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Christmas Cake Recipe Tesco

Christmas Cake Recipe Tesco

2 min read 21-11-2024
Christmas Cake Recipe Tesco

The festive season wouldn't be complete without a rich, decadent Christmas cake. This year, let's explore a recipe inspired by the readily available ingredients and the quality you expect from Tesco. This recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional recipes, perfect for those looking for a convenient yet flavourful Christmas centerpiece.

Ingredients:

This recipe uses readily available Tesco products to simplify your baking experience. You can, of course, substitute with similar quality ingredients from other brands.

  • 250g Tesco Finest Soft Brown Sugar: The richness of soft brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the cake.
  • 250g Tesco Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over the sweetness. Ensure it's softened to room temperature for optimal creaming.
  • 4 large Tesco Free Range Eggs: Free-range eggs provide a richer flavour and a better texture compared to standard eggs.
  • 250g Tesco Self-Raising Flour: This saves you the step of adding baking powder. If using plain flour, add 2 ½ tsp baking powder.
  • 1 tsp Tesco Mixed Spice: A blend of warming spices that's essential for a traditional Christmas cake. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
  • 100g Tesco Dried Mixed Fruit: A mix of sultanas, raisins, and currants provides a classic flavour profile.
  • 50g Tesco Dried Cranberries: Cranberries add a lovely tartness that contrasts well with the sweetness of the cake.
  • 50g Tesco Chopped Almonds: Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and aroma.
  • 2 tbsp Tesco Brandy or Rum (optional): Adding alcohol enriches the flavour and helps preserve the cake.
  • Icing Sugar and Milk (for decoration): To create a simple yet elegant icing.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan/Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
  2. Cream Butter & Sugar: Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
  3. Add Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, gently mix the flour and mixed spice.
  5. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Add Fruit & Nuts: Stir in the mixed fruit, cranberries, and chopped almonds.
  7. Alcohol (Optional): If using, stir in the brandy or rum.
  8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 2-2 ½ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Ice (Optional): Once cooled, you can ice the cake with a simple icing made from sifted icing sugar and milk.

Tips & Variations:

  • For a richer flavour: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the eggs.
  • For a more intense fruit flavour: Soak the dried fruit in brandy or rum overnight before adding it to the batter.
  • To decorate: Get creative! Use marzipan, fondant, or candied fruits to decorate your cake.

This Tesco-inspired Christmas cake recipe offers a balance of convenience and deliciousness, perfect for the festive season. Enjoy baking!