Old Fashioned English Christmas Cake

The holidays are around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by baking a classic Old Fashioned English Christmas Cake? This rich and fruity cake, steeped in tradition, is a staple at holiday gatherings in many households. The combination of aromatic spices, dried fruits, and a touch of brandy creates a cake that is both comforting and indulgent. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get started on baking this timeless holiday treat.

Old Fashioned English Christmas Cake

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
– 1/2 cup glace cherries, halved
– 1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans)
– 1/2 cup brandy
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 4 eggs
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, glace cherries, and mixed nuts. Pour the brandy over the mixture, making sure all the fruits and nuts are coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature overnight, allowing the fruits to soak up the flavors.

2. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

7. Stir in the lemon zest and orange zest, then fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to darken too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

10. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. If desired, you can feed the cake with additional brandy by poking holes in the top with a skewer and brushing it with a little extra brandy. Wrap the cake tightly in foil and store it in an airtight container for at least a week to allow the flavors to develop.

Enjoy this Old Fashioned English Christmas Cake with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine for a truly festive treat that will delight your family and friends. Happy baking and happy holidays!