A Festive Tradition with a Twist
The Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake is a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Its blend of rich chocolate, warm spices, and mixed fruit creates a unique twist on the classic Christmas cake, perfect for those who want to try something different this season. This cake is designed to impress and leave your guests asking for seconds, all while bringing a touch of tradition to the table. Whether you prefer brandy or orange juice for the soak, the flavors fuse to make each bite memorable.
Warm Spices and Rich Flavors
What sets this cake apart is the perfect combination of ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, balanced with the richness of dark cooking chocolate. The cake’s moist texture, achieved by soaking the mixed fruit in brandy or orange juice, gives it an irresistible quality. If you love classic festive flavors, you’ll appreciate the traditional Christmas cake recipe, which highlights the beauty of fruit and spice blends.
Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Baking a Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake is an opportunity to create a show-stopping centerpiece for holiday gatherings. The cocoa powder adds depth, while the fruit and spices capture the essence of the festive season. Discover some helpful tips for moist cakes to ensure your cake remains fresh for days, making it convenient for those who prefer preparing ahead. Enjoy a slice with a warm drink for the ultimate holiday experience.
Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake is your go-to festive treat, combining the best of tradition and innovation.
Basic Recipe
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Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, moist Christmas cake combining the classic flavors of mixed fruit, warm spices, and chocolate, soaked in brandy or orange juice for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
- 1kg mixed fruit
- 1/2 cup (125ml) brandy or orange juice
- 250g butter, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups (275g) firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 cups (300g) plain flour
- 1/4 cup (35g) cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp MasterFoods Ground Cloves
- 1 tsp MasterFoods Ground Nutmeg
- 1 tsp MasterFoods Ground Cinnamon
- 100g dark cooking chocolate, chopped
- 3 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Eggs
- 1/3 cup (80ml) brandy or orange juice, extra
- Icing sugar, to dust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a deep cake pan with baking paper.
- Soak the mixed fruit in brandy or orange juice for at least an hour, allowing flavors to blend.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Combine the flour, cocoa powder, and spices in a bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate, soaked fruit, and eggs until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 2 hours or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Tips for best results, such as soaking the fruit overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday/Christmas
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
STEPS
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon over the fruit mixture. Add the chocolate and eggs. Stir until well combined. Spoon into prepared pan. Bake for 1 1⁄2 hours or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Pour over extra brandy or orange juice. Wrap pan in a tea towel and set aside to cool completely. Dust with icing sugar.
Advanced Techniques for Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
Perfecting the Fruit Soak
The key to an extraordinary Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake lies in how well you soak the fruit. For optimal flavor, soak the mixed fruit overnight in brandy or orange juice, allowing the liquids to fully penetrate and enhance the taste. If you want a non-alcoholic version, use fruit juice but add a splash of vanilla extract for a boost in aroma.
Tempering the Chocolate
Achieving a rich and smooth chocolate flavor in your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake requires proper tempering. When melting the dark cooking chocolate, ensure that you use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir constantly to prevent burning, keeping the chocolate smooth. This method creates a glossy texture, perfect for enhancing the cake’s overall appearance and taste.
Balancing Spices for a Festive Aroma
Another way to elevate your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake is by experimenting with spice ratios. While the standard recipe includes cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, adjusting these to your preference can create a more personalized flavor. For a stronger spiced aroma, increase the cinnamon slightly, or, for a milder taste, reduce the cloves. Always taste a small portion of the batter before baking to fine-tune the flavor.
Baking Tips for Consistency
To avoid uneven baking, use an oven thermometer to ensure the temperature remains steady. Rotate the cake halfway through the baking process for even browning. If your cake browns too quickly on the top, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining time. This keeps the cake moist while ensuring the edges don’t overbake.
By mastering these techniques, your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake will consistently turn out moist, flavorful, and irresistibly festive.
Maintenance Tips for Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
Proper Storage for Freshness
To keep your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer, wrap the cake tightly in cling film before placing it in the container. This method helps lock in moisture and prevents the cake from drying out. For longer storage, refrigerate it, but always allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reviving Dry Cake
If your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake becomes dry, don’t worry. Brush the top with a little brandy or orange juice to restore moisture. This method not only refreshes the cake but also enhances its flavors. Rehydrate the cake this way every couple of days, especially if it’s stored for an extended period.
Freezing the Cake
Freezing is an excellent option if you plan to make your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake ahead of time. Wrap the cake tightly in cling film, then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. This method preserves the cake’s freshness and flavor for several weeks.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake warm, heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake. Alternatively, use an oven set to low heat for 10 minutes to gently warm the entire cake.
By following these maintenance tips, you can enjoy the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake for weeks, ensuring it remains just as delicious as the day you baked it.
Dietary Adaptations for Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake, simply swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to achieve the right texture. This adaptation retains the cake’s rich, moist quality while making it suitable for those with gluten intolerances. Additionally, double-check that the cocoa powder and chocolate used are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Alternative
Transform the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake into a dairy-free delight by replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or dairy-free margarine. Make sure to use dark cooking chocolate that does not contain milk products. This adaptation keeps the cake’s flavor intact, making it ideal for those avoiding dairy.
Vegan Variation
To make a vegan Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg). Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Choose plant-based butter and ensure that the dark chocolate is dairy-free. This version maintains the cake’s festive flavor while catering to a vegan diet.
Alcohol-Free Option
If you prefer an alcohol-free Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake, substitute the brandy with orange juice or apple cider. This adjustment keeps the cake flavorful without compromising its festive taste. For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the fruit soak.
By adapting the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake with these dietary changes, everyone can enjoy this delicious holiday treat, regardless of dietary restrictions.
FAQs for Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
Can I Make the Cake Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can make the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake without alcohol by substituting the brandy with orange juice or apple cider. This adjustment preserves the cake’s moist texture and festive flavor, making it suitable for all ages. Additionally, the juice enhances the fruit’s sweetness, giving the cake a delightful citrus note.
How Long Should I Soak the Fruit?
For the best flavor, soak the fruit for at least 24 hours before baking the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake. The longer you soak the fruit, the more the flavors develop. If you’re short on time, soaking the fruit for a minimum of one hour still provides great results. Just remember, overnight soaking yields a richer and more aromatic cake.
Can I Prepare the Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake can be made up to a month in advance. Wrap it tightly in cling film and store it in an airtight container. Periodically, brush the cake with a little brandy or juice to keep it moist and enhance its flavor.
How Do I Store the Cake Properly?
Store the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigerate or freeze it, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to maintain moisture and flavor.
Can I Adjust the Spices?
Certainly! Adjusting the spices in your Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake allows you to personalize the flavor. Increase the cinnamon for a warmer taste or reduce the cloves for a milder aroma. Tasting the batter before baking ensures the perfect balance for your preferences.
Nutritional Information for Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake
Calories and Macronutrients
A slice of Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake (based on a 12-slice yield) contains approximately 450 calories. The cake provides around 20g of fat, with 12g being saturated fat. It also includes 58g of carbohydrates and 35g of sugar per serving. The rich blend of fruits, dark chocolate, and butter contributes to the cake’s high-calorie count, making it an indulgent holiday treat.
Fiber and Protein Content
Thanks to the mixed fruit and cocoa powder, the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake offers 4g of fiber per serving, which aids digestion. Additionally, each slice contains about 5g of protein, primarily from the eggs and flour. This modest amount of protein helps balance the cake’s carbohydrate content, making it a well-rounded dessert option for the holidays.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
The Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake also contains essential vitamins and minerals. The mixed fruit provides vitamin C, while the dark chocolate offers small amounts of iron and magnesium. Furthermore, the eggs contribute vitamin D and B vitamins, supporting energy levels. However, it is still a dessert, so moderation is key.
Sodium and Cholesterol Levels
Each serving of Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake has about 120mg of sodium and 70mg of cholesterol, mainly from the butter and eggs. While these levels are relatively low, those monitoring their sodium or cholesterol intake should enjoy the cake in moderation.
Understanding the nutritional profile of the Spiced Chocolate Christmas Cake helps you make informed choices during the festive season, allowing you to indulge while maintaining balance.