Christmas is around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about what to serve for dessert. If you’re looking for something special to impress your guests, then look no further than the Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe. This classic recipe dates back to the 1930s and has been a staple of British households during the festive season. The cake is packed with dried fruits, spices, and a generous splash of brandy, making it the ultimate indulgence for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. mixed dried fruit
- 4 oz. glace cherries, chopped
- 4 oz. chopped almonds
- 4 oz. plain flour
- 1 tsp. mixed spice
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 4 oz. unsalted butter
- 4 oz. dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp. black treacle
- 4 tbsp. brandy
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease a 7-inch round cake tin.
- In a large bowl, mix together the dried fruit, glace cherries, and chopped almonds.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Mix in the treacle and brandy, then fold in the dry ingredients and fruit mixture until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 2 1/2-3 hours until the cake is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 375
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 30mg
Carbohydrates: 57g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 42g
Protein: 5g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 1/2-3 hours
Total Time: 3-3 1/2 hours
Equipment:
- 7-inch round cake tin
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Electric mixer
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Be Ro Christmas Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or brandy butter for a truly indulgent dessert. This cake also makes a great gift for friends and family during the festive season.
Variations:
You can add different dried fruits to the mix such as cranberries, apricots or prunes. You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger, cardamom or allspice.
Substitutions:
You can use golden syrup instead of black treacle. You can also use rum or whiskey instead of brandy.
Storage:
Wrap the cake in baking paper and foil and store in an airtight container. The cake will keep for up to 3 months in a cool, dry place.
Tips:
- Soak the dried fruit in brandy overnight for an even richer flavor.
- Use a skewer to make small holes in the cake and brush with brandy for an extra boozy kick.
- Line the cake tin with baking paper for easy removal.
Notes:
The Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe can be traced back to the Be Ro Flour company, which produced a range of cookbooks in the 20th century. The recipe has since become a classic in British baking and is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in traditional festive flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the Be Ro Christmas Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake up to 3 months in advance and store it in an airtight container. Remember to feed the cake with brandy every few weeks to keep it moist.
Can I freeze the Be Ro Christmas Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in baking paper and foil before freezing.
Can I use a different size cake tin?
Yes, you can use a larger or smaller cake tin, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a larger cake, add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time. For a smaller cake, reduce the cooking time by 30 minutes.
Personal Thoughts:
The Be Ro Christmas Cake is a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for the festive season. The combination of dried fruits, spices, and brandy creates a rich and flavorful cake that’s sure to delight your taste buds. This recipe is easy to follow and produces a moist and decadent cake that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. I highly recommend giving this classic recipe a try this Christmas!