Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup brandy or dark rum
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, and candied citrus peel)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
For Decorating:
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 2 cups mixed nuts (whole or chopped)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the brandy or dark rum, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the liquid mixture to the batter, mixing until well incorporated.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes liquid.
- Brush the top of the cake with the warmed apricot jam.
- Arrange the mixed nuts on top of the cake in a decorative pattern, gently pressing them into the jam.
- Allow the jam to set before slicing and serving the Christmas cake.
Enjoy the festive delight of Miss Fogarty’s Christmas Cake with its rich blend of spices, fruits, and nuts! Perfect for sharing joy during the holiday season.