Oh, the magic of Christmas! There’s something truly special about baking a Christmas cake that fills the house with warmth and festive cheer. I remember the first time I made one; the aroma of spices and sweet fruits wafting through my kitchen made me feel so connected to my family traditions. This *christmas cake simple* recipe is perfect for those busy holiday gatherings when you want to bring a classic dessert to the table without all the fuss. Trust me, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy get-together with friends, this cake will be the star of the show, bringing smiles and sweet memories to everyone around.
Ingredients for Christmas Cake Simple
Let’s gather everything you need to whip up this delightful Christmas cake! Here’s what you’ll be working with:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our cake, giving it that lovely structure.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Make sure it’s soft and at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1 cup sugar: This will add just the right amount of sweetness to balance those spices.
- 4 large eggs: They’ll help bind everything together and make the cake nice and fluffy.
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits: I love using a combination of raisins, currants, and chopped apricots for a burst of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This will give your cake that lovely rise.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for a warm, aromatic touch!
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This adds that cozy holiday spice we all adore.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to making a cake that will fill your home with festive joy! Remember, the quality of your ingredients matters, so go for the good stuff whenever you can. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Christmas Cake Simple
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—baking our Christmas cake! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful cake that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so your cake bakes evenly! While that’s warming up, grease and flour your cake pan. I like to use a round 9-inch pan, but you can use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s well-greased to help the cake slide out easily once it’s baked.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for about 3-5 minutes; this is where you’ll get that airy texture we’re after! Trust me, this step is crucial for a deliciously moist cake.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Now, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and make the cake fluffy. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract after the eggs; it’ll give your cake that warm, comforting aroma that fills the air!
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures they’re evenly distributed, which is super important for even baking. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 5: Folding in Dried Fruits
Now for the fun part—folding in the mixed dried fruits! Gently add them to the batter, using a spatula to fold them in without overmixing. This technique keeps your cake tender and fluffy, allowing those delicious fruit bits to shine through.
Step 6: Baking the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This *christmas cake simple* recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Traditional Flavor: It captures the classic Christmas cake taste with a perfect balance of spices and dried fruits.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it a few days in advance, letting the flavors deepen and improve over time.
- Festive Joy: The delightful aroma while it bakes will fill your home with holiday spirit and warmth.
- Versatile: Decorate it with icing or enjoy it plain—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success with Christmas Cake Simple
To really nail this *christmas cake simple*, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this helps it cream with the sugar perfectly, giving you that fluffiness we want. If you can, let your eggs sit out for a bit too; room temperature eggs mix in more smoothly. Also, don’t skip the step of flouring the pan; it’s a game-changer for preventing sticking! If you’re in a hurry, you can even use a bundt pan for a fun twist on shape, just adjust the baking time slightly. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cake Simple
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delightful *christmas cake simple*. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This cake is a lovely treat to enjoy during the holidays, and with all those warm spices and dried fruits, it’s sure to feel like a hug in dessert form. Just remember, moderation is key! Enjoy your baking and the delicious results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *christmas cake simple* fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Just remember, this cake actually improves in flavor after a few days, so don’t be afraid to let it sit a bit!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, there’s no need to heat it up unless you want to! But if you prefer it warm, just give it a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Christmas Cake Simple
How long does the cake last?
This *christmas cake simple* can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you keep it in the fridge, it can last even longer, about two weeks. Just remember, it actually gets better with age, as the flavors meld together beautifully over time!
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
You can definitely experiment with fresh fruits, but keep in mind that they add moisture to the batter. This could affect the cake’s texture, making it denser. If you go this route, I suggest reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly or mixing in the fresh fruits with a bit of flour to help absorb some moisture. Dried fruits provide that concentrated sweetness and texture that’s so classic in a Christmas cake!
What is the best icing for this cake?
For a traditional touch, I love a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting—it complements the spices perfectly! If you want something a little more festive, a light drizzle of royal icing or even a dusting of powdered sugar can be beautiful. You can also opt for a fruit glaze using some warm apricot jam to give it a lovely shine. Whatever you choose, this cake will shine bright at your holiday table!
Drucken
Christmas Cake Simple: 5 Secrets to Holiday Perfection
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple recipe for a traditional Christmas cake.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- This cake improves in flavor after a few days.
- You can decorate with icing if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: British
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 9g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 80mg
Keywords: christmas cake simple











