Ad

Nutrition: Per serving (22)

  • kcal411
  • fat13g
  • saturates6g
  • carbs61g
  • sugars50g
  • fibre3g
  • protein5g
  • salt0.2g
Ad

Method

  • step 1

    Put all the dried fruit, the mixed peel and citrus zests in a large bowl, the pour over the brandy. Stir, cover and leave to soak overnight.

  • step 2

    The next day, heat the oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2. Line the base and side of a deep 23cm cake tin with a double layer of baking parchment, so it comes a few centimetres above the rim.

  • step 3

    Beat the butter, sugar and treacle together in a large bowl using an electric whisk, until pale and creamy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl every so often. Sift the flour, baking powder and spices into a separate bowl, then stir this into the wet ingredients along with the ground almonds until combined.

  • step 4

    Stir in the rehydrated fruit along with the soaking liquid, then spoon the batter into the prepared tin and level the surface with the back of a spoon. Bake for 2 hrs 25 mins-2 hrs 30 mins, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.If the cake starts to darken too quickly, cover with foil.

  • step 5

    Leave to cool completely in the tin, then prick small holes all over the surface using a cocktail stick or skewer and brush over a little brandy. Wrap the cake in baking parchment, then a sheet of foil. Store in an airtight container and feed the cake with 1-2 tbsp brandy each week for three or four weeks, stopping the week before you want to ice it. Will keep in a cool, dry place for six months.

Recipe tip

Amaretto & cherry Christmas cake

Swap the brandy for amaretto, and add 1 tsp almond extract along with 100g chopped glacé cherries to the dried fruit.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, Christmas 2020

Ad

Comments, questions and tips (26)

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

A star rating of 4.4 out of 5.10 ratings

maisyw77

Made this it was so easy to put together and tasted delicious 😋 we soaked it in brandy and sliced it on Christmas Eve will definitely make again

lyn.privett1327220

question

I need to make a 12cm and a 18cm Christmas cakes, and I'm struggling with the amount of ingredients, and cooking times I need for each. Can anyone help please

rsue2732723026

question

I was thinking of making mini size cakes using perhaps a 200g baked bean tin size to bake in. Any idea on the cooking temperature to use and timings?

ymr2310

question

Not a fan of cherries. Can I leave them out? Or should I increase the amount of fruit??

Pip@madasafish.com

question

I have no electric whisk, can I make this cake using a hand whisk?

goodfoodteam avatar
goodfoodteam

Hi, thanks for your question. Yes you can make it by hand. We tend to use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to cream together the butter, sugar and treacle - just keep going until it's paler in colour and slightly fluffy. Before mixing, make sure the butter is nice and soft (but not melted). You can…

Ad
Ad
Ad