DATE & WALNUT CHRISTMAS CAKE

Experience the holidays with a unique twist on tradition – a luscious Date & Walnut Christmas Cake. Loaded with rich flavours, including brandy-soaked dates, this delightful treat is enhanced with a touch of gingerbread spiced rum. Uncover a range of tastes, from the zesty orange to the warm nutmeg. The addition of nuts provides a crunch, making it a perfect alternative for those seeking a break from the usual. Crowned with a layer of ready-rolled fondant icing and festive decorations, this cake is an irresistible centrepiece for your Christmas celebrations.

PREP 15m

BAKE 2-4h

TOTAL varies

SERVES 10-14 portions

Ingredients-

  • 1 block unsalted butter (250g), softened

  • 125g light brown sugar

  • 125g dark brown sugar

  • 4 eggs

  • 275g plain flour

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil

  • 1 tbsp black treacle

  • Zest & juice of one large orange

  • 1 tsp mixed spice

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste

  • 800g soaked dates w/ 400ml brandy

  • 200g Nuts (Walnuts/Pecans)

  • Preferred spirit to soak cake, I used gingerbread spiced rum.

Instructions-

  1. Start by soaking 800g of chopped dates in approximately half of the brandy. Soak a minimum of 2 days in advance.

  2. Preheat the oven to 140°C fan. Use an 8” or 9” cake tin. Prepare the tin with baking parchment.

  3. Cream together the softened butter and both brown sugars until light and fluffy.

  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

  5. Sift in the flour, salt, and add coconut oil, black treacle, orange zest, orange juice, mixed spice, nutmeg, and vanilla bean paste. Mix until well combined.

  6. Fold in the soaked dates and nuts.

  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 2-4 hours, checking for doneness with a skewer. The skewer should come out clean when the cake is done.

  8. Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Feed the cake with additional alcohol at regular intervals.

  9. For the icing, use ready-rolled fondant icing and ready-to-use royal icing. Optionally, add a layer of marzipan under the icing.

  10. Decorate with edible gold spray and use a small cookie cutter for festive shapes.

  11. Enjoy your Date & Walnut Christmas Cake!

Note: Cook time may vary; adjust based on your oven. Icing and decorating can be done closer to Christmas.