During the holiday season, nothing warms the heart quite like a slice of rich and aromatic Weihnachtskuchen. This traditional German Christmas cake is packed with a delightful blend of spices, fruits, and nuts that evoke the festive spirit in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable Weihnachtskuchen that will fill your home with the scents of the season.
**Weihnachtskuchen**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup of chopped candied orange peel
– 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots
– 1/2 cup of golden raisins
– 1/2 cup of dark rum
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. In a small bowl, combine the chopped almonds, candied orange peel, dried apricots, golden raisins, and rum. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the fruits to plump up.
7. Fold the fruit and nut mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the Weihnachtskuchen with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
12. Slice and serve this delightful Christmas cake with a cup of hot tea or mulled wine for the perfect holiday treat.
We hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your home this holiday season. Enjoy the delightful flavors of Weihnachtskuchen as you create cherished memories with your loved ones. Happy baking!
