Aunties Approved Christmas Cake a Classic Fruitcake Made Easy

Auntie's Approved Christmas Cake: A Classic Fruitcake Made Easy

Ever wondered what makes Christmas truly special? For me, it is always Auntie Mabel's Christmas cake recipe . You know, that rich fruit cake recipe for Christmas everyone raves about? Well, this year, we're making our own, and it is easier than you think! This Christmas fruit cake recipe easy is sure to impress.

A Taste of Tradition

This recipe is all about bringing the warmth and tradition of a proper British Christmas to your kitchen. Think plump dried fruits, soaked in booze.

This traditional Christmas cake recipe UK is rich, moist, and full of festive flavors. Imagine the smell of it baking!

This dark fruit cake recipe with brandy is an absolute must, and it just gets better with time. It is a bit like a good cheddar.

This recipe sits right in the middle of difficulty. It is not too tricky but needs some time.

Why You'll Love This Cake

This classic gingerbread cake is so much more than just a dessert. It’s about tradition, family, and making memories. This moist gingerbread recipe will fill your house with an irresistible aroma.

It is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Plus, all those dried fruits are practically a health food, right? Just kidding, but they do have some fibre! This version is special because it is simple, and tastes just like Auntie Mabel makes it.

So don't get caught up thinking that you need the best Christmas cake recipe for beginners , just start here! This traditional gingerbread recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Let's get this show on the road by getting all the ingredients together.

Auntie's Approved Christmas Cake: Ingredients and Equipment

So, you want to bake a christmas cake recipe that’ll wow everyone? Good on ya! It all starts with having the right bits and bobs.

Think of it like building a Lego castle, you can't do it without all the bricks, eh? This traditional Christmas cake recipe UK edition, is easier than you might think.

Main Ingredients

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here's what you need:

Soaked Fruit Gang:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) mixed dried fruit: Raisins, sultanas, currants, glace cherries, mixed peel - the whole shebang!
• 150ml (5 fl oz) brandy, dark rum, or orange juice (I usually go for brandy, it just feels more festive, doesn't it?)
• Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon: Don't skip this. It adds a lovely zing.

Cake Batter Brigade:

• 225g (8 oz or 1 cup) unsalted butter, softened: Really important it's soft, or you'll be there all day creaming it.
• 225g (8 oz or 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) dark muscovado sugar, or brown sugar: This gives it that lovely dark, rich colour.
• 4 large eggs, lightly beaten: Free range if you can, they just taste better, you know?
• 75g (2.6 oz or 2/3 cup) ground almonds (almond flour): This adds a nice moistness.
• 225g (8 oz or 1 ¾ cup) all-purpose flour (plain flour), sifted: Sifting is key!
• 1 tsp mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice): Christmas in a jar, innit?
• A pinch of salt

Honestly, the quality of your dried fruit makes a huge difference. Look for plump, moist fruit, not the dry, shriveled stuff that’s been at the back of the cupboard since last Christmas! This recipe is close to a rich fruit cake recipe for Christmas , so go top quality!

If you are looking for something even easier, than follow a christmas fruit cake recipe easy .

Seasoning Notes

Right, let’s talk flavour. Mixed spice is the heart and soul. It's like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Don't be shy with it. You are looking to find the best moist gingerbread recipe . Can't find mixed spice? No worries, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

A classic gingerbread cake is a good alternative if you don't want fruit!

Equipment Needed

Now, what you need to get the job done:

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or electric mixer: If you have a stand mixer, now's the time to show it off.
• 9 inch (23cm) round or 8 inch (20cm) square cake tin: I prefer round, but whatever floats your boat.
• Parchment paper (baking paper): Don't skip this, or your cake will stick.
• Skewer or cake tester: To check if it's done, obviously.
• Wire rack

Don't have a fancy cake tin? A sturdy casserole dish will do in a pinch. Just make sure it's oven safe, yeah? There you have it.

It's pretty straightforward, and remember that how to make a Christmas cake from scratch is all about fun!

Auntie's Approved Christmas Cake: A Classic Fruitcake Made Easy

Honestly, who doesn't love a christmas cake recipe ? This recipe brings the tradition and warmth to your kitchen. It's packed with dried fruits soaked in brandy.

Or orange juice if you prefer. This cake is rich, moist, and bursting with festive flavours. It’s a Christmas staple that gets better with age, just like a fine wine.

This recipe is medium difficulty. While the steps are simple, soaking the fruit and the long baking time need patience. It's not hard but not a 10-minute microwave mug cake.

Prep Steps to Christmas Cake Perfection

Essential mise en place : Get everything ready before you start! It'll save you a headache later.

Time saving tip: Soak the fruit the night before. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.

Gather Your Ingredients!

• For the Soaked Fruit:
  • 500g mixed dried fruit
  • 150ml brandy
  • Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
• For the Cake Batter:
  • 225g unsalted butter, softened
  • 225g dark muscovado sugar
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 75g ground almonds
  • 225g all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tsp mixed spice
  • Pinch of salt
• For Feeding (Optional):
  • Extra brandy
• For Decoration (Optional):
  • Marzipan, royal icing

step-by-step: Baking Your christmas cake recipe

1. Soak the Fruit: Combine dried fruit, brandy, and citrus zest. Let it soak overnight. The longer you soak it, the better the taste.
2. Prepare the Tin: Grease and line a 9 inch tin with parchment paper. This stops burning.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. It makes the cake lighter.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time. Mix well after each.
5. Combine Dry: Whisk ground almonds, flour, spice, and salt in another bowl.
6. Mix Wet & Dry: Add dry to wet. Mix until combined. Don't overmix!
7. Fold in Fruit: Gently fold in the soaked fruit.
8. Bake: Pour into the tin and bake at 150° C ( 300° F) for 3- 4 hours . Skewer should come out clean.

Pro Tips for a Spot-On christmas cake recipe

• Baking Low and Slow: Baking at a low temperature for a long time ensures a moist and evenly cooked cake.
• Avoid a dry cake by not overbaking it. You want a golden brown colour and a springy touch.
• make-ahead: Bake weeks in advance and feed with brandy for extra richness!

A Classic Christmas Celebration Cake

A classic Christmas cake recipe is more than just a cake; it's a tradition. And honestly, this Traditional Christmas cake recipe UK version? It will make you the star baker in your family.

The blend of spices and brandy soaked fruit makes this Dark fruit cake recipe with brandy a recipe you'll be making every year.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Auntie's Approved Christmas Cake Recipe

Right then, before you dive headfirst into baking this rich fruit cake recipe for Christmas , let's have a quick natter about a few things that'll make your life easier.

This Christmas fruit cake recipe easy is pretty straightforward, but a little know how never hurt anyone, did it?

Serving it Up Just Right

Fancy pants plating isn't always my thing. Still, presentation matters, you know? A simple dusting of icing sugar looks lovely.

Or go all out with marzipan and holly decorations. For a truly decadent treat, serve a slice with a generous dollop of brandy butter.

A glass of sherry or port complements the traditional Christmas cake recipe UK beautifully. Cuppa? Yes please!

Storing Your Masterpiece

Alright, so you've baked this sticky gingerbread cake recipe oops, I mean, Christmas cake and you're not planning on eating it all in one go (are you even human?).

Let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then foil. Chuck it in an airtight container.

Job done.

Pop it in the fridge for up to 2-3 weeks. Don't freeze it . Honestly, freezing changes the texture, and it's never quite the same.

Reheating? Nah, just let it come to room temperature before serving. This classic gingerbread cake ... wait, wrong cake, this Christmas cake is best enjoyed at room temp.

Tweak it 'Til You Make it

Feeling adventurous? Chuck in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. Need a gluten-free option? No worries.

Just swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend. Easy peasy. Skip the booze if you're not a fan. Orange juice works a treat.

Or strong tea can also get that moisture and flavor. Don't like ground almonds? Just use a bit more flour.

The Nitty Gritty: Nutrition Basics

Okay, let's talk numbers, but keep it simple. A slice of this traditional gingerbread recipe ... sorry, brain fart, I mean, dark fruit cake recipe with brandy is a treat.

It will have around 400-500 calories. It is packed with fruit, it's got some fiber and vitamins. But let's be honest, it's not exactly a health food.

Just enjoy it in moderation.

So there you have it. A few extra notes to help you nail this best Christmas cake recipe for beginners .

Don't be scared to experiment. Just have fun and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you'll be whipping up how to make a Christmas cake from scratch , a moist gingerbread recipe .

.. okay, I'll stop now. Happy baking!