Retro Christmas Royale Cake
Retro Christmas Royale Cake
Introduction
The Retro Christmas Royale Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. With its rich flavors and cheerful aroma, this cake is like a hug in food form. Made with dried fruits and a splash of dark rum, this cake is perfect for festive occasions and family celebrations.
Why Make This Recipe
Making the Retro Christmas Royale Cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays. It’s easy to prepare and a great treat to share with loved ones. Plus, the combination of dried fruits and spices makes it super tasty! You can enjoy this cake anytime, but it’s especially fitting for Christmas and other winter festivities.
How to Make Retro Christmas Royale Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup dark rum
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, soak mixed dried fruit in dark rum for several hours or overnight.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the soaked fruit with its liquid.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in walnuts or almonds.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy your fruit cake!
How to Serve Retro Christmas Royale Cake
You can serve this cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a pretty finish. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or coffee!
How to Store Retro Christmas Royale Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for a little longer. If you have any leftovers, this cake freezes well for a later treat!
Tips to Make Retro Christmas Royale Cake
- Soaking the dried fruit in rum overnight will give the cake more flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until everything is combined.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to get perfect pieces.
Variation
If you want to add a twist, you can try using different types of dried fruits like apricots or cranberries. You can also switch the nuts to pecans or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
No, this recipe works best with dried fruit as it gives the cake the right texture and sweetness.
2. Is the rum necessary for the recipe?
The rum adds flavor, but you can use fruit juice or water if you prefer not to use alcohol.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake tastes even better after a day or two. You can make it ahead of your holiday celebrations and store it as mentioned above.
