Description
Festive Christmas Cake delivers pure holiday joy with rich, fruity layers of tradition. Sweet spices and brandy-soaked dried fruits create a memorable dessert you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweetener:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coating two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth cake texture.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, voluminous, and develops a light, airy consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a smooth emulsion. Mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a silky, well-integrated batter without overmixing.
- Distribute the batter evenly between prepared pans, ensuring uniform thickness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture condensation that could compromise the cake’s texture.
- Prepare frosting by whipping butter until creamy, then gradually introducing powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Adjust consistency with heavy cream to achieve a spreadable texture.
- Construct the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of frosting. Position the second cake layer carefully on top.
- Completely enrobe the cake with remaining frosting, using smooth, even strokes to create a polished finish. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the frosting.
- Add festive flair by adorning the cake with delicate fondant holly leaves, scattered red sprinkles, fresh cranberries, and a sprinkle of edible glitter for a sophisticated holiday presentation.
Notes
- Select high-quality ingredients like real vanilla extract and fresh butter for richer flavor complexity.
- Room temperature eggs and butter blend more smoothly, creating a lighter cake texture with better volume.
- For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular flour with a certified gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for structural support.
- Reduce sugar by 25% and replace some butter with Greek yogurt for a healthier version without compromising moisture and taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg