Light Christmas Cake
A light, festive Christmas cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday celebrations and enjoyed by those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb butter ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 10 eggs ⓘ
- 4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lemon ⓘ
- 2 pounds white raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 pound coconut ⓘ
- 1/2 pound glazed red cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 pound green cherries ⓘ
- 1/4 pound glazed pineapple ⓘ
- 1/2 pound almonds ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla flavor ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare 2 loaf pans by lining them with foil.
- Cream the butter until smooth.
- Add sugar gradually and beat until the mixture is creamy.
- Add almond or vanilla flavoring.
- Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Prepare the fruit and nuts by cutting them into small pieces and coating with flour.
- Beat the eggs separately.
- Add the beaten eggs to the creamed mixture.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Alternate adding fruit, nuts, and citrus juices, beating after each addition.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter is softened and at room temperature before creaming. You can substitute white raisins with golden raisins for a different flavor. If you prefer, use a mix of fruit juices like apple or pineapple juice instead of orange and lemon. Adding a tablespoon of brandy can enhance the cake's flavors, reminiscent of a Rich Fruit Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Light Christmas Cake and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Pairing it with a cup of spiced tea enhances the festive experience. This cake also makes a wonderful addition to a dessert table alongside rich options like German Caramel Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Light Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to retain its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Christmas Cake contains roughly 1772 calories, with 43g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 133g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (117% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% 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 different dried fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the white raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or any dried fruit of your choice. Just remember to coat them in flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
What should I do if I don't have loaf pans?
If you don't have loaf pans, you can use a round cake pan or a bundt pan. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness with a toothpick starting at around 1.5 hours.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made several weeks in advance. Just store it properly as mentioned above to maintain its freshness, and it will develop even more flavor over time.
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).