18+ Canadian Christmas Cake Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

The History of Canadian Christmas Cake

Believed to have originated in the 18th century, Christmas cake has been a cherished holiday dessert in Canada for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the British fruitcake, traditionally served at weddings and other special occasions. As British settlers made their way to Canada, they brought along their beloved Christmas cake recipe, which soon became a staple in Canadian holiday celebrations. Over time, different regions and families added their own unique twists and variations, resulting in a truly Canadian version of this delicious dessert.

The Ingredients

Featured Keywords: Canadian Christmas cake recipe, holiday season, delectable dessert, staple, generations, family recipes, cherished memories, festive treat, holiday cheer, apron, baking, history, ingredients, British fruitcake, settlers, regions, families, unique twists, variations, Canadian version, delicious dessert. The key to a perfect Canadian Christmas cake lies in the quality of its ingredients. While there are many variations, the main components typically include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and of course, the star of the show - dried fruits. The traditional mix of fruits includes raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, but some recipes may also include cherries, dates, or apricots. The fruits are often soaked in brandy or rum for several days to infuse them with flavor and keep the cake moist. Some recipes also call for nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for an extra crunch and richness.

The Recipe

Featured Keywords: Canadian Christmas cake, holiday tradition, baking, mixing, pouring, rum, brandy, spices, raisins, currants, candied citrus peel, cherries, dates, apricots, nuts, almonds, pecans, crunch, richness. Now that we have a brief history and understanding of the ingredients, let's dive into a classic Canadian Christmas cake recipe that will have your family and friends asking for more. Ingredients: - 1 cup butter - 1 cup brown sugar - 4 eggs - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tsp baking powder - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 1 tsp ground nutmeg - 1 tsp ground ginger - 1 tsp salt - 1 cup raisins - 1 cup currants - 1 cup candied citrus peel - 1 cup candied cherries - 1/2 cup chopped dates - 1/2 cup chopped apricots - 1/4 cup chopped almonds - 1/4 cup chopped pecans - 1/2 cup brandy or rum Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 2. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. 4. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. 5. In a separate bowl, toss together the raisins, currants, candied citrus peel, cherries, dates, apricots, almonds, and pecans. 6. Gradually add the fruit mixture to the cake batter, stirring until evenly distributed. 7. Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round cake tin. 8. Bake at 300°F for 2 - 2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 9. Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing and placing on a wire rack to cool completely. 10. Using a toothpick, poke holes all over the top of the cake and pour the brandy or rum over the top, allowing it to soak in. 11. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for a few days, allowing the flavors to develop and the cake to become moist and delicious. In conclusion, the Canadian Christmas cake is a beloved holiday tradition that brings families and friends together. With its rich history and delicious ingredients, it's no wonder why this festive treat has stood the test of time. So this holiday season, why not add a slice of Canadian Christmas cake to your dessert table and create some new cherished memories with your loved ones. Happy baking!