On Friday we had the farm Christmas party. We're not a large group but in previous years it hasn't seemed as easy as it should be. This year was different. From the outset I struck a woman named Sonia. She was so helpful, nothing was a drama. She made organisation of the whole event as smooth as a gravy sandwich.
I almost kissed her when we met in person for the first time because this time of year nothing seems easy. Getting a park at the shops is twice as hard. Finding ingredients that are plentiful the whole year round now becomes an impossible feat. Add a couple of really hot days and Australia becomes Crazy Town, population 23.13 Million.
If you, like me, are limping towards the finish line of 2015, then a few shortcuts are always welcome. Dishes that look fancy, but take little actual effort are platters de jour.
Well, let me make one thing a bit simpler. Here's the world’s simplest Christmas cake recipe. I first heard of this method of making Christmas cake while chatting with Kim McCosker’s mum backstage at the Caloundra Music Festival. She told me it’s an old recipe from her neighbour (don't you love handed-down recipes?). I’ve adapted it slightly, because 1) booze and 2) almonds, but the original 4 Ingredients recipe is just fruit mince, juice and flour.
The World's Easiest Christmas Cake
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Yield 1 cake
This is truly the world’s simplest Christmas cake. I first heard of this method of making Christmas cake from Kim McCosker’s mum, who told me it’s a recipe from her neighbour. I’ve adapted it slightly, because 1) booze and 2) almonds.
There’s no (additional) sugar in the recipe so it’s diabetic friendly. It’s also dairy-free.
Dietary considerations aside, the real reason why I love this cake SO much is that it’s ridiculously easy.
Ingredients
1kg dried mixed fruit
3 cups orange juice
⅔ cup grog (rum, whiskey, whatever floats your sleigh)
3 cups self raising flour
1 cup blanched almonds to decorate
Instructions
In a large bowl combine the mixed fruit, orange juice and booze. Cover and allow to soak overnight.
Preheat oven to 150C and prepare a 22cm cake tin. Stir flour into the soaked fruit and mix well. Spoon mixture into the cake tin and bake for 2½ hours in the bottom of the oven or until cooked through.
Remove and leave to cool.
Wrap in foil or place in an air tight container where this cake will keep nicely for 3-4 weeks.
Notes
The grog in this recipe is optional.
Courses Cake
Cuisine Christmas
are you limping towards the finish line of 2015?
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Alex says
Love it!
And it's look so delicous.
Cheers form Poland
Sue R says
Awesome! I'll be making that next Christmas instead of my usual super easy Christmas pudding made in the microwave. I'd never boil a pudding again after I was given that recipe 🙂 Oh and I've pinned your Hot cross bun pudding too to make very soon. Hubby will love that!
Minnie says
I would like to bake this cake for Xmas. Please let me know the oven temperature for baking the cake and time it took for cake to cook in the oven.
Amanda Smyth says
Hi Minnie, the cooking instructions are as stated in the recipe - cook the cake in the bottom of an oven at 150 celsius for 2 1/2 hours.
Enjoy!
A x
Amanda Parker says
How long cann the cake be store for thank u
Amanda Smyth says
Hi Amanda,
It keeps for a few weeks when I make it, but it would probably depend on the temperature at your place.
(Easily a month in the fridge).
Cheers,
Amanda
Jennifer Guerrri says
How come it works with no eggs?
Amanda Smyth says
A little bit of kitchen magic Jennifwr!
Nena says
Did you replace the liquid of the grog with anything else?
Amanda Smyth says
No, that’s not necessary Nena.
Mahi nikitaras says
Hello if I want to add crushed pineapple in the cake how much fruit mix do I omit ???
Amanda Smyth says
I don’t know Mahi, I don’t use crushed pineapple.
Sarah says
Can I substitute a different type of juice? I have a sister who is allergic to orange juice.
Amanda Smyth says
I don’t see why not Sarah. Let me know how it goes please!
Cleo says
Can you use the candied fruit mix instead of dry fruit
Cleo says
That was the old English fruit and Peelmix
Amanda Smyth says
I don't see why that wouldn't work Cleo. Let me know if you try it. 🙂
Elizabeth says
No eggs , no sugar, no spices, definitely worth a try
Amanda Smyth says
I hope you enjoyed it Elizabeth.
A x
Dianne says
A lovely beautiful Christmas cake turned out nice and easy thank you very much
Amanda Smyth says
Thanks for letting me know Dianne. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. A x