THE RECIPE LIBRARY

Last-Minute Christmas Cake

If you haven't had time to make the Christmas cake, try this economical cake, it's quick and easy, moist and full of flavour.
 
Ingredients
 
450g good quality mincemeat
225g wholemeal flour, sieved
3 level teaspoons baking powder
150g dark brown sugar
150g soften butter or margarine
175g mixed dried fruit
50g walnuts, chopped
The grated zest of 1 small orange
The grated zest of 1 lemon
3 large eggs

Method

1. Line an 8 inch (20cm) round cake tin with baking paper.
 
2. Pre-heat the oven to 170c (fan 150c) gas 3.
 
3. Place all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
 
4. Beat everything together thoroughly with a wooden spoon, until mixture is well mixed and glossy in appearance (2-3mins). This can be quicker using an electric hand mixer.
 
5. Spoon the mixture evenly into the tin and level off the surface.
 
6. Bake the cake for about 1hr 20 minutes (1hr 10mins, fan oven), to test if it is cooked, lightly press the centre, it will feel springy and firm and not leave an impression.
 
7. Allow to cool in the tin and after 30mins, turn out on to a cooling rack to finish. Store and decorate as required.
 
If you do not intend to marzipan and ice the cake, before the cake is put into the oven, arrange 110g blanched almonds in circles over the top.