Christmas Cake(British Style)
A rich, traditional British Christmas cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, ideal for festive occasions and enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. mixed spice
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. flour ⓘ
- 1 lb. seeded raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. dried apricots
- 1/2 lb. almonds ⓘ
- grated rind of 1 orange or lemon ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 6 eggs, separated
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. currants ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mixed peel ⓘ
- 1/4 pkg. glazed cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250° to 275° F.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and mixed spice together until smooth.
- Beat in the egg yolks one at a time until well incorporated.
- Fold in half of the stiffly beaten egg whites, then half of the sifted flour and salt, followed by the remaining egg whites and flour.
- Add the prepared chopped dried apricots, raisins, currants, almonds, mixed peel, glazed cherries, and grated orange or lemon rind into the batter.
- Pour the mixture into a paper-lined 8-inch square pan.
- Bake for 3.5 to 4 hours until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and margarine. If you don’t have mixed spice, a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can be a good substitute. Make sure to use fresh eggs for the best texture. When folding in the egg whites, be gentle to maintain the lightness of the batter, similar to the technique used in making English Oven Scones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Zesty Stroganoff as part of a festive meal. For a drink pairing, consider serving it with a spiced tea or mulled wine to enhance the flavors of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to keep it moist. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a month. If you wish to freeze the cake, slice it first and wrap each piece individually. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cake(British Style) contains roughly 1811 calories, with 27g protein, 229g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (55% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2275mg per serving (99% 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 in advance?
Yes, this cake actually improves in flavor when made in advance. You can bake it up to a month ahead of time. Just make sure to store it properly and keep it wrapped until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of almonds?
If you have nut allergies or simply dislike almonds, you can substitute with walnuts or pecans. Alternatively, you could omit the nuts entirely, though this will change the texture of the cake somewhat.
How can I make this cake more festive?
You can enhance the cake's festive appeal by adding a splash of brandy or rum to the batter. Additionally, decorating the top with icing or a glaze and some candied fruits can give it a beautiful holiday finish.
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).