Christmas cakes are a tasty tradition that help to put people in a festive mood. Christmas cake tends to be rich in taste and contains plenty of dried fruit.
This Christmas cake recipe is a traditional British recipe.
Christmas cake ingredients (metric measures):
- 350g of self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice
- 110g of ground almonds
- 225g of caster sugar
- 225g of butter
- 4 eggs beaten with 8 tablespoons of milk (or 1/2 milk and 1/2 brandy)
- 225g currants
- 225g sultanas
- 225g raisins
- 110g half-glazed cherries
- 110g of mixed cut peel
Christmas cake ingredients (imperial measures):
- 12oz self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon of mixed spice
- 4oz of ground almonds
- 8oz of caster sugar
- 8oz of butter
- 4 eggs beaten with 8 tablespoons of milk (or 1/2 milk and 1/2 brandy)
- 8oz currants
- 8oz sultanas
- 8oz raisins
- 4oz half-glazed cherries
- 4oz of mixed cut peel
Method:
Put the flour, ground almonds and the mixed spice through the sieve and mix together. Add the caster sugar into the butter and mix in with the flour adding eggs and milk.
After washing the fruit put that in the mixture and stir it all together thoroughly.
The mixture then needs to be put in a 9 inch / 23cm round tin or an 8 inch / 20cm square tin after greasing it. To protect the tin put brown paper or foil 3 inches above the mixture.
Put it in the oven to bake slowly at 150 degrees C, 300 degrees F or gas mark 2 for around 4 1/2 hours.
After the cake has baked for 3 hours place some foil over the top of the cake.
The foil prevents the top of the cake burning.
To check if the cake is baked put a skewer through it.
When it comes out clean the cake has finished baking.
Alternatively, listen to the cake, if bubbling can be heard then it needs more time in the oven.
Once the cake is baked leave to cool for 1/2 hour before placing it on the cooling rack.
Once it has cooled enough put icing and marzipan over it.
Christmas cake is not the same without being covered in marzipan and icing.
Marzipan ingredients:
Metric Measures:
- 350g of ground almonds
- 175g of caster sugar
- 175g of icing sugar
- 1 egg
- Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Imperial Measure:
- 12oz of ground almonds
- 6oz of caster sugar
- 6oz of icing sugar
- 1 egg
- Juice from 1/2 a lemon
Method:
Mix all of the dry ingredients together then add the lemon juice and the beaten egg.
Carry on mixing until it has a paste-like texture (or cheat and buy it ready-made from the shop).
Make the top of the cake level by trimming away bits of cake or adding extra bits of marzipan.
Coat the outside of the whole cake with lemon curd or apricot jam so that the marzipan sticks to it.
Start by cutting off 1/3 of the marzipan and rolling out the rest on a surface covered with icing sugar.
Once it has been stuck all round the cake use the remaining third to cover the top of the cake.
Make sure the marzipan is smooth all around the cake, and leave in a cool dry place for a week before putting the icing on the cake.
Royal Icing Ingredients:
Metric Measures:
- 900g of icing sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for harder icing
- or 2 teaspoons of glycerine for softer icing
Imperial Measures:
- 2lbs of icing sugar
- 4 egg whites
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for harder icing
- or 2 teaspoons of glycerine for softer icing
Method:
Begin to beat the white eggs and lemon juice lightly together.
Then sieve the icing sugar before mixing with the egg/lemon juice mixture.
Continue adding icing sugar until the icing is stiff.
Place the cake on to a cake board and then smooth the icing over the top of it.
It is best to spread the icing using a palette knife or a similarly broad-bladed knife.
To make it spread better, dip the knife into a bowl of warm water.
Be sure to add decorations before the icing sets.
Learn More With the Help of Video
Conclusion
If you are making a cake for Christmas and you have not gone for this British cake then you are missing out on the most popular cake of all time.
This recipe will also help all those familiar with the cake to use as a reference.
When you have followed this recipe and made the cake, do tell me how it went in the comments section below.
Word Cloud for Christmas Cake
The following is a collection of the most used terms in this article on Christmas Cake. This should help in recalling related terms as used in this article at a later stage for you.
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/make-mature-christmas-cake
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_cake
- https://www.kitchensanctuary.com/november-is-the-time-to-make-your-christmas-cake/
Last Updated : 24 November, 2023
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Chara Yadav holds MBA in Finance. Her goal is to simplify finance-related topics. She has worked in finance for about 25 years. She has held multiple finance and banking classes for business schools and communities. Read more at her bio page.
I find the detailed measurements and method instructions extremely helpful. This will make it easier for anyone, regardless of experience, to successfully bake a delicious Christmas cake.
I completely agree. The clear instructions ensure that even beginners can create a beautiful Christmas cake.
The video tutorial is a fantastic addition to the recipe. It’s a modern touch that makes it even easier to follow along with the traditional steps.
I’m looking forward to watching the video and getting a visual guide to accompany the written recipe. It’s a great way to learn.
The comprehensive instructions for making marzipan and royal icing are invaluable. It’s like having a masterclass in Christmas cake decoration within the recipe itself.
Absolutely, Bailey. This recipe walks you through every step, ensuring a beautifully decorated Christmas cake.
I’m excited to try my hand at perfecting the marzipan and icing with this recipe. It’s the ultimate holiday baking challenge!
The traditional British Christmas cake is indeed a delight. The recipe provided is easy to follow and the result is a rich and delicious cake. I can’t wait to bake this for my family’s next Christmas celebration!
I’ve made this Christmas cake for years and it’s always a hit. The scent alone is enough to bring joy to the holiday season.
I totally agree, Anthony. This recipe is a true Christmas classic that never fails to impress.
I appreciate the inclusion of both metric and imperial measures in the recipe. It’s inclusive and helpful for a diverse audience. Well done!
Absolutely, Paula. It’s great to see the consideration for different measurement systems. It makes the recipe accessible to more people.
IronicI can already hear the bubbling sound while waiting for this delicious Christmas cake to bake. This recipe’s attention to detail is remarkable!
The bubbling sound is the true music of the holiday season, Harvey. This recipe brings joy to both the kitchen and our taste buds.
I’m glad I’m not the only one listening for the bubbling, Harvey! This recipe truly captures the essence of a traditional Christmas cake.
This Christmas cake recipe is a true gift for everyone. Thank you for sharing such a detailed and delightful tradition with us.
As a fan of traditional British recipes, I appreciate the detailed instructions for this Christmas cake. The marzipan and icing truly elevate the flavors. I’m looking forward to baking this soon!
Thanks for sharing, Jessica! I think I’ll join you in baking this classic Christmas treat.
I couldn’t agree more, Jessica. The marzipan and icing are essential for a perfect Christmas cake.
The anticipation of waiting for this Christmas cake to come out of the oven is part of the joy of holiday baking. I can’t wait to experience the delicious results.
The wait for this cake to bake feels like a countdown to a delicious celebration, Nathan. It’s a wonderful way to embrace the festive season.
The history and tradition behind this Christmas cake recipe are fascinating. It’s a wonderful way to honor British culinary heritage during the holiday season.
Absolutely, Jane. This recipe is more than just a cake – it’s a celebration of cultural traditions.
I love learning about the origins of different holiday foods. It adds an extra layer of appreciation when enjoying them.