The rich, moist, and flavorful dark Christmas cake is a classic holiday treat loved by many. With its origins dating back to medieval times, this cake has become a staple in many cultures, symbolizing the warmth and joy of the festive season. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, finding the perfect recipe to create your own dark Christmas cake can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This article will guide you through the essential steps, ingredients, and variations to consider when crafting the perfect dark Christmas cake.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
RICH DARK FRUITCAKE
This is my mother's very old recipe, at least 60 years old. My mother baked this for my wedding, and it sure is delicious and also a great Christmas cake. This is a very long recipe, but well worth the trouble. You can substitute a cup of drained maraschino cherries for the candied cherries, if you like.
Provided by Carol
Categories Desserts Cakes Wedding Cake Recipes
Time 6h
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Wash and dry the raisins and the currants. Wash, dry, pit, and chop the dates. Chop the raisins and the citrus peel. Slice the cherries. Blanch the almonds, and slice them lengthwise. Combine fruits and nuts in large bowl.
- Grease and line 3 standard Christmas cake pans (these round pans are at least 3 inches deep and come in a set of three sizes- 5, 7, and 9 inch across) with 4 layers of heavy waxed paper, or 3 layers of brown paper. Grease again. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
- Sift together flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices onto a piece of waxed paper. Remove 1 cup of this flour mixture, and combine with fruit and nuts. Mix until fruit is well coated.
- Cream the butter until fluffy. Add extracts. Gradually add sugar, mixing until creamy. Beat egg yolks until light and lemon-colored, and beat into the butter mixture. Stir in the molasses, and beat together well. Add half of the remaining flour mixture, and blend thoroughly.
- Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry; fold into batter. Stir in lightly the remaining flour mixture alternately with grape juice and coffee. Add floured fruit and nuts, blending in until fruit is well distributed.
- Turn batter into prepared cake tins, filling each about 2/3 full and spreading batter evenly. Bake in center of oven. Bake small cake 2 1/2 hours, medium cake 3 1/2 hours, and large cake 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and allow to stand 5 minutes, then turn out on wire rack to cool.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.3 calories, Carbohydrate 79.6 g, Cholesterol 85.9 mg, Fat 14.5 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 176.8 mg, Sugar 39.7 g
NAN'S BEST DARK FRUITCAKE:
Make and share this Nan's Best Dark Fruitcake: recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Tonkcats
Categories Dessert
Time 2h30m
Yield 50 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- With 3/4 cup of the dark rum, pour over chopped fruit and nuts. Cover and let soak for at least 48 hours. The fruit should be stirred once a day or so.
- Keep remaining rum for after baking directions -- see below.
- Stir flour, salt, baking soda and spices together Set aside.
- In separate bowl, Cream shortening and brown sugar together till fluffy.
- Add eggs and beat one at a time.
- Add molasses, jam and mix well.
- Blend in dry ingredients. Fold in fruit.
- Prepare your round fruit cake pan by oiling and line pan with paper. Oil and flour again lightly.
- Ensure the top of the paper is about 1 inch or so above the top of the pan.
- Fill prepared pans 2/3 full.
- Bake in a slow oven 300°F for 2 hours or so.
- Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking. This will ensure the cake stays moist. Remove this pan of water during the last hour of baking.
- Cool completely before removing paper.
- Storing and mellowing of fruit Cake: Wrap a cheese cloth that has been soaked in the remaining 1/4 cup of rum over the cake, covering it completely.
- Next wrap the cake and cheesecloth in aluminum foil wrap.
- Place in a cool place. Taste of cake is best when stored for 4 weeks or so! I've often brushed egg white over the cake, rolled out almond paste and laid it over the top and sides of cake. I then ice it. Everyone raves! NOTE: I've often doubled the recipe for a larger cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 179.9, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 1.4, Cholesterol 25.4, Sodium 62.1, Carbohydrate 28.4, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 19.9, Protein 2.2
CHRISTMAS CAKE
This cake is a rich, dark, moist fruit cake, very flavorful at Christmas. Try icing with almond paste for a more festive touch. This recipe is started in October or November so as to let it mellow before the holidays. I remember very well my mother storing her fruit cake in an old butter churn that belonged to my grandmother and great grandmother. I wish that I had that old crock.
Provided by Carol
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Liqueur Dessert Recipes Brandy
Time 6h
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, combine cherries, citrus peel, raisins, currants, dates, and almonds. Stir in brandy; let stand 2 hours, or overnight. Dredge soaked fruit with 1/2 cup flour.
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease an 8x8x3 inch fruit cake pan, line with parchment paper, and grease again. In a small bowl, mix together 2 cups flour, baking soda, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter until light. Gradually blend in brown sugar and eggs. Mix together molasses and apple juice. Beat into butter mixture alternately with flour mixture, making 4 dry and 3 liquid additions. Fold in floured fruit. Turn batter into prepared pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes out clean. Remove from pan, and lift off paper. Cool cake completely, then wrap loosely in waxed paper. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 644.7 calories, Carbohydrate 113.4 g, Cholesterol 100.3 mg, Fat 17.8 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 7.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 255.9 mg, Sugar 73.6 g
Tips:
- To make the cake moist and flavorful, use a combination of butter and oil in the batter.
- To prevent the cake from becoming dry, do not overmix the batter.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate or cocoa powder.
- To add a festive touch, decorate the cake with Christmas-themed sprinkles, candies, or dried fruit.
- If you don't have time to make the cake from scratch, you can use a store-bought dark chocolate cake mix.
Conclusion:
Dark Christmas cake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. With its rich chocolate flavor and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you make it from scratch or use a store-bought cake mix, this cake is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.
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