Christmas cake recipe

[newbieveggie]

Hi Guys

I know Christmas is over and we are all sick of festive fayre but I wondered if any of you had a completely fail safe Christmas cake recipe. I made a cake this year, soaked my fruits in brandy overnight, added a carrot and an apple to keep it moist but still it was dry. Lovely flavour but dry. I was so disappointed.
I don't want to give up so......help...

[Alison]

The one I always use is as follows:

INGREDIENTS:
250g sultanas
250g raisins
100g chopped dates
100g chopped apricots
100g quartered glace cherries
Juice and zest of 1 large orange
100ml apricot brandy or Grand Marnier
250g softened butter
250g dark muscovado sugar
4 beaten eggs
250g plain flour
1 tsp of ground mixed sweet spice, cinnamon and nutmeg
100g roasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
1 tbsp black treacle

METHOD:
1. Place the sultans, raisins, dates, apricots, cherries, orange zest, juice and alcohol into a large saucepan and stir well. Bring to the boil; remove from the heat and leave to soak for 1 hour.
2. Place the butter and sugar into a large bowl and beat together until soft and creamy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well between each addition.
3. Add the flour, spices, hazelnuts, soaked fruit with all their juices and black treacle. Fold together.
4. Spoon the mixture into a lined 9” deep tin. Level the top. Tie a double layer of brown parchment paper or greaseproof paper around the outside of the cake tin. Bake at 150C, Gas 2 for 3 – 3 ¾ hours

It's very easy and I've never had a problem with it.

[newbieveggie]

Ah Ive been told that a boiled fruit cake stays moist. This one sounds lovely. Thanks for that.

[PAULW]

I made this one and have to say it was the best one I have ever tasted, made in October and fed it every fortnight with brandy.

The Classic Christmas Cake - English - Recipes - from Delia Online