Christmas 2023 Cake Design

For a festive Christmas cake, you might enjoy making a classic Christmas fruitcake or a spiced gingerbread cake.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed candied fruit
• 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup currants
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup brandy or orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the candied fruit, nuts, dried apricots, raisins, and currants. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with molasses and brandy (or orange juice). Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the prepared fruit and nut mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, you can decorate the cake with icing, powdered sugar, or additional candied fruit if desired.