Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup candied cherries, halved
- 1 cup candied pineapple, diced
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup brandy or rum (for soaking dried fruits)
For Decoration (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Assorted festive decorations like holly leaves, edible glitter, or silver balls
Instructions:
Prepare the Fruits:
In a bowl, combine the raisins, currants, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and chopped dried apricots.
Pour the brandy or rum over the dried fruits, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow them to soak for at least a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavors.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Alternate Mixing:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add Vanilla Extract:
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Fold in Nuts and Soaked Fruits:
Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and the soaked dried fruits, including any remaining liquid.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Decoration:
Mix powdered sugar with milk to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and decorate with holly leaves, edible glitter, or silver balls for a festive touch.
Serve:
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the rich and fruity flavors of Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake!
This delightful Christmas cake is sure to bring joy and warmth to your festive celebrations.