Nigella's Quick Christmas Cake Recipe

March 02, 2023 Post a Comment

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It’s that time of year again! The countdown to Christmas Day is on and that means it’s time to start baking. One of the things that makes the festive season so special is the delicious food, and no holiday feast is complete without a classic Christmas cake. This quick and easy recipe from Nigella Lawson is the perfect way to get your holiday baking off to a great start.

Ingredients

For the cake, you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup candied cherries
2 tablespoons orange zest

For the glaze, you’ll need:

1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons brandy

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the brandy and orange juice and mix until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the walnuts, cranberries, cherries and orange zest.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack.

To make the glaze, combine the orange juice and brandy and brush over the top of the cake. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

One slice of this delicious cake contains approximately:

Calories: 240 kcal
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 3 g

Making Ahead

This cake is perfect for making ahead of time as it gets better with age. Once the cake has cooled, wrap it in parchment paper and then in foil. Store in a cool, dry place and it will keep for up to 2 weeks. If you want to make the cake even further ahead, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, just leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious served on its own as a festive dessert, or you can dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s also great for a special breakfast or brunch, or you can serve it with tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a classic Christmas cake recipe that’s quick and easy to make, look no further than Nigella Lawson’s Quick Christmas Cake. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can whip up a delicious cake that will be the star of your holiday table. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!