Description
sharing something homemade. Whether you’re gifting it, serving it, or sneaking a slice at midnight with a glass of eggnog, this cake has a way of wrapping you up in warmth and nostalgia.
So, this year, skip the store-bought tins and bake this instead. Your house will smell like Christmas, your friends will beg for the recipe, and you’ll have started a new holiday tradition worth keeping.
Ingredients
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4 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp ground cloves
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1 tsp ground nutmeg
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(Optional) ½ tsp ground ginger
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(Optional) Zest of 1 orange
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar
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6 large eggs (room temperature)
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½ cup molasses
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1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
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2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
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2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries, apricots)
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1 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
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(Optional) ½ cup dark rum or brandy for brushing
Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease two 9×5″ loaf pans and line with parchment paper. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices. Set aside. -
Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a mixer, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). -
Add Eggs & Molasses:
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add molasses and orange zest. Mix until smooth. -
Alternate Dry & Wet:
On low speed, mix in one-third of the dry mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with dry ingredients. Mix only until combined. -
Fold In Fruit & Nuts:
Toss fruits and nuts with a little flour, then fold into batter with a spatula. -
Fill Pans & Bake:
Divide evenly between pans and smooth tops. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a skewer comes out with just a few moist crumbs. -
Cool & Brush:
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove. While warm, brush loaves with rum or brandy (or orange juice). -
Wrap & Rest:
Once cool, wrap tightly in foil. Let rest at least 24 hours before serving—the flavor deepens beautifully.
Notes
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Prevent sinking fruit: Toss fruit in flour before folding into batter.
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Keep it moist: Brush with brandy weekly if storing long-term.
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Make it ahead: The flavor improves after a few days—perfect for gifting!
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Freezer-friendly: Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal per Slice
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g