Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe

Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe: Maltese Style with a Touch of Whisky

Looking for a classic Christmas cake recipe that will fill your home with festive cheer? This traditional Maltese Christmas cake, inspired by Uncle George’s family recipe, is perfect for the holiday season. Packed with rich dried fruits, warming spices, and a touch of whisky, this cake is an absolute must for any Christmas celebration. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake a moist, flavorful cake that will become a family favorite for years to come.

Ingredients:

To create this aromatic Christmas cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 225g Margarine

• 225g Brown Sugar

• 340g Plain Flour

• Mixed Spices and Cinnamon

• 225g Sultanas

• 225g Currants (Passolina)

• 113g Jam (preferably strawberry or mixed fruit)

• 85g Glacé Cherries (cirasa), chopped

• 85g Ground Almonds (lewż imqatta’)

• 4 Eggs

• Grated Zest of 1 Lemon

• 1 Tablespoon Black Treacle (għasel iswed)

• A splash of Whisky (optional)

Method: How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake

1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture:

Start by mixing the dried fruits (sultanas and currants) with mixed spices, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Let the flavors infuse while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream the margarine and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a moist and tender cake.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the eggs one by one, mixing well between each addition. Then stir in the black treacle for a deep, caramel-like flavor.

4. Add the Fruit and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly fold in the spiced dried fruit mixture, followed by the chopped cherries, ground almonds, and jam. Make sure everything is well combined.

5. Incorporate the Flour:

Sift the plain flour into the batter and fold gently to avoid overmixing.

6. Add the Final Touch:

Stir in a splash of whisky for that extra festive touch (optional but recommended!).

7. Prepare the Cake Tin:

Line a cake tin with baking paper and wrap the outside with brown paper to prevent the edges from overbaking. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top.

8. Bake to Perfection:

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the cake for approximately 3 hours, checking after 2.5 hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.

Tips for the Best Maltese Christmas Cake:

• Make it Ahead: This cake tastes even better if prepared a few weeks in advance. Store it in an airtight container and let the flavors mature.

• Moisture Magic: Brush the cake with whisky or fruit juice every week to keep it moist and enhance its flavor.

• Decorate Creatively: Top the cake with marzipan, royal icing, or festive decorations to make it centerpiece-worthy.

Why This Recipe is a Holiday Essential:

This Maltese Christmas cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition. Bursting with nostalgic flavors and festive aromas, it’s the perfect way to bring friends and family together. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and utterly delicious.

Make this Christmas unforgettable with a slice of Uncle George’s festive cake. Share your creation on social media and let us know how it turned out!