The festive season is the perfect time for baking, and nothing brings more joy than a warm, delicious Christmas Loaf Cake. This recipe combines the essence of holiday spices, juicy fruits, and the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes. Having made this cake for years, I can assure you that it never fails to impress family and friends during gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: The mix of warm spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, alongside dried fruits and nuts, creates a flavor profile that is synonymous with Christmas.
- Make Ahead: This loaf cake can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen, freeing you up for last-minute holiday preparations.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with fruits and nuts, this cake contains wholesome ingredients that can provide a bit of nutritional benefit amidst all the holiday indulgence.
- Easy to Customize: The base recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is perfect for gifting or sharing, and its delightful taste is sure to win over anyone who tries it. I love to make it as a surprise treat during the holidays; there’s nothing quite like the look on someone’s face when they get a slice!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 10-12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking in a loaf pan
This Christmas Loaf Cake is an easy-to-follow recipe that results in a moist and flavorful cake, perfect for the festive season.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tried my hand at this Christmas Loaf Cake, I discovered the importance of letting the fruits soak in orange juice for added moisture and flavor. I initially skipped this step, and my first attempt was drier than I would have liked. Since then, I’ve made it a point to prioritize that soaking technique, making a huge difference in the final product!
How to Make Christmas Loaf Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan. You’ll mix dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and spices in one bowl, and cream the butter and sugar in another until light and fluffy. Then, incorporate eggs one at a time and mix in the soaked dried fruits and nuts. Finally, sift in the dry mix and stir just until combined. Expect a rich batter that smells delightful as you pour it into the pan!
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality dried fruits and nuts; they enhance the flavor significantly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to fully cool; this prevents it from falling apart.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper can make removal much easier and helps prevent sticking.
How to Serve Christmas Loaf Cake
- Simple Slices: Serve the loaf sliced, plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- With a Spread: Add a side of cream cheese frosting or butter for added creaminess.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: It’s the perfect accompaniment to your morning brew or afternoon tea.
- Holiday Gift: Wrap slices in festive packaging for a heartfelt homemade gift during the holidays.
Storage and Reheating Guide
To store your Christmas Loaf Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s well-wrapped. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, and if desired, gently warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free yogurt option to make it dairy-free.
- Spice Variations: Try adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor dimension.
- Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap out fruits; cranberries or cherries make excellent seasonal additions.
Nutritional Highlights
This Christmas Loaf Cake contains fiber from the dried fruits and nuts, which can support digestive health, and the nuts provide healthy fats. Be mindful of portion sizes, as this cake is calorie-dense due to its rich ingredients, making it a delightful treat rather than an everyday snack.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cake Is Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the cake is undercooked. Always check your oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Dry Cake: Ensure that you don’t overbake the cake, and consider soaking your dried fruits longer in orange juice to enhance moisture.
- Sticking to the Pan: Always grease the pan thoroughly and use parchment paper for easy release.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Fresh fruits add too much moisture and can negatively affect the texture. Stick with dried fruits for the best results.
2. How do I know when the cake is done?
The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
3. Can I make this in a different pan?
Absolutely! This batter can be baked in muffin tins or a bundt pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. How can I add a glaze to the cake?
Mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice or milk to make a simple glaze and drizzle it over the cooled cake for an extra festive touch.
Christmas Loaf Cake
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Christmas Loaf Cake filled with holiday spices, dried fruits, and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (for soaking fruits)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan.
- Soak dried fruits in orange juice for at least 30 minutes.
- In one bowl, mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, spices).
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture.
- Stir in the soaked dried fruits and nuts.
- Sift in the dry mix and stir just until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving, or serve with cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg