Are you looking to add a touch of international flair to your holiday baking this year? Look no further! This Lithuanian Christmas Cake recipe is a delightful fusion of traditional Lithuanian flavors and festive holiday spirit. Bursting with warm spices, dried fruits, and a hint of citrus, this cake is sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings. Let’s dive into the recipe for this delicious treat that will transport you to the cozy kitchens of Lithuania.
**Lithuanian Christmas Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup dried figs, chopped
– 1 cup dried prunes, chopped
– 1 cup walnuts, chopped
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1 cup rum
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the raisins, cranberries, apricots, figs, prunes, walnuts, orange zest, lemon zest, and rum. Mix well to ensure all the dried fruits are coated in the rum. Cover the bowl and let the mixture soak overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the soaked dried fruit and nut mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Lithuanian Christmas Cake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature. This cake is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee during the holiday season.
Indulge in a slice of this delightful Lithuanian Christmas Cake and savor the rich flavors and textures that are perfect for holiday celebrations. This recipe is a wonderful way to introduce your friends and family to the delicious tradition of Lithuanian baking. Happy holidays and happy baking!
