Ingredients

500 g sultanas
300 g currants
175 g seedless raisins
1/4 cup good-quality bitter marmalade
150 g mixed peel
2 grated oranges , zest of
120 ml brandy
300 g unbleached plain flour
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
220 g softened unsalted butter
200 g soft light brown sugar
4 large free-range eggs
100 g blanched almonds
Maggie Beer's Christmas Cake is a classic holiday dessert that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. This rich and flavorful fruitcake is packed with seasonal brandy-soaked fruits, spices, and orange zest, creating a symphony of taste and texture that is sure to delight. It is a popular dessert in Australia, where it is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter. This recipe is a time-honored favorite from celebrated Australian cook Maggie Beer, and is sure to become a beloved tradition in your family too.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 140°C.
2.In a large bowl, mix together the sultanas, currants, raisins, marmalade, mixed peel, orange zest, and brandy.
3.Sift together the flour, nutmeg, mixed spice, and salt into a separate bowl.
4.In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5.Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
6.Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
7.Fold in the fruit mixture and almonds until well distributed.
8.Grease a 24cm round cake tin and line with baking paper.
9.Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth the top.
10.Bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
11.Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool completely in the tin.

PROS

Maggie Beer’s Christmas Cake is a delicious and traditional holiday dessert that is perfect for sharing with loved ones.

It is packed with seasonal fruits and flavors, and can be made well in advance of the celebrations.

The cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy cooks.

CONS

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

It is also time-consuming to make, requiring several hours in the oven to bake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although Maggie Beer’s Christmas Cake is not particularly healthy, it does contain a number of nutritious ingredients such as sultanas, currants, and raisins.
These fruits are high in antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a beneficial addition to the diet.
Brandy, which is used to soak the fruit in this recipe, has also been shown to have some health benefits when consumed in moderation.

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