Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious light Christmas cake? Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the steps to create a light and delectable Christmas cake that will impress your family and friends. We'll provide you with a variety of recipes, from traditional fruitcakes to modern lighter versions, so you're sure to find the perfect one to suit your taste and preferences. So, let's get started on creating a Christmas cake that will be the highlight of your holiday season!
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
LIGHT FRUIT/CHRISTMAS CAKE
A lighter version of a rich dark fruit cake, ideal if you prefer lighter texture. Can be used as a celebration cake as it can still be iced. My Grandma's recipe with a twist, I add a good glug of Baily's Irish cream (at least 1 tablespoon, added to the eggs), very Moorish. Soak the dried fruits in the Brandy, 24 hours before you plan to make your cake, this way they take on the full flavour.
Provided by Enigma 1
Categories Dessert
Time 3h40m
Yield 1 large or 2 small, 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 150c/300f/gas 2. Grease a deep 8 inch round or 7 inch square tin. Line the base & sides with a double thickness of greaseproof paper & then grease this as well. Make sure the paper lining the sides are taller than the tin.
- Beat the eggs & Baily's together in a jug or bowl. Sift the flour, sugar & spices into the fruit mixture. Add the beaten egg mixture to the other ingredients. Beat together thoroughly with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes, until completely combined. DO NOT USE A FOOD PROCESSOR.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin. Level with the back of a spoon.
- Make a slight indentation in the centre of the mixture so it will rise evenly.
- Bake in the centre of the oven 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours. Test the cake after 2 1/2 hours by inserting a clean metal skewer into the centre of the cake. If it is cooked, the skewer will come out clean & the centre will be firm when pressed lightly. If it is not cooked, return to the oven, but test at intervals. If the top is browning too quickly, place a disc of foil or brown paper over it to reduce burning.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven & allow to cool completely in the tin. Turn the cake out onto a wire wrack, leaving the lining paper on. Using a clean skewer, prick the top of the cake in places. Spoon over a dessert spoon of Brandy. Wrap the cake in foil or muslin, if available. Place in an airtight tin.
- Feed the cake with Brandy at intervals (once very two weeks) until required.
- If using as Christmas cake, the cake can be iced as usual, or you can decorate with just a dusting of icing sugar & ribbon.
MY MOM'S LIGHT CHRISTMAS CAKE
I don't think I ever saws my Mom make a cake from a mix; she was a superb baker and all around cook, but lovingly remembered for her wonderful Christmas creations (let alone Easter!) amongst which is this rich and lovely Christmas Cake, that I can share with you. In attempting this one, you need remember that it was "always on a budget", so the cherries, peel, etc are not the ones packed in expensive syrupy fluid, but rather the cheaper "candied" ones, often bought in today's "Bulk Barn"... Mom never advocated drinking, but using white rum or brandy in place of the pineapple juice was not unusual, I just can't imagine her writing that out for dissemination in the family reunion cookbook I'm pulling this up from... Where "fruit" is mentioned as an ingredient, most often this meant currants, in semi-dried form, but I'll go out on a limb and suggest chopped dried apricots would work well, too...(remember, this is a "heritage" recipe, Mom was into her 20's in the Dirty Thirties, when you worked from the cheapest ingredients, and there weren't a lot of choices!)
Provided by John DOH
Categories Dessert
Time 3h25m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Mix cherries, peel, fruit and juice together well, and let stand for two days, stirring frequently.
- Add to remaining ingredients, mixing very thoroughly.
- Pour into bread pans, and bake three hours at 300 degrees.
- Enjoy some of the happiness we knew!
LIGHT CHRISTMAS CAKE
Folks are pleasantly surprised to see the red and green layers when I cut them a slice of this light and festive cake.-Sandy Wood, Hiawassee, Georgia
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 15m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a bowl, combine raspberry gelatin and 1-1/4 cups of applesauce. In another bowl, combine lime gelatin and remaining applesauce. , Place three graham crackers side by side on a serving plate. Cover with a third of raspberry applesauce. Top with three more crackers and a third of lime applesauce. Repeat layers twice; top with remaining crackers. , Frost the top and sides with whipped topping. Refrigerate overnight. Cut into 1/2-in. slices.
Nutrition Facts :
LIGHT CHRISTMAS CAKE
This was one of my mothers favorite Christmas cakes. The recipe came from the "Edith Adams Christmas baking" flyer. She was a nutritionist for the Vancouver Province paper in the 40's & 50's
Provided by Bergy
Categories Dessert
Time 3h40m
Yield 2 Cakes
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Prepare fruit and wash raisins the day before.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Beat until very light.
- Add sifted flour mixed with cardamom and baking powder.
- Add orange juice alternately with the flour a little at a time.
- Dredge fruit with a little extra flour and add to batter.
- Place in 2 loaf pans, lined with brown paper and greased on the inside.
- Bake in 250°F degrees oven 2-3 hours or until done.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 3230.6, Fat 166.8, SaturatedFat 67.7, Cholesterol 878.5, Sodium 1195.8, Carbohydrate 391.6, Fiber 32.8, Sugar 218.5, Protein 64.8
Tips:
- Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cake will taste. Use fresh, high-quality fruits, nuts, and spices.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the cake at the right temperature: The cake should be baked at a moderate temperature so that it cooks evenly. A too-high temperature will cause the cake to brown too quickly on the outside and be undercooked on the inside.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting: This will help the frosting to set properly and prevent it from melting.
- Store the cake properly: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Light Christmas cake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With its moist texture, flavorful spices, and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will produce a beautiful and delicious cake that you can be proud of. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a light and fluffy Christmas cake that will make your holiday season extra special.
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