Favorite Christmas Cake
A rich, boozy Christmas cake filled with raisins and pecans, perfect for holiday celebrations and aging to develop deeper flavors over time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together butter and sugar.
- Beat in egg yolks.
- Add dry ingredients, flour, salt, and baking powder alternately with 1/2 cup whiskey.
- Stir in white raisins and chopped pecans.
- Fold in beaten egg whites.
- Turn into a well-greased and sugared Bundt or angel food pan.
- Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for approximately 2 hours.
- Cool the cake and remove from the pan.
- Wrap the cake in cheesecloth wet with additional whiskey.
- Wrap in foil and store in a tin, tightly covered.
- Aging makes the cake better!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using aged whiskey or brandy. If you don't have white raisins, golden raisins can be a suitable substitute. To achieve a lighter texture, ensure that your egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. Also, gently mixing the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing is crucial for a tender cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for festive gatherings and pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful presentation, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It also complements well with Simple Lemon Cookies for a festive dessert platter or as part of a holiday dessert spread featuring English Trifle.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in cheesecloth that has been moistened with whiskey. Then, wrap it in foil and store it in an airtight tin. This method allows the flavors to deepen as the cake ages. The cake can be stored for several weeks, and some even say it improves with time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Christmas Cake contains roughly 2429 calories, with 62g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (123% of the Daily Value), iron (115% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2627mg per serving (114% 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 is ideal for making ahead of time. In fact, aging it wrapped in whiskey-soaked cheesecloth enhances its flavors. You can prepare it several weeks before your event, allowing it to develop a richer taste. Just remember to store it properly as instructed.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, you can omit the pecans entirely or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For a similar flavor and texture, try using walnuts, which can provide a delightful variation to the recipe.
What type of whiskey or brandy works best?
A good-quality whiskey or brandy enhances the cake's flavor. Bourbon or a smooth Irish whiskey works wonderfully. If you prefer brandy, opt for a decent VSOP or higher quality for a richer taste. Avoid anything too harsh, as it can overpower the other flavors.
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).