Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake
Angela Nilsen’s Christmas Cake is an exceptional recipe that offers a delicious, long-lasting treat perfect for the festive season. This cake has been carefully crafted to embody the rich and warm flavors of various spices including cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. The addition of vanilla provides a subtle sweetness and further enhances the overall taste experience. Every bite of this Christmas cake is a real treat that will put your taste buds in the cheerful Christmas spirit. Treat yourself to this delightful creation and enjoy the divine blend of festive flavors.
Ingredients
- 200 g butter, softened at room temperature
- 200g dark muscovado sugar
- 200g plain flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 50g ground almonds
- 100 ml sherry, sweet or dry, whatever you have in the cupboard
- 85g candied peel, coarsely chopped (we used Sundora)
- 85g glazed cherries, roughly chopped
- 250g raisins
- 250g currants
- 100g pack of pecans, broken into large pieces
- finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1½ tsp spice mixture
- 1½ tsp rose water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
Preparation steps
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Preheat the oven to 160°C/fan 140°C/gas 3.
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Line the bottom and sides of a 20cm round and 7.5cm deep cake tin.
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Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until very creamy and pale in color, 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
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Stir in a spoonful of flour, then stir in the beaten egg and the rest of the flour alternately in quarters, mixing well each time with a wooden spoon.
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Stir in the almonds.
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Mix in the sherry (the mixture will appear curdled), then add the zest, cherries, raisins, cherries, nuts, lemon zest, spices, rose water and vanilla.
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Mix everything well, then stir in the baking powder.
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Pour the mixture into the mold and smooth the top, making a slight indentation in the center.
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Bake for 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to 150°C/fan 130°C/gas mark 2 and bake for a further 2-2 ¼ hours, until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow to cool in the tin, then remove from the tin and peel off the baking paper.
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When completely cooled, wrap well in cling film and foil to store until ready to decorate.
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The cake will keep for several months.
Nutritional Information
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Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake
Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake
Equipment and tools
To prepare Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake, you will need the following equipment and tools:
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Round cake tin with a diameter of 23 cm, greased and lined with baking paper
- baking paper
- Cooking thermometer
- Knife for chopping ingredients
- Cooling rack
- spatula
Allergen information
This Christmas cake recipe from Angela Nilsen contains the following allergens:
- Nuts (pecans)
Storage and leftovers
Here are some tips for storing and using leftover Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- You can wrap the cake in parchment paper and then foil for extra protection.
- If the cake becomes dry, you can sprinkle it with a little sherry before serving.
- The cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Before freezing, wrap it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil.
- Allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- The leftover cake can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
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Health Benefits of Angela Nilsen’s Christmas Cake
Health Benefits of Angela Nilsen’s Christmas Cake
Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake not only delights the palate with its rich and festive flavors, but also offers several health benefits. This delicious cake is made with a combination of nutritious ingredients that contribute to its overall nutritional value. Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits it offers:
1. Nutritional values
The cake contains 200g of soft butter, which provides a good amount of healthy fats. Butter is a source of essential fatty acids and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Additionally, it contains ground almonds that are full of protein, fiber and healthy fats, making them a great addition to any diet.
2. Antioxidant-rich fruits
The recipe contains 85g of candied peels and 85g of glazed cherries, both rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help fight free radicals in the body, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being.
3. Fiber and energy boost
By adding 250 g of raisins and 250 g of currants, Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake becomes a good source of fiber. Fiber supports digestion, promotes satiety and helps maintain a healthy weight. In addition, the cake provides an energy boost thanks to the natural sugars contained in the fruits.
4. Heart-Healthy Nuts
This Christmas cake contains a 100g pack of pecans, a heart-healthy addition. Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. These nuts also contain essential minerals, including magnesium and potassium, which support heart health.
5. Flavorful spices
The cake contains 1½ teaspoons of mixed spice, a mixture of warm and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also provide potential health benefits. Cinnamon, for example, has been proven to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
6. Aromatic extracts
Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake contains 1½ teaspoons rose water and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, which gives it wonderfully aromatic notes. These extracts add a touch of luxury to the cake and can have a calming and relaxing effect on the mind and body.
7. Baking soda for a light texture
The cake recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of baking powder, which ensures a light and fluffy consistency. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent and ensures that the cake rises while baking. This can result in a smoother and more enjoyable eating experience.
Overall, Angela Nilsen’s Christmas cake is not only a delicious treat but also offers various health benefits. Its combination of nutritious ingredients, including butter, almonds, fruits, nuts, spices and extracts, provides essential nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats that contribute to overall well-being. Enjoy a piece of this festive cake without feeling guilty!
