In the spirit of the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Eshuns Creole Christmas Cake wafting through your home. This decadent cake is a harmonious blend of warm spices, rich fruits, and a touch of Caribbean flair. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your household.
Eshuns Creole Christmas Cake
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup dark rum
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup chopped dried apricots
– 1 cup chopped dates
– 1 cup chopped dried figs
– 1 cup golden raisins
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing 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, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the molasses and dark rum. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans, apricots, dates, figs, raisins, orange zest, and lemon zest until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This Eshuns Creole Christmas Cake is best enjoyed when wrapped in parchment paper and stored in an airtight tin for a few days before serving. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a moist and rich cake that is truly a showstopper at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends or simply want to indulge in a slice of festive cheer, this cake is sure to brighten your Christmas season with its delightful taste of the Caribbean. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delectable dessert – it’s a gift worth savoring.
