Christmas is a time for delicious treats and indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than by baking a traditional Christmas cake? This 1lb loaf tin size Christmas cake recipe is perfect for smaller households or those looking for a more manageable portion. The smaller size also allows for more precise and even baking, ensuring a perfectly moist and rich cake every time. Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dessert that will impress your family and friends this holiday season.
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. This recipe calls for 1lb of mixed dried fruit, self-raising flour, butter, brown sugar, eggs, treacle, and mixed spice. You can also add a splash of brandy or rum for an extra festive touch. It's important to have all the ingredients at room temperature to ensure they mix together smoothly and evenly. Mixing in cold ingredients can affect the final texture and taste of the cake.
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Tin
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and grease a 1lb loaf tin with butter. Line the tin with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cake after baking. This will also prevent the cake from sticking to the tin.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and mixed spice. This will ensure there are no lumps and the spice is evenly distributed throughout the cake. Next, add in the mixed dried fruit and stir until well combined.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugar is an important step as it helps to create a light and airy texture in the cake.
Add the Eggs and Treacle
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the treacle until well combined. The treacle adds a rich and caramel-like flavor to the cake, perfect for the holiday season.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and tough cake, so be careful not to overdo it. If desired, you can also add in a splash of brandy or rum at this stage for an extra kick of flavor.
Bake and Cool the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. It's important to not open the oven door while the cake is baking as this can cause it to sink. Once done, let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing it and allowing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
This 1lb loaf tin size Christmas cake recipe is the perfect way to add a touch of holiday cheer to your dessert table. The smaller size allows for easier baking and serving, while still delivering all the delicious flavors of a traditional Christmas cake. Enjoy with a cup of tea or a glass of mulled wine for the ultimate festive treat.
