Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when kitchens are filled with the warm, inviting aroma of sweet treats. One of my absolute favorites to whip up is this *simple Christmas cake*. Trust me, it’s not just easy to make, but it’s also a delicious way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. I remember my grandmother baking her own version every Christmas, filling our home with spices and joy. The best part? This cake comes together without any fuss, so you can focus on what really matters—spending time with loved ones. Whether you’re gathering around the tree or hosting a festive dinner, this cake is sure to spread cheer and warmth. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a holiday staple in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Simple Christmas Cake
- 200g all-purpose flour – This is the base of your cake, providing structure and stability. Make sure to sift it for a lighter texture!
- 150g sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the cake beautifully, enhancing the flavor of the dried fruits.
- 100g butter – Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. It adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 3 large eggs – These will bind everything together and give the cake a lovely airy texture. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results!
- 200g mixed dried fruits – I love using a mix of raisins, currants, and chopped apricots for a delightful burst of sweetness and chewy texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder – This helps your cake rise, giving it that perfect fluffiness we all love!
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the spices and fruits.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – This warm spice is essential for that cozy holiday flavor that makes your kitchen smell like Christmas!
How to Prepare Simple Christmas Cake
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—baking! Follow these simple steps to create your very own *simple Christmas cake* that’s bursting with holiday cheer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake!
- Prepare the cake tin: Grease and line your cake tin with parchment paper. This helps the cake release easily once it’s baked. Trust me, you don’t want a cake stuck to the pan!
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes—don’t rush it! You want that airy texture.
- Add the eggs: Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air for a fluffy cake. If you see any bits of shell, just fish them out—no biggie!
- Sift in dry ingredients: Now, sift in the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Folding these dry ingredients gently into the mixture keeps it light. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the fruits: Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and the vanilla extract. This is where the magic happens—it’s going to smell fantastic!
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Use a skewer to check if it’s done; it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
- Cool the cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as it helps avoid a soggy bottom!
And there you have it! A simple yet delightful Christmas cake that’s ready to be enjoyed. Feel free to decorate it with icing or even fresh fruits if you’re feeling festive!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Christmas Cake
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for even the busiest holiday schedules!
- The delightful combination of mixed dried fruits and warm spices creates a flavor that screams festive cheer.
- This cake tastes even better the next day, allowing you to enjoy it over several cozy holiday gatherings.
- It’s versatile enough to serve at various occasions, from intimate family dinners to festive parties.
- Simple enough for beginner bakers, but impressive enough to wow your guests!
Tips for Success with Your Simple Christmas Cake
To make sure your *simple Christmas cake* turns out perfectly, here are some of my top tips that I’ve picked up over the years. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Room temperature ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
- Don’t rush the creaming process: Cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for getting that lovely airy texture, so take your time with it!
- Measure your flour properly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping it directly. This prevents packing too much flour, which can make the cake dry.
- Mix gently: When folding in the dry ingredients and fruits, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Just fold until everything is combined—it’s totally okay if a few small streaks remain.
- Use a skewer test: To check if your cake is done, insert a skewer in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
- Let it cool completely: Make sure to let your cake cool completely before icing or serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures it’s not too soft when you cut into it.
- Add your own twist: Feel free to experiment with different spices or add nuts to the mix! This cake is versatile and can be tailored to your taste. Just keep the base recipe in mind.
Following these tips will help you bake a *simple Christmas cake* that’s not only delicious but also a joy to make. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your *simple Christmas cake*, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it properly and reheat it if necessary!
To store your cake, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to seal in moisture and keep it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container if you prefer. Stored this way, your cake will stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
If you decide to freeze your cake, when you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. No need to rush the process—patience is key here! If you like, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up a bit. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it’ll become dry!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your *simple Christmas cake* will be just as delightful the next time you slice into it as it was fresh out of the oven.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
While I’ve provided some nutritional information for my *simple Christmas cake*, please keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking calories or dietary needs. These numbers are meant to be a helpful guide, but your cake might differ slightly. Enjoy every delicious bite without stressing too much about the details!
FAQ About Simple Christmas Cake
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
While fresh fruits can add deliciousness, I recommend sticking with dried fruits for this *simple Christmas cake*. Dried fruits provide a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that holds up better during baking.
How long does the cake last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your *simple Christmas cake* can last up to a week at room temperature. If you freeze it, you can enjoy it for up to three months! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors, making it even more delightful. Just wrap it up tightly once it’s cool, and you’re good to go.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan butter substitute or oil, like coconut oil. Just remember that it might change the cake’s texture slightly, but it should still turn out yummy!
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This *simple Christmas cake* is completely vegetarian, as it uses eggs and no animal-derived ingredients beyond that. Perfect for everyone at your holiday table!
Serving Suggestions for Simple Christmas Cake
When it comes to serving your *simple Christmas cake*, I love to keep it festive and fun! A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm icing adds a lovely touch. Pair it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that delightful creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the cake’s moist texture. You can also serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee; there’s just something magical about sipping a cozy drink while enjoying a slice of cake. For a festive twist, try adding a few candied fruits or nuts on top for that extra holiday flair!
Drucken
Simple Christmas Cake: 7 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious Christmas cake that is easy to make and perfect for the holiday season.
Zutaten
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 100g butter
- 3 large eggs
- 200g mixed dried fruits
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a cake tin.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Fold in mixed dried fruits and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing or fruits.
- Best served after a day to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: British
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 15g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: simple christmas cake, holiday cake, easy cake recipe
