The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and delicious treats. And what better way to spread joy and cheer than by baking up a Perfect Christmas Cake? In collaboration with culinary legend Jamie Oliver, this recipe promises to be a showstopper at your holiday table. Packed with rich flavors and moist textures, this cake is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!
**Perfect Christmas Cake Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp salt
– 2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp ground nutmeg
– ½ tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
– ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– ¼ cup brandy or rum
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, making sure to have a bit of overhang for easy cake removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Toss the mixed dried fruits, nuts, orange zest, and lemon zest in a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking. Fold these into the cake batter gently.
5. Stir in the brandy or rum and vanilla extract until well incorporated. The aroma at this stage will already have your kitchen smelling wonderfully festive!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For an extra touch of holiday spirit, you can optionally decorate the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or some festive icing.
10. Slice the cake into wedges, brew a pot of your favorite tea or coffee, and gather your loved ones to enjoy this delectable Christmas treat together.
This Perfect Christmas Cake is an ideal centerpiece for any holiday gathering, emitting cozy scents and filling your home with warmth and love. With the guidance of Jamie Oliver’s expertise, you can be confident in creating a dessert that will impress and delight all who indulge in its festive flavors. Share the joy of the season with this delightful recipe, and make this Christmas one to remember!
