Classic Christmas Cake

🍒 Classic Christmas Cake

Serves: 12–16
Prep & Bake Time: ~3–4 hours (plus optional aging)

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dates)

• ½ cup candied peel (optional)

• ½ cup brandy, rum, or orange juice

• Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare fruit

   • Mix dried fruits, nuts, and peel with 2–3 tbsp flour.

   • Soak in brandy, rum, or juice for several hours or overnight.

2. Preheat oven

   • 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake tin.

3. Make batter

   • Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in eggs one at a time.

   • Fold in flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.

4. Combine

   • Gently fold soaked fruits and zest into the batter.

5. Bake

   • Pour batter into prepared tin.

   • Bake 2–2.5 hours (cover with foil if top browns too fast).

   • Test with a skewer; it should come out clean.

6. Cool & age (optional)

   • Let cake cool completely in the tin.

   • Wrap in foil and store in an airtight container.

   • Optional: “feed” with brandy or rum every week for richer flavor.

🌟 Tips

• Use a mix of soft and firm dried fruits for texture.

• Almond or pecan extract can enhance the flavor.

• For a festive touch, decorate with marzipan and royal icing.

• Aging 2–4 weeks deepens flavor, but it’s also delicious fresh.

This is the traditional, rich Christmas cake that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.