Jamaican Black Christmas Cake, also known as "Jamaican Christmas Pudding," is a delectable dessert that is traditionally served during the holiday season in Jamaica. This rich and flavorful cake is often compared to the English fruitcake, but it has its own unique twist. The key ingredient that sets this cake apart is the use of dark rum, giving it a distinct Caribbean flavor. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step recipe for this beloved Jamaican delicacy.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
The fruit mixture is the heart and soul of Jamaican Black Christmas Cake. It is a combination of dried fruits, soaked in rum and wine for several weeks to infuse the flavors. The traditional fruits used in this mixture include raisins, currants, prunes, and cherries. However, feel free to add your own twist by including other dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or figs.
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Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients in this recipe include all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. These spices give the cake its distinctive spicy and warm flavors, making it perfect for the holiday season.
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Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients include dark brown sugar, molasses, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients adds richness and depth to the cake, making it moist and decadent.
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The Process
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's dive into the process of making Jamaican Black Christmas Cake. This recipe requires some planning ahead, as the fruit mixture needs to be soaked for at least a week before baking the cake.
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Step 1: Soak the fruits
In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits and cover them with dark rum and red wine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least a week, stirring occasionally to make sure the fruits are evenly soaked.
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Step 2: Prepare the pan
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper is hanging over the sides to easily lift the cake out once it's baked.
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Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients - flour, baking powder, and spices.
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Step 4: Cream the wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the dark brown sugar, molasses, and butter until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
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Step 5: Combine all ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the soaked fruit mixture. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
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Step 6: Bake the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 2.5 hours. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
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Serving and Storing
Once the cake is done, let it cool completely before removing it from the pan. You can serve it as is or top it with your favorite frosting. Jamaican Black Christmas Cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for the holiday season.
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In Conclusion
Jamaican Black Christmas Cake is a beloved tradition in Jamaica and is now gaining popularity worldwide. This rich and flavorful cake is the perfect addition to any holiday celebration. With this recipe, you can now recreate this delicious dessert in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this scrumptious treat.
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