It’s that time of year again – time to break out the mixing bowls and get started on your holiday baking! And what better way to get into the festive spirit than with an easy bake Xmas cake? This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a sweet treat that’s simple to make, but still packs a punch when it comes to flavor. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the cranberries, walnuts, and candied ginger. If using, stir in the brandy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is, or dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch!
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Equipment
- 9-inch cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Toothpick
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also try serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra decadent dessert!
Variations
Feel free to mix up the mix-ins in this recipe – swap out the cranberries for raisins, or use pecans instead of walnuts. You could also try adding in some orange zest or cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions
If you don’t have brandy on hand, you could use rum or whiskey instead. And if you’re not a fan of candied ginger, you could leave it out or substitute it with another dried fruit, like chopped apricots or figs.
Storage
This cake will keep for up to three days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh!
Tips
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start – this will help it cream together with the sugar more easily.
- Don’t overmix your batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients – this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- If you’re not a fan of brandy, you could try using orange juice or apple cider instead for a non-alcoholic version of this recipe.
Notes
This recipe makes one 9-inch cake, which serves 12 people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You could try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, but I haven’t tested this myself so I can’t guarantee the results.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, and let it thaw completely in the fridge before serving.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
I haven’t tested this myself, but I think fresh cranberries would work fine in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they might add a little extra moisture to the batter.
Final Thoughts
This easy bake Xmas cake is the perfect addition to any holiday table – it’s simple to make, but still has plenty of festive flavor thanks to the cranberries, walnuts, and candied ginger. Plus, it’s easy to customize to your own tastes with different mix-ins or substitutions. So why not give it a try this holiday season?