Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas is a celebration of festive flavors, bringing together family and friends around a table filled with delicious treats. This classic and festive cake recipe embodies the spirit of the holiday season, ensuring that your festive gatherings are memorable and filled with joy. Imagine the aroma of baking as you prepare this delightful cake, perfect for holiday celebrations! Let’s dive into this enchanting world of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas

This recipe is a true gem among Jamie Oliver’s Christmas feast ideas. Firstly, it’s packed with *rich flavors* and *seasonal ingredients*, making it a perfect centerpiece for your festive table. Also, it’s a delightful way to embrace Jamie Oliver holiday recipes that resonate with tradition. The cake’s preparation is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities. This recipe caters to dietary preferences as it’s vegetarian, ensuring everyone can indulge. Lastly, the cake is not just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter, adding warmth and charm to any gathering.

Ingredients for Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas

Gather these items:

250g mixed dried fruit
250g sultanas
250g currants
200g unsalted butter
200g brown sugar
4 large eggs
200g plain flour
100g ground almonds
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
100ml brandy
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
100g glacé cherries
50g walnuts, chopped

How to Make Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the dried fruits, sultanas, and currants.
Step 3: In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Sift in the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and mixed spice powder, then fold gently.
Step 6: Add the vanilla extract, brandy, lemon zest, orange zest, glacé cherries, and walnuts, mixing until combined.
Step 7: Pour the mixture into a lined cake tin and smooth the top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Step 9: Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 10: Decorate as desired before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality dried fruits for enhanced flavor.
Wrap the cooled cake in parchment paper and foil for storage; it helps to keep it moist.
Consider adding a layer of marzipan before icing for extra richness.
Ensure the cake is completely cool before decorating to prevent melting.

Best Ways to Serve Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas

Here are a couple of serving ideas:

Serve slices with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful pairing.
Consider serving alongside Jamie Oliver Christmas pudding recipe for a full festive experience.
Top with festive decorations like edible glitter or fresh berries for an eye-catching presentation.

How to Store and Reheat Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas

To preserve your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place. It can last for several weeks if stored correctly, making it perfect for holiday meal prep. Remember to enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas

What’s the secret to perfect Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas?

The secret lies in the quality of ingredients and allowing the cake to mature. Using fresh fruits and a good brandy enhances the flavors, making it a standout in your Jamie Oliver festive cooking repertoire.

Can I make Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a week or two in advance allows the flavors to develop fully, creating a richer taste. This aligns perfectly with Jamie Oliver’s festive food guide for holiday planning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you measure ingredients accurately and mix them gently to avoid overworking the batter. This will help achieve the light texture that complements the rich flavors.

Variations of Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas You Can Try

Here are a few tempting variations:

Substitute the dried fruits with your favorite seasonal fruits for a unique twist.
Add a splash of orange juice for extra moisture and flavor.
Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to personalize it.
For a nut-free version, replace walnuts with seeds or omit them entirely.

Jamie Olivers Traditional Christmas: 12 Festive Treats

Author: basmer
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic and festive Christmas cake recipe by Jamie Oliver, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).
In a large bowl, mix the dried fruits, sultanas, and currants.
In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift in the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and mixed spice powder, then fold gently.
Add the vanilla extract, brandy, lemon zest, orange zest, glacé cherries, and walnuts, mixing until combined.
Pour the mixture into a lined cake tin and smooth the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Decorate as desired before serving.