South African Christmas Cake Recipe
It’s the holiday season and nothing says Christmas like a traditional South African Christmas cake. This cake is made with a combination of dried fruits and spices, covered with a layer of marzipan and topped with a white chocolate ganache. With a delightful hint of citrus, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries, etc.)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Marzipan:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)
Instructions
Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the dried fruit and nuts. Spread batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Marzipan
In a medium bowl, mix together almond flour, honey, melted butter, water, and almond extract until a thick paste forms. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water. Spread the marzipan over the cooled cake, using a spatula or your hands. Let the marzipan dry for at least 20 minutes before adding the ganache.
Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and add in white chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add in orange liqueur, if using, and stir to combine. Let the ganache cool for 10 minutes before pouring over the marzipan layer. Let the ganache set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
One serving of this South African Christmas cake has approximately 384 calories, 18 grams of fat, 48 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein. If you are looking to reduce the calorie count, you can substitute the white chocolate chips and heavy cream for a low-fat version. This cake is a great option for those looking for a sweet treat that is not too heavy or overly sweet.
This South African Christmas Cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of dried fruits and spices, covered with a layer of marzipan and topped with a white chocolate ganache, makes for a delightful holiday treat. Enjoy this delicious cake with a cup of tea or coffee and make sure to have some extra on hand for any unexpected guests!
Post a Comment for "South African Christmas Cake Recipe"