Description
This quick-method Christmas cake delivers a luscious, moist crumb and a festive fruit-filled interior without the need for weeks of preparation. By using orange juice for immediate hydration and a clever flour-tossing technique for the fruit, you can create a nostalgic holiday centerpiece in just one afternoon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups golden raisins
- 1 cup glacé cherries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), then grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, then incorporate the eggs one at a time followed by the orange juice until smooth.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together; take 1/3 cup of this mixture and toss it with the golden raisins and halved cherries in a separate small bowl.
- Fold the remaining flour into the main batter until just combined, then gently fold in the floured fruit before transferring the mixture to the pan and baking for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your eggs and orange juice are at room temperature before mixing to prevent the batter from curdling. If the top of your cake begins to brown too quickly during the long bake time, loosely tent it with aluminum foil to protect the surface while the center finishes cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday