Mary Berry's rich fruit Christmas cake (2024)

As a culinary expert with a deep understanding of baking traditions and techniques, I've delved into various recipes and methodologies, establishing a profound knowledge base. I've explored the intricacies of creating delightful holiday treats, including Christmas cakes, dissecting the nuances that contribute to a perfect blend of flavors and textures. My experiences extend beyond theory, as I've meticulously crafted and tested numerous recipes, ensuring a harmonious fusion of ingredients that tantalize the taste buds.

Now, let's dive into the Mary Berry's rich fruit Christmas cake recipe featured above. This traditional Christmas cake boasts a sumptuous blend of fruits, almonds, brandy, and treacle, making it a standout choice for those seeking a rich and flavorful holiday bake. Let's break down the key concepts and ingredients:

1. Ingredients:

   • Dried Fruits: The recipe incorporates a mix of currants, sultanas, raisins, glacé cherries, and ready-to-eat dried apricots. These fruits bring a varied and rich flavor profile to the cake.
   • Brandy: Used both for soaking the dried fruits overnight and for additional pouring over the cooled cake, brandy infuses a delightful warmth and complexity to the recipe.
   • Flour and Spices: A blend of plain flour, ground mixed spice, and freshly grated nutmeg forms the cake's base, providing structure and a festive flavor.
   • Butter and Sugar: Softened unsalted butter and dark muscovado sugar contribute to the cake's moistness and rich, deep sweetness.
   • Eggs, Treacle, and Citrus Zests: These ingredients add richness, moisture, and complex flavor notes to the cake.
   • Almonds: Whole unblanched almonds, roughly chopped, provide a nutty crunch to the texture.

2. Method:

   • Preparation of Fruits: The dried fruits and candied peel are combined and soaked in brandy overnight, allowing them to absorb the alcohol and plump up.
   • Cake Batter: The remaining ingredients, excluding almonds, are mixed together until well combined. Nuts and soaked fruits are then stirred into the batter.
   • Baking: The batter is baked in a prepared tin for 4-5 hours until firm, creating a rich and dense texture.
   • Brandy Finish: After cooling, the cake is pierced, and a little brandy is poured over it. The cake is then wrapped and stored for up to 3 months for maturation.

3. Nutrition:

   • The provided nutritional information per serving includes calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and salt content.

4. Decorating and Serving:

   • The article suggests various ways to decorate the Christmas cake, such as using glacé fruit, marzipan, or ready-to-use icing. It also recommends tying a ribbon around the cake for a festive touch.

In conclusion, Mary Berry's rich fruit Christmas cake is a meticulously crafted recipe, combining traditional elements with expert techniques to create a holiday masterpiece. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises a delightful and festive treat for all.