Mary Berry’s Classic Christmas Cake

Mary Berry’s Classic Christmas Cake

Mary Berry’s Classic Christmas Cake

Introduction

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Mary Berry’s Classic Christmas Cake

Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with Mary Berry’s exquisite Christmas cake, a culinary masterpiece that has become a cherished holiday tradition. This timeless recipe, passed down through generations, promises an unforgettable taste experience that will warm your heart and fill your home with the spirit of Christmas.

Ingredients:

For the Fruit:

• 300g (10.5 oz) mixed dried fruit (sultanas, raisins, currants)
• 150g (5.3 oz) glace cherries, halved
• 150g (5.3 oz) mixed citrus peel (orange, lemon, and grapefruit)
• 100g (3.5 oz) chopped almonds
• 100g (3.5 oz) chopped walnuts
• 50g (1.75 oz) chopped pecans
• 150ml (5 fl oz) brandy or dark rum

For the Cake:

• 225g (8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 225g (8 oz) caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Decoration:

• 250g (9 oz) marzipan
• 500g (1.1 lb) white fondant icing
• Silver balls or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

Preparing the Fruit:

1. Place the dried fruit, glace cherries, citrus peel, almonds, walnuts, and pecans in a large bowl.
2. Pour the brandy or rum over the fruit and stir to combine.
3. Cover the bowl and leave to macerate overnight or for up to 3 days.

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (130°C fan-forced). Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the macerated fruit. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface.
7. Bake for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating the Cake:

1. Knead the marzipan until smooth and pliable. Roll out the marzipan into a circle large enough to cover the top of the cake.
2. Brush the top of the cooled cake with a little apricot jam or honey to help the marzipan adhere.
3. Place the marzipan circle on top of the cake and smooth it down gently. Trim any excess around the edges.
4. Roll out the white fondant icing into a circle large enough to cover the entire cake.
5. Lift the fondant icing over the cake and gently smooth it down, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
6. Trim any excess fondant around the base of the cake and smooth the edges.
7. Decorate the cake as desired with silver balls, edible glitter, or other festive embellishments.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of different types of dried fruit, such as apricots, figs, and dates.
• If you don’t have brandy or dark rum, you can use orange juice or apple juice instead.
• To prevent the cake from drying out, wrap it in a double layer of cling film and store it in a cool, dry place.
• The cake can be made up to 3 months in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Serving:

Serve slices of Mary Berry’s Christmas cake with a dollop of whipped cream, custard, or ice cream. The cake can also be paired with a glass of mulled wine or a cup of tea for a truly festive treat.

The Magic of Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake:

Mary Berry’s Christmas cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary tradition that brings families and friends together during the festive season. The rich, fruity flavors and elegant decoration evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a cherished part of many Christmas celebrations.

As you savor each bite of this exquisite cake, let the flavors transport you to a bygone era, where the scent of spices filled the air and the sound of Christmas carols played in the background. Mary Berry’s Christmas cake is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the joy of sharing delicious moments with loved ones.

Closure

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