Chris’s Irish Christmas Cake is a festive treat that brings together the rich flavours of traditional Irish baking with a touch of holiday spirit. This recipe, shared by The Irish Baker Abroad, is perfect for Irish-American couples looking to celebrate their heritage with a delicious and authentic cake. Whether you’re new to Irish baking or a seasoned enthusiast, this cake is sure to become a cherished part of your Christmas traditions.
Chris’s Irish Christmas Cake – The Irish Baker Abroad
Scroll down for US Cup measurements
Recipe
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Subscribe Free| Ingredient | Metric | US Cups / Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed dried fruit | 800g | 5 1/3 cups |
| Glacé cherries | 200g | 1 cup |
| Mixed peel | 50g | 1/4 cup |
| Slivered or chopped almonds | 100g | 1 cup |
| Zest & Juice of lemon | 1 lemon | 1 lemon |
| Zest & Juice of orange | 1 orange | 1 orange |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Mixed spice | 1 tsp | 1 tsp |
| Whiskey | 150ml | 2/3 cup |
| Guinness | 150ml | 2/3 cup |
| Large eggs | 4 | 4 |
| Butter | 200g | 1 3/4 sticks |
| Dark brown sugar | 200g | 1 cup soft brown sugar |
| Almond flour | 100g | 1 cup |
| Plain flour | 240g | 2 cups |
Note: For the dried fruit, Chris used sultanas and raisins, but you can also add currants or prunes according to your preference.
Method
Day 1: Mix all the ingredients for day 1 in a large bowl. This allows the fruit to soak up the flavours of the whiskey and Guinness, giving the cake its distinctive taste.
Day 2: Start by preparing your cake tin. Chris used a 20cm (8 inches) diameter tin with a height of 10cm. Grease the tin and line it with greaseproof paper that is double the height of the tin. For detailed instructions on lining the tin, check out the video above.
Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). If using a fan oven, set it to 130°C (266°F).
Using a mixer, whisk the butter and sugar for about 5 minutes on medium speed until creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then gradually add the eggs. Follow with the plain and almond flours, mixing until well incorporated. Finally, fold in the soaked fruit mixture from day 1.
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. To ensure the cake is fully baked, insert a thermometer into the centre; it should read between 96-98°C (204-208°F).
Once baked, wrap the cake in two sheets of greaseproof paper, then cover with tinfoil and place it in an airtight container. This cake will keep for 2-3 months in a cool, dry place. You can also refrigerate it for up to 6 months or freeze it for longer storage.
Chris recommends feeding the cake with more whiskey every fortnight until Christmas, about 1-2 tablespoons each time. Four feedings should be sufficient to keep the cake moist and full of flavour.
Chris’s Irish Christmas Cake in US Cups
Approximate amounts converted from grams
| Ingredient | US Cups / Imperial |
|---|---|
| Mixed dried fruit | 5 1/3 cups |
| Glacé cherries | 1 cup |
| Mixed peel | 1/4 cup |
| Slivered or chopped almonds | 1 cup |
| Zest & Juice of lemon | 1 lemon |
| Zest & Juice of orange | 1 orange |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1 tsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp |
| Mixed spice | 1 tsp |
| Whiskey | 2/3 cup |
| Guinness | 2/3 cup |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Butter | 1 3/4 sticks |
| Soft brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Plain flour | 2 cups |
Best of luck and have a Merry Christmas!
All the best,
Chris – Your Irish Baker Abroad
How to Store Chris’s Irish Christmas Cake
Proper storage is key to maintaining the cake’s moist texture and rich flavour. Wrap the cake tightly in greaseproof paper and tinfoil, then place it in an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Feeding the cake with whiskey every two weeks will keep it moist and enhance the flavour as it matures.
Can You Freeze Chris’s Irish Christmas Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it well in greaseproof paper and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This method preserves the cake’s texture and flavour beautifully.
Common Troubleshooting: Why Is My Christmas Cake Dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking or insufficient moisture. Ensure you bake it at the correct temperature and check with a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Also, feeding the cake with whiskey or another spirit every fortnight helps maintain moisture. Using quality Irish butter, such as Kerrygold Irish butter, can also improve texture and flavour.
Experience Authentic Irish Food in Person
Learn to bake authentic Irish scones and bread in a local home in Galway. This is a wonderful way to connect with Irish food culture and bring a real skill home with you.
Book: Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread class in Galway
For more traditional Irish baking inspiration, explore our Irish soda bread recipe and Chris’s Traditional Irish Soda Bread. You might also enjoy learning how to make Irish Soda Scones or trying the
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