Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

Traditional Jamaican Christmas Cake

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Barbados News
Barbados News from www.barbadosgazette.com

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about what delicious treats to serve at your holiday gathering. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both traditional and unique, look no further than the Jamaican Christmas cake. This rich, spiced cake is a staple in Jamaican households during the holiday season, and it’s sure to be a hit with your guests as well.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a traditional Jamaican Christmas cake from scratch. With a blend of warm spices, dried fruit, and rum, this cake is the perfect way to add some Caribbean flair to your holiday celebration.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cherries)
  • 1 cup dark rum
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit and dark rum. Cover and let soak overnight.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the soaked fruit mixture. Stir in the breadcrumbs.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 90mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 4g

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Total Time: 2 to 2 1/2 hours

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9-inch cake pan
  • Mixing spoons
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a rum glaze for extra flavor.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped nuts or grated coconut to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of dried fruit, such as apricots, dates, or figs. For a boozy twist, you can soak the fruit in brandy or whiskey instead of rum.

Substitutions

If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed graham crackers or even crushed cornflakes instead. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed.

Storage

This cake will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Tips

  • Make sure to soak the dried fruit in advance to ensure that it’s plump and juicy.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake will become tough.
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
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Notes

This recipe makes one 9-inch cake, but you can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Jamaican Christmas cake different from regular Christmas cake?

Jamaican Christmas cake is similar to traditional fruitcake, but it’s made with a blend of warm spices and dark rum. It also usually includes a mix of dried fruit that’s been soaked in rum for added flavor.

Can I make this cake without alcohol?

Yes, you can substitute the rum with apple juice or orange juice if you prefer.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

No, dried fruit is necessary for this recipe since it’s been soaked in rum to add flavor and moisture to the cake.

The Jamaican Christmas cake is a delicious and unique dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its blend of warm spices, dried fruit, and rum, this cake is sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you’re serving it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, it’s a festive delight that’s worth trying out for yourself.

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