Must Try cake recipe for Christmas 2024

A Spiced Fruit Cake is a timeless Christmas tradition, bursting with the warm flavors of the season. Here's how to bake this delightful treat:

Ingredients:

• Dry:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

• Wet:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Fruit:

  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup chopped dried figs
  • 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup chopped dates
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel
  • 1/4 cup chopped candied citron
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• Glaze (optional):

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk or brandy
  • Few drops of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

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   Loaf pan

2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in molasses, brandy (if using), and vanilla extract.

4. Alternately add dry ingredients and wet ingredients to the bowl, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in fruits and nuts (if using).

5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool cake in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. For the optional glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or brandy, and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving.

Tips:

• Soak the dried fruit in brandy or rum overnight for extra flavor and moisture.
• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 24 hours, or up to a week, for the flavors to develop further.
• Get creative with the fruits and nuts you use! Cranberries, cherries, and almonds are all delicious additions.
• This cake is also delicious served with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.

Enjoy this festive Spiced Fruit Cake and bring a touch of Christmas magic to your holiday table!