Here’s a revised version of the Easy Christmas Cake recipe with Weight Watchers points and nutrition information:
Easy Christmas Cake
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Makes: 12 servings
Weight Watchers Points: Approximately 10 SmartPoints per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 cup glace cherries, chopped
- 2 2/3 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest from 1 lemon
- Juice and zest from 1 orange
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine dried cranberries, glace cherries, mixed dried fruit, butter, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, lemon zest, and all but 4 tbsp of apple juice. Simmer until it starts to bubble slightly, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Stir eggs and ground almonds into the cooled fruit mixture. Add baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and flour. Mix until well combined. Reserve the remaining 4 tbsp of apple juice.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover the cake with foil if it begins to brown too much.
- While still warm, poke holes in the top of the cake and pour over the reserved 4 tbsp of apple juice.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then store in an airtight container lined with parchment paper.
- To keep the cake moist, feed it weekly with 1-2 tbsp of apple juice poured over the top.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 332
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 77mg
- Sodium: 176mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Enjoy this festive Easy Christmas Cake responsibly, and delight in its rich flavors and moist texture throughout the holiday season!
Ultimate Easy Christmas Cake Recipe
Nothing quite captures the spirit of the holiday season like a decadent Christmas cake. This Easy Christmas Cake recipe brings together a harmonious blend of fruits, nuts, and spices, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for festive gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Follow these detailed steps to create a cake that’s not only delicious but also a centerpiece of your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel-like sweetness to the cake.
- 3/4 cup butter: Provides moisture and richness to the cake batter.
- 1 cup glace cherries, chopped: Adds bursts of color and sweetness throughout the cake.
- 2 2/3 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, sultanas): Provides a medley of flavors and textures.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: Adds a tart and festive touch to the cake.
- Zest from 1 lemon: Adds bright citrusy notes that complement the sweetness of the fruits.
- Juice and zest from 1 orange: Provides additional citrus flavor and moisture to the cake.
- 1/2 cup apple juice: Keeps the cake moist and enhances the fruit flavors.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
- 1/2 cup ground almonds: Adds a nutty flavor and moist texture to the cake.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that evoke the holiday season.
- 1/4 tsp allspice: Enhances the warm, complex flavors of the cake.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Adds a zesty kick and warmth to the cake.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Provides a hint of earthy spice to complement the other flavors.
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the dried cranberries, glace cherries, mixed dried fruit, butter, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, lemon zest, and all but 4 tbsp of apple juice. Allow the mixture to simmer until it begins to bubble slightly, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: Once the fruit mixture has cooled, stir in the eggs and ground almonds until well combined. Add the baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, and flour. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Reserve the remaining 4 tbsp of apple juice for later use.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even distribution. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Adjust Temperature and Continue Baking: Reduce the oven temperature to 275°F (135°C) and bake for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Infuse with Apple Juice: While the cake is still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to poke 10-12 holes in the top of the cake. Pour the reserved 4 tbsp of apple juice evenly over the top of the cake to infuse it with extra moisture and flavor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cake to cool completely in the springform pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan and store it in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. This helps to preserve its freshness and flavor.
- Maintain Moisture: To keep your Easy Christmas Cake moist and flavorful, continue to feed it weekly with 1-2 tbsp of apple juice poured over the top. This simple step ensures that each slice remains as delicious as the first day you baked it.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 332
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 77mg
- Sodium: 176mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
This Easy Christmas Cake recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a tradition. The careful balance of fruits, nuts, and spices creates a cake that is moist, flavorful, and filled with the essence of the holiday season. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea on a cozy winter evening or serve it proudly at your festive gatherings, this cake is sure to be a hit. Embrace the joy of baking and share the warmth of the season with each slice of this delicious Easy Christmas Cake.