The aroma of a Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy wafts through the air, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that dances on your senses. Picture this: rich spices mingle with the sweetness of candied fruits and nuts, all wrapped up in a moist, decadent base. It’s like Christmas in a bite, and trust me, every slice is a joyous celebration waiting to happen. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Soup recipe.
I remember the first time I pulled one of these cakes out of the oven; my family gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation. The moment they took their first bite, it was pure magic. The flavors burst forth like holiday cheer, making it an instant favorite at our Christmas gatherings. This cake is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together during the most wonderful time of the year.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy is easy to make and perfect for sharing during festive occasions. The rich flavors create an unforgettable taste sensation that delights everyone. Its stunning appearance makes it a showstopper on any dessert table, while its versatility allows you to enjoy it anytime throughout the season. [/info_box]
Family and friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious this Christmas Fruit Cake turned out!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Mixed Dried Fruits: Use a combination of raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots for a delightful flavor balance.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Brandy: A splash of good-quality brandy elevates the cake’s taste; let it soak into the fruit for best results.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives richness; make sure it’s softened before mixing for easy incorporation. garlic butter shrimp lasagna.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar lends deep caramel notes; feel free to adjust sweetness based on your preference. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure while keeping the cake moist and tender.
Baking Powder: A little leavening agent helps achieve that perfect rise without being too dense.
Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): Freshly grated spices offer warmth and depth; they are essential for that holiday flavor profile.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together while adding moisture—important for that luscious texture.
Zest of Orange or Lemon: Citrus zest brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by measuring out all your ingredients carefully. Chop the mixed dried fruits and nuts into small pieces for even distribution throughout your cake.
Soak the Fruits in Brandy: In a bowl, combine your mixed dried fruits with brandy. Let them soak for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do! The mixture should look pale and airy. cranberry cream cheese bites.
Add Eggs and Zest: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in orange or lemon zest for an aromatic touch that will brighten up your cake.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your batter.
Combine Everything Together!: Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle to maintain airiness—overmixing can lead to dense cake!
Now you’re ready to bake! Pour your batter into a prepared cake tin lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 1 hour or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. cranberry feta chicken bake.
Let cool completely before removing from the tin—patience is key! Once cooled down completely, you can drizzle more brandy over it if you want an extra kick!
And there you have it—a beautiful Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every delightful slice as you gather around with loved ones during this festive season! Christmas dessert lasagna.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy is a festive delight that’s rich in flavor and tradition. The aroma of spices and fruits baking will fill your home, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option that only gets better with time. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by soaking the dried fruits in brandy overnight for maximum flavor. Next, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in eggs and dry ingredients for a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out fruits based on what you love; add nuts or even chocolate chips for a twist! Spice it up with extra cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cake wrapped in parchment paper and foil at room temperature. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, keeping it moist.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before blending. Avoid overmixing once you add flour to keep the cake tender. And remember, patience is key—allow it to mature for at least a week for full flavor! [/info_box]
Sharing this Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy always brings smiles around my table—there’s just something magical about this cake that makes everyone feel at home.
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit can add moisture but may change the texture of your cake.
How long should I soak the fruits?
Soaking them overnight allows flavors to meld beautifully into the cake.
Can I make this cake alcohol-free?
Yes, substitute brandy with apple juice or water for a non-alcoholic version.
Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy is a festive delight that fills your home with the warm aromas of spices and fruits. This moist, rich cake features a beautiful medley of mixed dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a splash of brandy for an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, each slice brings joy and nostalgia, making it a beloved tradition for family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
Instructions
- Soak the mixed dried fruits in brandy for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a cake tin with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one by one, followed by the citrus zest.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cooling completely before removing from the tin.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
