Jamaican Black Christmas Cake, also known as Jamaican Fruit Cake, is a traditional and rich dessert that is often enjoyed during the festive season. It's known for its dense texture, dark color, and the infusion of various fruits and spirits. Here's a recipe to make this delectable treat:
Jamaican Black Christmas Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Soaking Mixture:
2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, prunes, cherries)
1 cup dark rum
1 cup red wine
1 cup port wine
Zest of 1 orange
Zest of 1 lime
For the Cake Batter:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar, packed
6 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup browning sauce (for color, optional)
1/2 cup mixed fruit preserves (pineapple, mango, or guava)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soaking Mixture:
Combine the mixed dried fruits, dark rum, red wine, port wine, orange zest, and lime zest in a large bowl.
Stir well to ensure the fruits are evenly coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it soak for at least 24 hours, preferably 2-3 days. Stir occasionally.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
3. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
5. Mix the Batter:
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Fold in the breadcrumbs, molasses, browning sauce (if using), and mixed fruit preserves.
6. Add the Soaked Fruits:
Gently fold in the soaked fruit mixture, ensuring an even distribution of fruits throughout the batter.
7. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Store:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can optionally "feed" the cake by brushing it with additional rum.
9. Serve:
Slice the Jamaican Black Christmas Cake into portions and serve. It's delicious on its own or can be accompanied by a dollop of rum-infused whipped cream.
Enjoy this Jamaican holiday classic with family and friends!
