Ingredients

425 g sultanas
175 g currants
900 g mixed dried fruit , coarsely chopped
1 orange , juice and zest of
440 g crushed pineapple
200 ml brandy , plus extra for finishing
170 g blanched almonds
200 g unsalted butter
200 g brown sugar
5 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
1 teaspoon almond essence
70 g ground almonds
1 3/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
200 ml brandy , extra for feeding cake ( approximate )
If you're looking for a non-traditional Christmas cake recipe that does not include cherries, this is the recipe for you. This cake is rich, moist, and full of delicious dried fruit, making it the perfect cake for any Christmas celebration. The addition of pineapple and brandy gives it a unique flavor that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This cake can be prepared well in advance, and it gets better with time. Serve it at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious Christmas treat.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 150°C.
2.Grease and line a deep 20cm round cake pan with 3 layers of baking paper.
3.In a large mixing bowl, combine the sultanas, currants, mixed dried fruit, orange juice and zest, crushed pineapple, and brandy and mix well.
4.In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy and light. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5.Add in the essences and beat well. Fold in the ground almonds and then the fruit mixture.
6.In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices. Gradually fold in the flour mixture into the fruit mixture. Combine well.
7.Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface evenly. Decorate the surface with almond halves.
8.Bake for 3 - 3.5 hours or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center. Remove from oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
9.Once cooled to room temperature, brush the surface with extra brandy and cover with plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for at least one week before serving.

PROS

This cake is rich, moist, and full of delicious dried fruit, making it the perfect cake for any Christmas celebration.

It can be prepared well in advance, and it gets better with time.

CONS

This cake is high in calories and sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It contains alcohol, so it is not suitable for children or anyone avoiding alcohol.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this cake is not particularly healthy, it does contain a variety of healthy dried fruits, including sultanas, currants, and mixed fruit. These fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and have been linked to various health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced inflammation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.