Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy is not just a dessert; it’s a festive celebration in every slice. Imagine rich, succulent fruits soaked in brandy, mingling with spices that evoke the warmth of holiday gatherings. delightful dessert option Each bite bursts with flavor, creating a symphony of sweetness and nostalgia that dances on your taste buds. appetizer for holiday gatherings no-bake dessert alternative. For more inspiration, check out this delicious caramel toffee cake recipe.
This cake has been the centerpiece of my family’s Christmas traditions for years. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the aroma of baking fruit cake, laughter echoing as we gathered around to sample her secret recipe. It’s the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, promising delightful flavors and cherished memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet fruits and warm spices
- Its visual appeal will impress guests at any festive gathering
- Enjoy this versatile cake plain or dressed up with icing or whipped cream
I still chuckle when I think about the time my uncle sneakily devoured half the cake before dinner, claiming he was just “testing” it for quality control.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Mixed Dried Fruits: A combination of raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots gives this cake its signature sweetness.
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Brandy: Choose a good quality brandy; it deepens the flavors and infuses the cake with warmth.
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All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure; make sure to sift it to avoid lumps.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels; it adds richness to the batter.
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Brown Sugar: This provides a lovely caramel flavor; feel free to substitute light or dark based on preference.
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Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for optimal rise; check expiration dates if it’s been sitting in your pantry.
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Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg): These warm spices elevate the cake’s festive feel; fresh ground is best for maximum flavor.
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Eggs: These bind everything together; use large eggs for best results.
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Zest of Orange and Lemon: Fresh zest adds brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
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 ingredients accurately. Soak mixed dried fruits in brandy overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until well-blended to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your batter for a lighter texture.
Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time into the butter mixture. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should look creamy at this stage.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a tender crumb!
Add Fruits and Zest: Fold in soaked dried fruits along with orange and lemon zest using a spatula. This step ensures that every bite gets an equal amount of fruity goodness.
Bake Your Cake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 1-1.5 hours until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy, let it cool completely before slicing—if you can resist! Enjoy this treat while reminiscing about joyful times spent with loved ones during the holidays! savory holiday dish.
You Must Know
- A Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy isn’t just a dessert; it’s a festive tradition
- The rich aroma of spices and dried fruits fills your kitchen, making it feel like the holidays
- This cake improves over time, so make it ahead for the best flavor
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking the dried fruits in brandy overnight for maximum flavor. Mix your batter and fold in the fruits, then bake low and slow for the perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dried fruits or nuts based on your family’s favorites. Adding citrus zest can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy wrapped tightly in wax paper, then foil, to maintain moisture. It can last for weeks at room temperature.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfectly moist cake, ensure that the fruit is well-soaked before adding to the batter
- Use fresh spices instead of pre-ground for vibrant flavors
- Avoid opening the oven door often; this disrupts baking temperature and can lead to uneven results
The first time I made a Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy, my kitchen smelled like a cozy winter cabin, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
FAQ
How long should I soak the fruit?
Soak your dried fruit in brandy for at least 24 hours for best results.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit can change the cake’s texture; stick to dried varieties for best results.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy is a festive delight that captures the spirit of the holiday season in every slice. Bursting with rich, succulent fruits soaked in brandy and infused with warm spices, this cake is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire. With its heartwarming aroma and nostalgic flavors, it’s a treat that not only pleases the palate but also creates cherished memories.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup brandy
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Soak mixed dried fruits in brandy overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in soaked fruits and citrus zest gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
