Delicious Christmas Chocolate Cake Recipe from Whitakers Chocolates
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Christmas
Servings
12
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
135 minutes
Calories
566
This decadent Chocolate Christmas Cake is a showstopping seasonal treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or to savour with loved ones by the fire.
Bursting with juicy dates, raisins, sultanas, and dried cranberries soaked in brandy, each bite is a rich blend of traditional festive flavours.
Add in Whitakers’ luxurious dark chocolate chunks and warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves for an extra touch of holiday magic.
This cake can be enjoyed right away, but it’s even more delightful when left to mature until Christmas Day, allowing the flavours to deepen and become even more irresistible.
Let’s get started on this festive masterpiece!
Ingredients
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450g dates pitted and chopped
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1tsp bicarbonate of soda
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200g raisins
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150g sultanas
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150g dried cranberries
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100ml brandy (plus extra for soaking). If you want the cake to be alcohol free use orange or cranberry juice
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200g dark brown sugar
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150g unsalted butter
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1 orange, juice & zest
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3 eggs
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200g plain flour
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50g ground almonds
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2tbsp cocoa powder
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2tsp cinnamon
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2tsp ginger
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1/2tsp ground cloves
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120g Whitakers dark chocolate, chopped
Directions
Preheat oven to 140°c.
Grease and line a deep round 23cm tin. Make sure to line the edges leaving extra along the top of the edges.
Put dates in a bowl with the bicarbonate of soda and 250ml boiling water.
Leave for 10 minutes.
In a large pan put all the other dried fruits, brandy, sugar, butter, juice & zest and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir occasionally.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in the dates & liquid and leave to cool to room temperature.
Whilst the mixture is cooling in a large mixing bowl mix the flour, ground almonds, cocoa powder & spices.
Beat the eggs into the cooled fruit mixture.
Pour the fruit mixture into the flour and stir to combine.
Mix through the chopped chocolate.
Pour the mixture into the tin.
Bake for 2 hours 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
Place on a cooling rack.
Using the skewer poke holes across the top.
Whilst warm pour over some extra brandy and then leave to cool completely.
You can eat this cake straight away, or wrap in greaseproof and foil and leave in a cool, dark place to mature till Christmas Day.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Pick a flavoured variation of Whitakers dark chocolate if you prefer.
- Servings: The cake typically yields about 12 servings.
- Calories per serving: 556 calories.
- Remember to tag #whitakerschocolates with your vegan chocolate cake creations!
We hope that you enjoy baking (and then eating) this Xmas chocolate cake recipe!
Chocolate Christmas Cake Decorating Ideas
- Create a smooth chocolate ganache drip around the cake’s edges, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides. Garnish with edible gold leaf and a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic freshly fallen snow.
- For a winter wonderland effect, use chocolate-covered strawberries as miniature Christmas trees. Dust with icing sugar for a snowy look, and arrange chocolate shards or biscuit pieces to resemble a forest scene.
- Top the cake with a classic combination of dark chocolate shavings and sugared cranberries. The red berries against the rich chocolate add a festive, elegant contrast.
- Dust the top with edible gold or silver powder for a shimmering effect, then place chocolate truffles or pralines around the edge to give a touch of luxury.
- Roll out white fondant or marzipan, cut it into snowflake shapes, and place them on top of the cake. Add a bit of edible glitter for a magical finish.
- Wrap the sides of the cake in a wide Christmas ribbon (remove before serving) and top with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries for a rustic, festive charm.
- Arrange small squares of chocolate wrapped in colourful foil on top of the cake to resemble mini presents. Tie a few with gold or red ribbon to complete the look.
Each idea will bring a unique and festive touch, turning your Christmas chocolate cake into a delightful holiday centrepiece!
Storage Tips for Your Xmas Chocolate Cake
To ensure your Christmas Chocolate Cake stays fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- At Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and flavour. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep the cake for a longer period, place it in the fridge. Be sure to wrap it tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted smells from the fridge. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.
- For Maturing: If you plan to mature the cake until Christmas Day, wrap it tightly in greaseproof paper and then foil. Store it in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry. You can even give it a splash of brandy (or juice) every few days for extra flavour and moisture.
- Freezing: For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it well in cling film and foil, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to enjoy, allow it to defrost at room temperature, then decorate as desired.
By following these tips, your Christmas Chocolate Cake will stay fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying it now or saving it for the big day!
