There’s something truly magical about baking a festive treat during the holiday season, and my *simple Christmas cake* is always at the top of my list! It fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas that remind me of cozy family gatherings. What I love most about this cake is how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out. I remember my grandmother sharing this recipe with me, her hands covered in flour as she mixed the ingredients with love. Each bite brings back memories of laughter, joy, and the essence of togetherness. Trust me, this cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delicious tradition that brings everyone to the table. So grab your apron, and let’s make some holiday magic happen!
Ingredients List
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g marzipan
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 180°C (350°F). This step is super important! A well-heated oven ensures that your cake rises beautifully and bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab your favorite cake tin and grease it well. I like to use a bit of butter or baking spray to make sure the cake slides right out later. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s make some magic! In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Using a hand mixer or a good old wooden spoon, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’re looking for a pale, airy texture that feels almost like a cloud—this is key for a lovely cake! It usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; the fluffiness will give your cake that wonderful rise.
Adding Eggs and Flavors
Time to add the eggs! Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air, which is essential for that tender crumb. Once the eggs are in, pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. The aroma will be heavenly! Give it all a good stir until everything’s combined.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding it in gently. It’s important to do this step slowly to avoid overmixing, which can make your cake tough. Just mix until you see no dry flour—if you can still see some lumps, that’s okay; they’ll bake out!
Folding in Fruits
Now for the fun part—folding in the dried fruits! Sprinkle them into the batter and gently fold using a spatula. This helps distribute the fruits without breaking them up too much. You want those beautiful bursts of flavor in every slice!
Baking and Cooling
Pour the batter into your prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. Here’s a little tip: about 5 minutes before the time is up, do the skewer test! Insert a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready! Once done, let it cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before covering it with marzipan. Patience is key here—decorating a warm cake can be a sticky situation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *simple Christmas cake* turns out perfectly, start with room temperature ingredients. This means your butter and eggs should be out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before you begin. Trust me, it makes a world of difference when it comes to mixing! When creaming the butter and sugar, don’t rush it—aim for that light, fluffy texture, as it plays a big role in the cake’s rise. Also, remember to fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Lastly, if you’re using marzipan or icing, let the cake cool completely—this prevents melting and ensures a beautiful finish. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each slice of the *simple Christmas cake*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is a delightful treat that balances indulgence with reasonable nutrition, making it perfect for festive gatherings. Enjoy every slice!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Oh, you might want to think twice about that! While fresh fruits can add amazing flavor, they contain a lot of moisture, which might make your *simple Christmas cake* soggy. Dried fruits are perfect because they add sweetness and texture without changing the cake’s consistency. If you really want to use fresh fruits, I’d recommend drying them a bit first or sticking to a recipe specifically designed for fresh fruit cakes. Just a little tweak can make a big difference!
How should I store the cake?
To keep your *simple Christmas cake* fresh and delicious, store it in a cool, dry place, covered with a clean kitchen towel or in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture while keeping it from drying out. If you’ve decorated it with marzipan or icing, I recommend wrapping it gently in plastic wrap to protect the frosting. It can last up to a week on the counter, but if you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving—it tastes so much better that way!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making your *simple Christmas cake* a day in advance. This not only allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but it also makes the cake even moister. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it as mentioned above. You can even bake it a couple of days ahead and just hold off on the decorating until you’re ready to serve. It’s such a time-saver during the busy holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This *simple Christmas cake* comes together in just a few steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive Flavor: With the delightful combination of dried fruits and warm spices, every bite is a taste of the holiday spirit!
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive party, this cake is sure to impress your guests and become a crowd favorite.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Made with all vegetarian ingredients, this cake can be enjoyed by everyone at your holiday table.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your *simple Christmas cake*, there are so many delightful options to enhance the experience! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- Warm Spiced Tea: A steaming cup of chai or spiced black tea perfectly complements the festive flavors of the cake.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, serve the cake with a mug of rich hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a wonderful contrast to the warm, spiced cake.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with citrus and berries provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.
These pairings not only elevate the flavors but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy!
Print
Simple Christmas Cake: 5 Steps to Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Christmas cake that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g butter
- 3 eggs
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 100g marzipan
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and spices.
- Combine the flour and baking powder; gradually add to the mixture.
- Fold in the dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake tin.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let it cool and cover with marzipan.
Notes
- Store in a cool place for better flavor.
- Can be decorated with icing if desired.
- Make a day ahead for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: simple christmas cake
