When the air turns crisp and the scent of cinnamon and cloves drifts through the house, it can only mean one thing – Christmas is on its way! To bring the festive spirit to your kitchen, there’s nothing quite like baking a scrumptious Christmas cake. This timeless classic is filled with warm spices, dried fruits, and a generous splash of brandy, making it the perfect sweet treat to enjoy during the holidays. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking this delicious Christmas cake!
**Christmas Cake Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup brandy
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. Stir in the brandy, mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For an extra festive touch, you can decorate the top of the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing. Serve slices of this delicious Christmas cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Enjoy the cozy aroma of holiday spices wafting through your home as you bake this delightful Christmas cake. Whether you plan to share it with loved ones or enjoy a slice by the fireplace with a warm cup of tea, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your household. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
