Homemade Christmas Delights

Christmas Fruit Cake

Gifting a homemade Christmas fruit cake is a timeless expression of holiday joy. Infused with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, this festive confection embodies the warmth and tradition of the season. Baked with care and often soaked in spirits like rum or brandy, the cake matures into a flavourful masterpiece over time. Its rich, moist texture and the blend of sweet and tangy fruits create a sensory celebration. Wrapped in festive paper or adorned with a bow, a homemade Christmas fruit cake is not just a gift; it's a slice of cherished traditions, bringing comfort and delight to holiday celebrations.

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 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 cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 cup brandy or dark rum
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits
• 1 cup chopped nuts

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in molasses and honey until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Stir in brandy or dark rum.

7. Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

9. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.

10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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