Jessica’s Magical Christmas Cake Recipe
Jessica’s Magical Christmas Cake is a rich and dense holiday dessert filled with traditional dried fruits and warm spices. This classic Christmas cake combines butter, eggs, and a blend of fragrant spices, creating a moist and flavorful treat perfect for festive celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus soaking time if soaking fruits overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (excluding soaking time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
Dried Fruit
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, and glacé cherries)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice (optional, for soaking fruits)
Instructions
- Prepare the dried fruits: If desired, soak the dried fruits in brandy or orange juice for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance moisture and flavor. Drain before use.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. In another bowl, sift together the flour, spices, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then gently fold in the dried fruits.
- Bake the cake: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is rich and dense.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing. This cake improves in flavor when stored wrapped for a few days, making it ideal for preparing ahead for the holidays.
Notes
- Soaking the dried fruits overnight enhances moisture and flavor but is optional.
- You can substitute brandy with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Store the cake wrapped in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.
Keywords: Christmas cake, holiday cake, dried fruit cake, spiced cake, festive dessert
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/jessicas-magical-christmas-cake-recipe/
