Christmas is a magical time of the year, filled with joy, happiness, and delicious food. However, for those with gluten intolerance, it can be a bit challenging to enjoy traditional Christmas desserts. But fret not, because we have the perfect recipe for a gluten-free Christmas cake straight from the BBC kitchen. This cake is not only gluten-free but also incredibly moist, rich, and full of festive flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter
- 225g dark muscovado sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200g gluten-free plain flour
- 50g ground almonds
- 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 200g mixed dried fruit
- 50g glacé cherries, quartered
- 50g blanched almonds, roughly chopped
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp brandy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2. Line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift in the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and mixed spice, and fold in gently.
- Add the mixed dried fruit, cherries, chopped almonds, orange zest, lemon zest, and brandy, and stir thoroughly.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this gluten-free Christmas cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 413
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 36g
Cooking Time
The total cooking time for this gluten-free Christmas cake is around 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Equipment
- 20cm cake tin
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowls
- Sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
This gluten-free Christmas cake is perfect for serving as a dessert after your Christmas dinner. You can also enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee during the festive season.
Variations
If you want to add a little extra to your gluten-free Christmas cake, you can add some chopped dates, figs, or apricots to the dried fruit mix. You can also add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture to enhance its flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have gluten-free plain flour, you can use a gluten-free self-raising flour instead. You can also substitute the brandy for rum, whiskey, or orange juice.
Storage
This gluten-free Christmas cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start making the cake.
- Soak the dried fruit in brandy overnight to enhance its flavor.
- Use a skewer to test if the cake is cooked. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Notes
This gluten-free Christmas cake recipe is adapted from BBC Good Food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the brandy for rum, whiskey, or orange juice.
How long does this cake last?
You can store this gluten-free Christmas cake in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the cake mixture.
Final Thoughts
This gluten-free Christmas cake from BBC Good Food is the perfect dessert for those with gluten intolerance. It’s moist, rich, and full of festive flavors that everyone will love. The recipe is easy to follow, and the cake turns out perfectly every time. So, don’t miss out on the festive cheer and try out this delicious gluten-free Christmas cake for yourself!