Christmas Cake Recipe from the United Kingdom with Candied Cherries, Pineapple, and Pecans

Christmas Cake

Christmas Cake Recipe from the United Kingdom with Candied Cherries, Pineapple, and Pecans
Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 12

Introduction

Christmas Cake
Christmas Cake

Christmas cake is a traditional dessert enjoyed during the holiday season. It is a rich and decadent treat that is often filled with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices. This recipe is perfect for celebrating the festive season with family and friends.

History

The origins of Christmas cake can be traced back to ancient Roman times, where fruitcakes were made with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins. Over time, the recipe evolved and became popular in England during the Victorian era. Today, Christmas cake is enjoyed all over the world as a symbol of celebration and joy during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Batter

Fruit stuff

How to prepare

  1. Mix the batter ingredients together.
  2. Coat the fruit stuff ingredients with flour.
  3. Grease an angel food cake pan (a bundt pan can be used) and place the fruit stuff into it. Pour the batter over the fruit stuff.
  4. Bake at 300°F (149°C) for about 1.5 hours or until done.

Cupcake version

  1. Bake for 15 minutes at 300°F. Brush with honey.
  2. Continue baking for 15-30 minutes more.
  3. Use two cupcake papers per serving.

Finishing

  1. After removing the cake from the oven, use a syringe (hypo) to inject one shot of the following: rum, amaretto (almond flavor), triple sec, or Grand Marnier (orange flavor).
  2. Prepare these cupcakes a month or so in advance.
  3. Wrap them in Saran Wrap and place in the refrigerator.
  4. Bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Variations

  • Add a splash of brandy or whiskey to the batter for a boozy twist.
  • Swap out the candied fruits for dried fruits like raisins, apricots, or cranberries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to coat the fruit stuff ingredients with flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

- Use a syringe to inject a shot of rum, amaretto, triple sec, or Grand Marnier into the cake for added flavor.

- For the cupcake version, brush with honey for a sweet glaze before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Christmas cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use a syringe to inject a shot of liquor into the cake for added flavor.

- Grease the pan well to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or vegetable oil as a substitute for butter.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the cupcakes a month in advance and store them in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the Christmas cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Christmas cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the Christmas cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven at a low temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This Christmas cake recipe is a good source of Vitamin C from the candied fruits.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, nuts, and wheat.

Summary

This Christmas cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a great source of Vitamin C and provides a moderate amount of protein.

Summary

Christmas cake is a beloved holiday dessert that is perfect for celebrating the festive season. This recipe is rich, decadent, and filled with warm spices, candied fruits, and nuts. Enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends during the most wonderful time of the year.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Christmas Cake. It was a cold winter's day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly coffee date. As soon as I stepped into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the warm and comforting aroma of baking spices.

Margaret was bustling around the kitchen, her hands busy with flour and sugar. She turned to me with a smile and said, "I'm making my famous Christmas Cake today. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly agreed, always looking to expand my culinary repertoire. Margaret handed me a worn and stained recipe card, filled with handwritten notes and adjustments. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I felt a sense of excitement knowing that I would soon be able to recreate this delicious cake in my own kitchen.

Margaret explained that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. It was a closely guarded secret, with each generation adding their own twist to make it truly unique. She had learned how to make it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

As we worked together to mix the batter and prepare the fruits and nuts, Margaret shared stories of Christmases past and the traditions that surrounded this special cake. She spoke of how her family would gather together to bake and decorate the cake, savoring the sweet and spicy aroma that filled the house.

As the cake baked in the oven, Margaret and I sat down with steaming cups of tea and a slice of her freshly baked creation. The cake was rich and moist, filled with plump fruits and crunchy nuts. The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves danced on my tongue, bringing back memories of childhood Christmases spent with my own family.

I knew then that this Christmas Cake would become a staple in my own holiday traditions. Over the years, I have made this cake countless times, sharing it with friends and family alike. Each time I bake it, I am reminded of that day in Margaret's kitchen and the joy of learning a new recipe from a dear friend.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will continue the tradition and make this Christmas Cake a part of your own holiday celebrations. May it bring you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me over the years.

And remember, the secret ingredient in this recipe is not just the mix of spices and fruits, but the love and memories that have been baked into it by generations of hands. Enjoy every bite, savor every moment, and know that you are creating new traditions that will be cherished for years to come.

Merry Christmas, my dear. And happy baking.

Categories

| Amaretto Recipes | British Recipes | Cake Recipes | Candied Pineapple Recipes | Christmas Desserts | Egg Recipes | Glace Cherry Recipes | Grand Marnier Recipes | Pecan Recipes | Pineapple Recipes | Rum Recipes | Triple Sec Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients