Christmas Fruit Cake

Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe | UK | Whole Wheat Flour, Raisins, Almonds, and More

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45-60 minutes | Servings: 8-10

Introduction

Christmas Fruit Cake is a traditional holiday dessert that is packed with a variety of fruits and nuts. This rich and flavorful cake is a staple at Christmas celebrations around the world.

History

The origins of Christmas Fruit Cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a mixture of barley, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and raisins was used to make a cake that was eaten during the winter solstice. Over time, the recipe evolved and became more elaborate, with the addition of spices and alcohol.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
0.33 cup low-fat margarine
1 cup mixed dark and light raisins
0.5 cup chopped almonds
0.5 cup chopped hazelnuts
rind of 1 finely grated orange
1.75 cups grated carrots
0.5 tsp allspice
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 cup granulated sweetener
2 beaten eggs
3 tbsp orange juice
2 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the fruit, nuts, orange rind, carrots, and spices. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, mix the sweetener into the eggs. Beat this mixture into the dry ingredients.
Gradually add enough orange juice to make a soft dough.
Transfer the mixture into an 8" round or 7x7" nonstick cake pan. Bake for 45 – 60 minutes (or adjust cooking time if using a larger pan). The cake should be firm to the touch and a toothpick should come out clean when inserted.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
Turn the cake out upside down. Make a few toothpick holes in the bottom and spoon in any leftover orange juice and alcohol if using.
Store the cake in an airtight container.
For icing, it is suggested to use a mixture of apples and cottage cheese.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the nuts with your favorite variety, such as walnuts or pecans.
Use different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to customize the flavor of the cake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the dried fruits in rum or orange juice overnight to enhance the flavor of the cake.

- Use a combination of dark and light raisins for a more complex flavor profile.

- Grate the carrots finely to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cake.

- Be sure to cool the cake completely before icing to prevent the icing from melting.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a moist and flavorful Christmas Fruit Cake is to mix the ingredients gently and not overmix the batter. This will ensure that the cake is light and fluffy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have whole wheat flour, you can use all-purpose flour instead. You can also substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Fruit Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the cake even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the Christmas Fruit Cake with candied fruits, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Christmas Fruit Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Fruit Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Fruit Cake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Fruit Cake contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Fruit Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Fruit Cake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron due to the inclusion of carrots, orange juice, and nuts.

Alergens

Christmas Fruit Cake contains nuts and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Christmas Fruit Cake is a delicious dessert that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Christmas Fruit Cake is a classic holiday dessert that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. This rich and flavorful cake is sure to become a favorite at your Christmas celebrations.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a cold winter day, just a few days before Christmas, and my dear friend Mary had invited me over for a cup of tea. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma - sweet and spicy, with a hint of rum in the air.

Mary was busy mixing a bowl of dried fruits and nuts, and I couldn't help but ask her what she was making. She smiled and told me it was her famous Christmas Fruit Cake recipe, passed down to her from her grandmother. I was instantly intrigued and begged her to share the recipe with me.

Mary was more than happy to oblige, and she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from a drawer. As she read out the ingredients and instructions, I was mesmerized by the love and care she put into each step. It was clear that this was a recipe that had been cherished and perfected over generations.

The key, Mary explained, was to soak the dried fruits in rum for at least a week before baking the cake. This would not only infuse the fruits with a rich, boozy flavor but also keep the cake moist and tender. She showed me how to carefully fold in the flour, spices, and nuts, making sure not to overmix the batter.

As the cake baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its irresistible scent, Mary and I sipped on our tea and reminisced about Christmases past. She told me stories of her grandmother baking this very same cake every year, and how it had become a beloved tradition in her family.

When the cake was finally done, Mary pulled it out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The golden crust was studded with plump raisins, cherries, and almonds, and it looked absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to taste it.

As we sat down to enjoy a slice of the warm fruit cake, I was transported back to my own childhood. I remembered my own grandmother, who had also been a wonderful cook and had taught me many of her own recipes. I could almost hear her voice in my ear, guiding me through each step of the baking process.

That day, as I savored the rich and fruity flavors of Mary's Christmas Fruit Cake, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the women who had passed down their culinary wisdom to me. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in my own family, to be shared and enjoyed for generations to come.

So now, every Christmas, as I bake my own version of Mary's fruit cake, I think of her and her grandmother, and I am filled with a sense of warmth and love. This simple recipe has become so much more than just a cake - it is a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the enduring power of home-cooked food.

And as I take a bite of that delicious, boozy cake, I am reminded once again of the magic of the holiday season, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love. Merry Christmas to all, and may your tables be filled with the warmth and love of homemade treats.