Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that blends the warmth of Christmas traditions with the vibrant spices of Sri Lanka? This Christmas cake recipe is not your average fruitcake; it's a fragrant, moist, and utterly delicious treat that's perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season. It's easier than you think to make this homemade cooking masterpiece, ideal for both easy recipes enthusiasts and experienced bakers alike. This recipe delivers a truly delicious dish, ready to be enjoyed as a healthy meal alternative during the holidays. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique and unforgettable Christmas cake!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, for an extra Sri Lankan flair)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed candied fruit (cherries, peel, etc.)
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- ½ cup milk or buttermilk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Add the Fruit and Nuts
Gently fold in the candied fruit, raisins, and nuts. Pour in the milk or buttermilk and mix until the batter is evenly moist.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze (optional). Serve and enjoy this quick dinner idea with your favorite festive beverages.
Tips for the Best Christmas Cake:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming. This contributes to a light and airy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Get Creative with Fruit: Feel free to experiment with different types of candied fruit and dried fruit.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
- Coconut Twist: Stir in ½ cup of desiccated coconut for a lovely tropical twist.
- Boozy Boost: Add 2 tablespoons of rum or brandy to the batter for an adult version (optional).
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary depending on how you cut the cake. This is a rough estimate.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-60g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This information is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This Sri Lankan-inspired Christmas cake is a wonderful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. It's a delicious and easy recipe perfect for sharing the joy of the season. Enjoy!