Spiced orange Christmas cake Simple Recipe
Spiced Orange Christmas Cake is going to be a game changer so Hello, fabulous foodies and baking enthusiasts! With Christmas around the corner, I can already feel the wafts of ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon making their grand entrance. And let’s remember the orange. Ah, the zesty, uplifting aroma of oranges screams “holiday cheer” to me!
I’m about to lift the curtain on one of my most cherished holiday secrets: my Spiced Orange Christmas Cake. Trust me, this is different than your average fruitcake that gathers dust in the corner of your kitchen. Nope! It is a cake destined to be the showstopper on your Christmas dinner table.
My Walnut and Frosty robin cake might surprise you too.
Why Spiced Orange Cake on Christmas?
A Nod to Tradition
Spiced cakes have a long history during the winter season. Spices were considered a luxury in ancient times, and using them in cakes was a way to celebrate prosperity during festive seasons.
Citrus Blessings
Oranges and other citrus fruits are often linked with Christmas traditions as they signify wealth and tropical abundance during winter. Plus, they’re often in season during winter months.
All About Sharing
The round shape of the cake symbolizes unity and the act of sharing. Perfect for communal gatherings like Christmas!
Sentimental Scents
As the spices and orange zest fill the air, they add an extra layer of warmth and comfort.
How Is Spiced Orange Christmas Cake Healthy?
1) Vitamin C Powerhouse
You need Vitamin C to keep your immune system strong, so oranges are a great source.
2) Spice it Up for Health.
Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves don’t just taste good, but they also contain anti-inflammatory properties, digestive aids, and antioxidant properties.
3) Lower Sugar Option
You can easily substitute refined sugar with coconut or honey in our recipe, offering a natural sweetness lower on the glycemic index.
4) Whole-Grain Option
For a fiber-rich twist, swap out the all-purpose flour with whole-grain flour to make it even more nutritious.
My Variations of Coffee & Walnut cake, Chocolate Stout Cake, and Magical Forest Cake would be also a lovely option to bake on christmas.
LET’S START OUR RECIPE
Ingredients
- Dark brown muscovado sugar – 175 G
- Raisins – 300 g
- Eggs, lightly beaten, 3 medium-sized
- Cointreau – 100 ml
- Ground cinnamon – 1 tbsp
- Mixed spice – 2 tsp
- Sultanas – 300 g
- Dried apricots (finely chopped) – 100 g
- Dried Figs, finely chopped – 100 g
- Juice and finely grated zest – 2 oranges
- vanilla extract – 1tbsp
- Unsalted butter softened, plus extra to grease
- Plain flour – 125 g
- Ground cloves – ½ tsp
Procedure:
Step 1
Combine the fruit, orange juice, zest, Cointreau, and vanilla in a large non-metallic bowl. Let soak for at least 24 hours or two days, covered with clingfilm.
Step 2
A temperature of 150°C (130°C fan) mark 2 is recommended for baking. Using baking parchment, grease and line a 20.5cm (8in) deep round cake tin.
Step 3
To make it light and creamy, beat butter and sugar with a handheld electric whisk for three to five minutes. Now add beaten eggs and whisk them with a beater. Adding a little flour will gradually prevent the mixture from curdling. Combine the cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, and mixed spices once the flour is fully incorporated.
Step 4
Add the soaked fruit mixture to the bowl, stir well, and then spoon into the prepared tin (don’t dip the mixture).
Step 5
Bake the cake for 1 hour 40 minutes and then test it with a skewer inserted in the center to check whether it is fully baked. When completely cool, remove from the tin (keeping parchment paper on for the next step) and wrap in double-thickness aluminum foil.
Some Pro Baking Tips To Keep in Mind:
Quality Over Quantity: Always use high-quality spices; it makes all the difference.
Orange Zest: Using a microplane to get the zest super fine and remove the bitter pith is better.
Room Temperature Ingredients:
Keep your butter, eggs, and buttermilk at room temperature.
FAQs
1) Can I make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative.
2) How long will this cake stay fresh?
This Spiced Orange Christmas Cake should be good for up to 4-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
3) Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
Yes Sure! You can add nuts, almonds, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips to make its different variation
