Festive Spice Cake Recipe

This delightful festive spice cake is a perfect treat to bake during the holiday season. Its rich, buttery flavor, combined with the slight tanginess from sour cream, makes it truly indulgent. The cake is beautifully studded with dried fruits and crunchy walnuts, adding delicious texture and bursts of flavor with every bite. For an extra touch, the cake can be infused with a hint of alcohol or orange juice, complementing the citrus zest in the batter. It is a versatile dessert, allowing you to experiment with different fruits and nuts according to your preferences. As you bake it, the aroma of the cake fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's not just a cake, but a celebration of festive flavors that bring joy to any gathering. Whether you make it for family, friends, or just as a personal treat, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it as a dessert, a special breakfast, or even with an afternoon tea. Let this cake add a touch of festive flair to your culinary creations!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

240 g all-purpose flour
150 g butter
200 g sour cream
150 g sugar
3 eggs
2 tbsp apricot jam or honey
200 g dried fruits or candied peel
Zest of 1 lemon or orange
50 g walnuts
6 g baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
A pinch of salt
Alcohol or orange juice for soaking dried fruits

For the Glaze:

1 tbsp milk
50 g powdered sugar
A pinch of citric acid

Preparation Time

Total Time: 70 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Dried Fruits: Ideally, soak the chopped dried fruits or candied peel in strong alcohol or orange juice for a day. This step can be done in a jar with a lid, stored in the refrigerator for a week.
Toast the Walnuts: Finely chop the walnuts and lightly toast them in a dry pan to bring out their flavor.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) to warm up.
Cream the Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate Butter: Add the butter to the egg mixture and beat until the batter is smooth.
Mix in Jam and Sour Cream: Stir in the apricot jam or honey and the sour cream, blending well to ensure a consistent batter. Using honey imparts a lovely golden hue and taste.
Drain the Soaked Fruits: Pour the soaked dried fruits through a sieve to remove excess liquid, saving the liquid for brushing over the cake later. Toss the fruits with 1 tbsp of flour to lightly coat.
Combine Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruits and toasted walnuts into the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and combine quickly to avoid overmixing.
Pour into Baking Tin: Prepare baking tins by greasing and dusting with flour. Pour the batter evenly into the tins—I used two smaller tins here.
Bake the Cake: Place the tins in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.
Brush with Liquid: While still hot, brush the top with the reserved alcohol or orange juice, if desired, to enhance the flavor.
Prepare the Glaze: For the glaze, combine hot milk with powdered sugar and a pinch of citric acid, stirring until smooth.
Glaze the Cake: Spoon the warm glaze over the cooled cake using a teaspoon for even coverage.
Final Touches: Allow the glaze to set before serving to enjoy a beautifully finished festive cake.

Tips

Substitutions: If you prefer, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Alcohol Alternative: Orange juice works well if you want to avoid alcohol.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Variations

For Spice Lovers: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice for a warmer, aromatic profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a coeliac-friendly treat.
Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and butter with coconut oil for a vegan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Garnish with zest shavings or candied orange slices for a decorative touch.

Best Places

Cafe Central - Renowned for its charming environment and delightful pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Little Collins Street Kitchen - A sophisticated spot with a variety of cakes. Location: 25 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Australia.
Patisserie Valerie - Offers exquisite sponge cakes and pastries. Location: 37 High St, Exeter, UK.
Le Meurice - Known for its fine desserts and luxury dining. Location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Cafe Tortoni - A historic cafe famous for its sweet treats. Location: Av de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Angelina - Serves sumptuous chocolate confections and cakes. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Paul Bakery - Offering a quintessential French pastry experience. Location: 1255 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, D.C., USA.
Hansel and Gretel's House - A dreamy spot for cake lovers. Location: Friedrichstraße 207, Hamburg, Germany.
Demel - Blending traditional Viennese pastry craftsmanship with modern flair. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Balthazar - Combines classic French cuisine and desserts. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.