Classic Christmas Cake
This traditional Christmas cake is rich with dried fruits, spices, and a generous splash of brandy. It’s covered in a smooth layer of marzipan and icing, making it the perfect centerpiece for your festive celebrations.
Equipment
- Cake tin (20-23 cm)
- Baking parchment
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225 g unsalted butter softened
- 225 g dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225 g plain flour
- 2 tsp mixed spice powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 200 g currants
- 200 g raisins
- 150 g sultanas
- 100 g glacé cherries chopped
- 100 g chopped dried figs
- 75 g almonds chopped
- 100 ml brandy
For the Marzipan and Icing:
- 200 g marzipan
- 200 g royal icing sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a 20-23 cm cake tin with baking parchment.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the flour, mixed spice powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder together, then fold into the butter mixture.
- Stir in the dried fruits, nuts, and brandy, mixing until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 2.
- 5-3 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is cooled, brush the top with a little brandy.
- Roll out the marzipan and cover the cake, smoothing it down with your hands.
- Roll out the royal icing and cover the marzipan layer, smoothing it gently.
- Let the cake rest for a day before decorating.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Tip:
Decorate with holly leaves and berries or other festive decorations for a beautiful finish.
Wine Advice:
Pair with a rich dessert wine like Port or a glass of sherry for a perfect festive treat.
Nutrition values
Calories: 400 kcal | koolhydraten: 60 g | Eiwitten: 5 g | Vet: 18 g | Suiker: 35 g