Christmas Cake Jamaican Recipe

Adolfo Arranz

2 min read

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21-11-2024

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Christmas in Jamaica isn't complete without the rich, dark, and deeply spiced aroma of Jamaican Christmas cake filling the air. This isn't your average fruitcake; it’s a unique culinary experience reflecting the island's vibrant culture and history. This recipe captures the essence of this beloved holiday treat.

A Taste of History and Tradition

The Jamaican Christmas cake boasts a history as rich as its flavor. Influenced by British traditions, this cake has evolved over centuries, incorporating local ingredients and techniques to create a distinctly Jamaican character. The result is a moist, intensely flavored cake that’s enjoyed throughout the festive season, often paired with a glass of sorrel or rum.

Ingredients: A Blend of Flavors

Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! You'll need a mix of dried fruits, spices, and liquors, all working together to create a symphony of flavors. Don't skimp on the quality; the better the ingredients, the better the cake.

For the cake:

• 1 lb mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, cherries)
• 1 lb mixed peel (candied orange, lemon, and citron peel)
• 1 cup dark rum (or other dark spirit)
• 1 cup strong black coffee or tea
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup self-raising flour
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup shortening (vegetable or lard)

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making a Jamaican Christmas cake is a labor of love, but the process is straightforward. Take your time and enjoy the journey!

Preparation:

1. Soak the fruits: Combine the dried fruits and peel in a large bowl. Pour over the rum and coffee, ensuring all the fruits are well coated. Cover and let them soak for at least 24 hours, or even longer for a more intense flavor.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the fats: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and shortening until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the soaked fruits, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Baking:

1. Grease and flour the pan: Grease and flour a large, deep loaf pan (approximately 9x13 inches).
2. Pour in the batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
3. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check regularly and cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Cooling and Decoration:

1. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Ice and decorate: Once completely cool, ice the cake with your favorite icing. Traditional choices include a rich rum icing or a simple buttercream. Decorate as desired – candied cherries, sprinkles, or even marzipan are popular choices.

Enjoy the Festive Treat!

Your delicious Jamaican Christmas cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Share it with loved ones, savor each bite, and relish the rich flavors and traditions this cake represents. Merry Christmas!