The Perfect Holiday Treat: Moist Christmas Fruit Cake - VLOGMAS DAY 14

Fruit cake! Fruit cake! That is how excited I was about today's recipe. Moist and very Christmas spice filed  dessert. Day 14 of #VLOGMAS2021 is truly an amazing one. Most of the time whenever we eat fruit cakes it's always at weddings well, here in Kenya anyway so it's fun to be able to have it anytime you want and this will give you that chance. The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of decadent Moist Christmas Fruit Cake? This timeless classic, with its rich blend of spices and mixed dried fruits, is a delightful indulgence that has been a favorite at festive gatherings for generations. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to create this moist and flavorful treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you to success.

Who is this Recipe For?

This Moist Christmas Fruit Cake is perfect for anyone who appreciates the warm and comforting flavors of the holiday season. Whether you're hosting a big family gathering, planning a cozy evening by the fireplace, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is versatile and ideal for various occasions. It's a delightful treat for adults and children alike, and the sweetness and spice combination will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why This Recipe Is Great

There are plenty of reasons why this Moist Christmas Fruit Cake recipe is a holiday favorite:

1. Flavor Explosion: The blend of cinnamon, ground cloves, and ginger, along with mixed dried fruit, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
2. Moist and Tender: The secret to this cake's perfection lies in its moisture. With the right mix of ingredients and careful baking, you'll achieve a cake that's wonderfully moist and tender.
3. Make Ahead: This cake actually gets better with time. You can bake it in advance and let it mature for a few days or even weeks, making it a convenient dessert for the busy holiday season.
4. Impressive Presentation: The beautifully decorated fruit cake can be the centerpiece of your dessert table. It's a showstopper that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

INGREDIENTS 

Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients and ensure we have the necessary kitchen equipment ready.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Water
• 1/4 Cup Butter
• 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 2 Cups Mixed Dried Fruit/Currants
• 2 Eggs
• 1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence

Kitchen Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Cake tin (9-inch round or equivalent)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Cake decorating tools (if desired)

Directions

Now that we're all set, let's start baking this scrumptious Moist Christmas Fruit Cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease your cake tin. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit/currants, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla essence. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Combine and Bake

4. Pour the cooled sugar and spice mixture over the fruit and flour mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Cool and Decorate

7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. If you wish to decorate your Moist Christmas Fruit Cake, you can use icing, marzipan, and festive decorations to create a stunning holiday centerpiece.

Storing Leftovers

The great thing about Moist Christmas Fruit Cake is that it gets better with time. To store any leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature, and it will stay delicious for several weeks. Some even prefer to age it for a few months for an even richer flavor.

FAQ

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few days or weeks ahead can enhance the flavors. Just store it properly to maintain its moisture.

Can I use different dried fruits?

Certainly. You can customize the dried fruits to your liking. Raisins, apricots, figs, or dates are all excellent choices.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking soda is also gluten-free.

What's the best way to decorate this cake?

You can go traditional with icing, marzipan, and candied fruit. However, feel free to get creative with your decorations to suit your style.

Food and Drink Pairings

This Moist Christmas Fruit Cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, mulled wine, or even a rich cup of coffee. The warm and aromatic flavors complement each other beautifully.