.

15. Festive Finale:

    • Finish off your Christmas masterpiece by adorning it with royal icing, and let your creativity shine through in the decoration.

🌟 Congratulations! You’ve just crafted a British Christmas Cake that promises to be the star of your holiday festivities. Share the love, savor the joy, and let the enchantment of Christmas unfold with every delightful slice! 🎅🎂✨