Carolina Christmas Cake
Carolina Christmas Cake is a rich, spiced fruit cake packed with raisins, nuts, and candied fruits, perfect for holiday celebrations. Its moist texture and warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice make it a festive treat that appeals to those who enjoy traditional, flavorful desserts during the holidays.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the shortening until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add the well-beaten egg and applesauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Dredge the fruit and nuts in a little of the sifted flour to prevent sinking.
- Sift the remaining flour with spices, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and boiling water to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Stir in raisins and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Decorate the top with candied pineapple rings, cherries, and pecan halves after baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using less sugar and adding a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred. Dredging the fruits and nuts in flour helps them stay suspended in the batter, which is especially useful in denser cakes like this one.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Carolina Christmas Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Ashton'S Sweet Potatoes as a festive side dish. For a drink pairing, consider a warm spiced cider or a cup of rich coffee to complement the cake's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolina Christmas Cake contains roughly 793 calories, with 6g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. It actually tastes better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to wrap it well to keep it moist.
What can I substitute for shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. Just remember that using butter may make the cake slightly denser.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
While fresh fruit can be used, it may alter the cake's texture and moisture. If you prefer a fresher taste, try using dried fruit like cranberries or apricots, which will provide sweetness and moisture without the excess liquid.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).