Best 2 Irish Christmas Cake Recipes
During festive holidays like Christmas, Irish Christmas cake takes center stage. A traditional Irish dessert, this rich and flavorful cake is a delightful combination of dried fruits, spices, and whiskey, all enveloped in a moist and tender sponge. The preparation involves several stages, starting with soaking dried fruits in Irish whiskey, adding warmth and depth of flavor to the cake. The batter is generously packed with these soaked fruits, along with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Once baked, the cake is left to mature for weeks or even months, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. This detailed recipe provides step-by-step instructions for preparing the cake, ensuring a moist and flavorful treat that will surely impress your family and friends.
Additionally, the article offers a collection of variations and additional recipes to elevate your Irish Christmas cake experience. Explore delightful alternatives such as a gluten-free version, a vegan interpretation, and a chocolate stout-infused cake. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to cater to different dietary preferences and flavor desires. Dive into the world of Irish Christmas cake and discover the joy of creating this timeless dessert that holds a special place in Irish culinary traditions.
IRISH TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CAKE
Every year my mother would make her Christmas cake, and behind her back every year my father would throw in probably about half a bottle of Guinness into the fruit while it was left to soak in the whiskey, and every year mother would say I swear this cake is getting darker; and the owlboy as we would call him would say yes it's...
Provided by Racquel Sweeney
Categories Cakes
Time 3h10m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 140 c. DON'T FORGET TO SOAK THE FRUIT THE NIGHT BEFORE FOR LEAST 12 HOURS...
- 2. Prepare a 9 inch round cake tin, cut out 2 dish of grease-proof paper the same size as cake tin, and one long rectangle of grease-poof paper that is 6 cm wider that the height of cake tin and slightly longer than the circumference of the tin. Fold over a depth of 3 cm of one of the long edges of the rectangle of grease-poof paper and make diagonal cut into it all the way along the length. Grease the inside of your cake tin with butter and put in one of the disks of grease-poof paper . Then grease the top of the disk and put in the long grease-poof paper rectangle around the inside of the cake tin, with the cut flaps lying on the bottom of the tin. Grease the inside of the grease-poof paper rectangle and put the last disk into tin, sandwiching the "feet" of the upright grease-proof paper rectangle. Finally grease the top of that disk (so your cake won't stick). Tie a double band of brown paper around the outside of your cake tin with string so prevent the cake burning while baking in oven for 3 hours.
- 3. In large bowl place all your fruit, grated apples, nutmeg, mixed spice, cinnamon, chopped almonds, grated lemon rind and 1 cup of Jameson and not forgetting half bottle of Guinness. Mix thoroughly and cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and leave overnight. Next day cream the butter and sugar together until light and fully. Add beaten eggs and sieved flour and beat until well mixed . mix in soaked fruit and ground almonds and mix well. Put mixture into prepared tin smooth with back of a spoon leaving a slight hallow in the centre.
- 4. Bake the cake for 3 hours. Protect the top of cake from over-browning by covering with brown paper for the last 1+ 1/2 hours baking. Check the cake after 2+ half hours with small skewer into centre of cake = when it comes out dry cake is done; but oven temperatures can vary just might need that extra half hour.
- 5. Cool cake in tin until next day,turn out remove the paper. Using a skewer, make about 8 small holes in the cake and pour in some more whiskey just to add some more flavour (well it is an Irish cake).
- 6. Wrap the cake in 2 sheets of grease-proof paper and then cover with a layer of tin foil. Store in an airtight tin or tuber wear in a cool place. Years ago the wee old Irish woman would hide there cakes under the bed so there husband wouldn't break into the Christmas cake after a night on the beer before Christmas.
- 7. TIP= I haven't included icing in this recipe, because my husband likes this cake plain. However, there are so many different types of icing around (e.g. fondant, royal), I'll leave you to choose your own favourite. This cake should be made at least 1 month in advance...
IRISH CHRISTMAS CAKE
Make and share this Irish Christmas Cake recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Michelle_My_Belle
Categories Dessert
Time 1h50m
Yield 1 9 inch white fruitcake, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Brush bottom and sides of 9 x 3 springform pan with 2 tbsp butter.
- Dust with 2 tbsp flour, tilting to coat and flipping and tapping to remove excess.
- Combine cherries, raisins, currants, candied peel and angelica in a bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup flour and toss to coat evenly; set aside.
- In large bowl cream softened butter and sugar by beating with a wooden spoon against edges until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then slowly beat in remaining flour, allspice and salt.
- Combine nuts with fruit mixture and add to batter slowly, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Pour batter into pan and spread evenly with spatula.
- Bake on middle rack for 1 1/2 hours or until top is light golden or a cake tester comes out clean.
- Cool completely before removing from pan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 711.6, Fat 41.4, SaturatedFat 20.8, Cholesterol 227.4, Sodium 965.3, Carbohydrate 82.2, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 59.2, Protein 10.1
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your cake will taste. This means using fresh butter, eggs, and fruit, and good-quality flour and sugar.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy: This will help to incorporate air into the mixture, which will make your cake light and airy.
- Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition: This will help to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Fold in the flour and fruit gently: Over-mixing the batter will make the cake tough.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the cake rises evenly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before icing it: This will help to prevent the icing from melting.
- Store the cake in a cool, dry place: This will help to keep the cake fresh for longer.
Conclusion:
Irish Christmas cake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its rich flavor and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. So next time you're looking for a special dessert to make, give this Irish Christmas cake a try. You won't be disappointed!
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