The festive season simply wouldn’t be complete without a spread of irresistible Christmas treats. Our head chef, Lesego, has crafted a rich and indulgent festive chocolate cake along with perfectly spiced Christmas biscuits; both easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen. Get ready to fill your home with the comforting aromas and flavours of the holidays.
Christmas Cake
Ingredients
- 250g butter, softened
- 250g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 375g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries)
- 125g chopped almonds
- 250g plain flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Mix in dried fruit, almonds, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Fold in flour and baking powder.
- Add brandy or rum (if using) and vanilla extract.
- Spoon mixture into prepared pan and smooth top.
- Bake for 2-2.5 hours or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips
- Feed cake with extra brandy or rum weekly for a more intense flavour.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
Spiced Christmas Biscuits
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 375g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: icing sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Roll out dough to about 5mm thickness. Cut into shapes.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Decorate with icing sugar, if desired.
Tips
- Use festive cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
- Add few edible Christmas sprinkles.
- Package in airtight containers for a lovely gift.
With these festive recipes in hand, you’re all set to bring a little extra magic to your holiday table. Whether you’re sharing the rich chocolate cake with loved ones or gifting a batch of spiced Christmas biscuits, we hope these treats add warmth and joy to your celebrations. From our kitchen to yours; happy baking, and happy holidays!
