Christmas Cake From Australia
A rich Australian Christmas cake packed with dried fruits, candied cherries, pineapple, and pecans, offering festive flavors perfect for holiday celebrations and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 stick margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 (No. 2 1/2) can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 8 oz. package dates ⓘ
- 3 to 4 oz. package candied cherries
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 pound white raisins
- 7/8 cup buttermilk
- 1 pint strawberry preserves ⓘ
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the margarine and sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, excluding the baking powder.
- Dissolve the soda in buttermilk.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the strawberry preserves and drained pineapple.
- Add the chopped dates, candied cherries, white raisins, and chopped pecans to the batter, folding gently to combine.
- Divide the batter into four greased layers and bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Assemble the cooled layers with additional filling if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh spices instead of pre-ground ones. If you want to make it a bit lighter, you can substitute half of the margarine with applesauce. For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure to chop the dates and cherries evenly for better distribution in the batter. For a unique twist, try incorporating some citrus zest.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Christmas cake layered with additional strawberry preserves for extra sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a Dessert Winter Fruit Bowl for a festive touch. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side or garnishing with fresh berries for a pop of color. This cake also complements a cup of spiced tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let the layers thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cake From Australia contains roughly 200 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 847mg per serving (37% 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 use fresh fruit instead of candied cherries?
Yes, you can substitute fresh fruit, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture and moisture of the cake. If using fresh fruit, consider reducing the overall liquid content slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will provide the same acidity needed for the recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, such as baking soda and spices, are gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is safe.
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).