Mama Hull'S Christmas Cake
Mama Hull's Christmas Cake is a rich, spiced fruit cake with raisins and walnuts, perfect for festive celebrations and loved by those who enjoy classic holiday flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
- Mix together the soda and syrup, then add to the creamed mixture.
- Add nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon, then mix well.
- Fold in raisins and walnuts.
- Alternately add flour and buttermilk to the mixture, mixing each addition thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 50 minutes.
- Watch the cake and remove when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use salted butter and consider toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation. For added moisture, you can also fold in a cup of chopped dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the cake and serve as-is, or dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and can be complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a holiday spread, consider serving it alongside Asparagus-Feta Hors D'Oeuvres or Oatmeal Cookies With Coconut to create a delightful dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cake by wrapping it well and placing it in a freezer-safe bag, where it can last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Hull'S Christmas Cake contains roughly 2755 calories, with 42g protein, 313g carbohydrates, and 187g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (238% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (154% of the Daily Value), and iron (143% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 67g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes for walnuts in this recipe. They will add a different flavor profile and texture, but will still complement the spices and fruits in the cake beautifully.
What can I do if I don't have all the spices listed?
If you lack any of the specific spices, you can create a warm spice blend using what you have. For example, use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for the nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon, adjusting the quantity to taste.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Also, the cake should spring back when lightly pressed on top.
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).