Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a festive masterpiece with this easy Christmas cake recipe! Perfect for beginner bakers and busy families, this recipe delivers big on flavor and holiday cheer without the fuss. Get ready to impress your loved ones with a moist, delicious cake that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s incredibly simple, uses readily available ingredients, and produces a consistently moist and flavorful cake. The combination of spices and dried fruit creates a classic Christmas flavor profile that everyone will love. It’s a recipe you can easily adapt to your own preferences, making it perfect for any skill level.
Key Ingredients
- 🍰 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🍊 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍊 zest of 1 orange
- 🍇 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, currants)
- 🌰 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your choice)
- 🎄 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 🎄 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 🎄 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer!
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6️⃣ Stir in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts.
7️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- For extra moist cakes, soak the dried fruit in a little warm water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter.
- If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can cream the butter and sugar by hand, but it will take a bit more elbow grease!
- Don’t overmix the batter, or your cakes might be tough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cakes bake evenly and don’t burn. If your oven runs hot, you may need to reduce the baking time slightly. Always check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
Crunch Factor
The chopped nuts add a delightful crunch to the moist cake, providing a lovely textural contrast.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of regular butter.
- Add a tablespoon of molasses to the batter for a deeper, more intense flavor.
- A splash of orange juice can enhance the citrus notes.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Christmas cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cakes make wonderful gifts! Wrap them individually in cellophane, tie with a ribbon, and add a festive tag. You could also place them in pretty cake boxes.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spiced Cranberry: Add 1/2 cup of extra cranberries and a teaspoon of allspice.
🌟 Orange Ginger: Add the zest and juice of one orange and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
🌟 Chocolate Delight: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
🌟 Coconut Cream: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/4 cup of cream of coconut.
Troubleshooting
- Cakes are dry: You may have overbaked them. Next time, check for doneness earlier.
- Cakes are dense: You may have overmixed the batter. Try mixing only until the ingredients are just combined next time.
- Cakes sunk in the middle: Your oven may be unevenly heated. Rotate the pans halfway through baking.
FAQ
- Can I use different dried fruits? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite dried fruits.
- Can I make these cakes ahead of time? Yes, they can be baked a day or two in advance.
- Can I frost these cakes? Yes, a simple cream cheese frosting or a classic buttercream would be delicious.
- What kind of nuts can I use? Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or any nut you prefer will work well.
- Are these cakes suitable for freezing? Yes, you can freeze these cakes for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy baking and sharing these easy and delicious Christmas cakes with your loved ones! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, and a delightful way to spread some festive cheer. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media! Happy baking!
Santa's Super Easy Christmas Cakes
Deliciously simple Christmas cakes that are perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For extra flavor, soak the mixed dried fruits in a bit of rum or orange juice before adding them to the batter.
- Decorate the cooled cakes with powdered sugar or festive icing for a holiday touch.