Imagine uncovering the secrets of a nearly century-old British Christmas tradition. The Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe, from the 1920s, has been a favourite for generations1.
First introduced in the 3rd edition of the Be Ro cookery books in 1925, it’s a key part of the festive season. But what makes this recipe so special, and why has it endured for so long?
Table of Contents
Introduction to Be Ro Christmas Cake
The Be Ro Christmas cake recipe has been loved in Britain for nearly a century. It started with the Be Ro Flour Company, formed in the 1880s2. This classic fruit cake is a must-have in many homes during the festive season.
The Story Behind Be Ro
The Be Ro brand has a long history. Its “Home Recipes with Be-Ro” book dates back to the 1980s2. For generations, this trusted recipe book has given home bakers delicious treats. It’s a cherished part of British baking.
What Makes This Cake Special?
The Be Ro Christmas cake is special because of its high fruit content and long baking time. It’s also known for being “fed” with alcohol over weeks. This makes the flavours richer and the texture moist, truly British.
The recipe’s long history and popularity in the UK show its special place in the nation’s hearts and kitchens.
“The Be Ro Christmas cake is a true taste of tradition, a recipe that has been passed down through generations and remains a beloved part of the British holiday season.”
Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Cake
Making the perfect Be Ro Christmas Cake begins with picking the right ingredients. This recipe needs a mix of dried fruits, basic baking items, and extra flavours for a cake that’s moist and rich. It’s ideal for the holiday season3.
Traditional Fruit Ingredients
The Be Ro Christmas Cake’s core is dried fruits like currants, sultanas, raisins, glace cherries, and citrus peel3. These add sweetness and a chewy texture, making the cake a true Christmas classic. For a unique twist, some soak the fruits in brandy or rum for 12 hours before baking. This blends the flavours beautifully4.
Essential Baking Ingredients
The cake’s moist base comes from Be Ro Self Raising Flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and milk3. Dark brown or muscovado sugar gives the cake a deeper colour and richer taste3.
Optional Flavours and Additions
For a special touch, you can add mixed spice, ground almonds, and a bit of brandy or rum3. Some also use black treacle or soft brown sugar for a more indulgent taste, like gingerbread3.
The Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe balances traditional fruits, basic baking items, and optional extras. It promises a memorable baking experience for the whole family34.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plain Flour | 225g |
| Dark Brown/Muscovado Sugar | 225g |
| Soaked Dried Mixed Fruit | 750g |
| Eggs | – |
| Butter | – |
| Treacle | – |
| Glace Cherries | – |
| Ground Almonds | – |
| Citrus Zest | – |
Preparing the Cake Mixture
When it comes to christmas baking and making the perfect festive cake preparation, the cake mixture is key. A few simple tips can make your Be-Ro Christmas Cake moist, flavourful, and textured just right.
Tips for Effective Mixing
Start by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 5 minutes of hard mixing5. This step adds air, making the cake tender. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each to avoid curdling. Finish by gently mixing in the flour and eggs, until just combined.
Incorporating Fruits and Nuts
6 Soak dried fruits like sultanas, currants, raisins, dates, cherries, and citrus zest in brandy or rum the night before. This makes them flavourful and moist. After soaking, fold them into the batter with any chopped nuts or candied peel you like7. Coat half of the flour with the soaked fruits to keep them from sinking.
For a richer taste, add a teaspoon of gravy browning to the mix7. With fruits and nuts mixed in, your Christmas cake batter is ready for the next step – choosing the right baking tin.
“The Be-Ro recipe book has been in publication since 1923 and is currently on its 41st edition, containing over 125 recipes and helpful hints.”5
Choosing the Right Baking Tin
Choosing the right baking tin is key to baking a perfect Christmas cake. The Be Ro recipe suggests using a large round cake tin, about 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter8. You can also use a square tin, as long as it’s at least 2½ inches (6 to 7 cm) deep9.
Recommended Sizes
The Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe works best with tins from 20-25cm/8-10in in diameter9. If you prefer a square tin, remember it holds about 25% more batter than a round tin of the same size10.
Tips for Lining Your Tin
It’s crucial to line your tin with greased baking paper, using layers for better insulation during baking9. A tin with a loose bottom makes removing the cake easier, ensuring a smooth finish.
| Tin Size | Surface Area (Round) | Surface Area (Square/Rectangle) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 inch | 20 square inches | – |
| 6 inch | 29 square inches | 36 square inches |
| 7 inch | 39 square inches | 49 square inches |
| 8 inch | 50 square inches | 64 square inches |
| 9 inch | 64 square inches | 81 square inches |
| 10 inch | 79 square inches | – |
| 12 inch | 113 square inches | 192 square inches |
The table shows the surface area of round, square, and rectangular tins8. This helps you choose the right tin size and adjust the recipe.
“A square tin holds roughly 25% more cake batter than a round tin of the same size.”
Baking the Be Ro Christmas Cake
The Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe has been loved for over a century. It comes from the 1923 Be Ro baking book11. This recipe shows the quality and care of the Be Ro brand in every baking session.
Ideal Oven Temperatures
To get the perfect cake, bake it slowly and evenly. Use a moderate oven temperature of 160°C to 170°C (325°F to 350°F, Gas Mark 3-4) for the first hour12. Then, lower the temperature to 120°C to 150°C (250°F to 300°F, Gas Mark 1-2) for the next three hours12.
Baking Times and Testing for Doneness
The cake needs about four hours to bake perfectly12. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the centre. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. Slow baking makes the cake rich and moist1.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time | Cake Tin Size |
|---|---|---|
| 160°C to 170°C (325°F to 350°F, Gas Mark 3-4) | 1 hour | 8″ round |
| 120°C to 150°C (250°F to 300°F, Gas Mark 1-2) | 3 hours | 8″ round |
By sticking to these baking tips, your Be Ro Christmas Cake will be moist, flavourful, and perfect for the festive season11121.
Cooling and Storing the Cake
After baking your Be Ro Christmas cake, let it cool completely before you touch it13. Leave it in the tin for 10-15 minutes. This lets it cool down evenly on a cooling rack13. This cooling helps keep the cake moist and crumbly.
Once it’s cool, wrap the cake in foil or parchment paper. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep it fresh13. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight or heat.
Preserving the Cake’s Freshness
Bake your Be Ro Christmas cake 1-2 months before Christmas for the best taste13. This lets the flavours mature and the cake become moist and rich13. Feed the cake weekly by poking holes and adding a bit of brandy, rum, or fruit juice13. This keeps the cake moist and enhances its flavour.
With proper care, a Be Ro Christmas cake can last months13. It’s a great treat to enjoy during the holidays and beyond.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 200g |
| Sultanas | 200g |
| Currants | 200g |
| Dried Cranberries | 200g |
| Glace Cherries | 200g |
| Mixed Peel | 75g |
| Brandy | 175ml |
| Unsalted Butter | 200g |
| Light Brown Soft Sugar | 200g |
| Treacle | 50g |
| Self-Raising Flour | 200g |
| Ground Almonds | 100g |
| Eggs (medium) | 5 |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp |
“A well-stored Christmas cake can last for several months, making it a delightful treat to enjoy throughout the holiday season and beyond.”
By cooling, storing, and preserving your Be Ro Christmas cake right, it will stay delicious and moist1314. It’s perfect for your holiday celebrations.
Decorating the Christmas Cake
Be Ro Christmas Cakes are often decorated with marzipan and royal icing. The marzipan recipe includes 140g icing sugar, 90g caster sugar, 220g ground almonds, 1 beaten egg, 1 tablespoon of apricot jam, and 1 tablespoon of water15. This method comes from Europe and the Middle East, with a history of being favored by Leonardo da Vinci15.
The royal icing recipe has 2 medium egg whites, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 500g of sieved icing sugar15. It’s known for being used by the British Royal Family. It’s easy to pipe and color, making it perfect for wedding cakes15.
Today, some people use ready-to-roll fondant for a smoother finish. You can also use an embossed rolling pin to add patterns to the fondant.
Or, you can try different icing techniques, cut-outs, or figurines for more detailed decorations16. It’s best to apply the icing a day or two before serving.
Creative Decoration Ideas
There are countless ways to decorate your Christmas cake. You can make it look like presents, create a gingerbread village, or design a forest scene with ice cream wafer cones16. You can also make a wreath cake or decorate it with natural items like orange slices and cinnamon sticks16.
For something different, cover the cake with ready-to-roll icing and add marzipan for a Christmas pudding look16. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity run wild. The festive icing and decorations make your Be Ro Christmas Cake truly special1516.
Pairing Beverages with Your Cake
The rich, fruity flavours of Be Ro Christmas Cake pair beautifully with various beverages, enhancing the festive experience17. Traditional alcoholic pairings, such as brandy, sherry, or port, complement the cake’s boozy notes and provide a warming, indulgent complement17. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving your Christmas cake with spiced tea, hot chocolate, or mulled apple juice17. These warm drinks not only balance the sweetness of the cake but also evoke the cosy, festive atmosphere.
Best Alcoholic Pairings
- Brandy: The smooth, complex flavours of brandy beautifully accentuate the richness of the Christmas cake17.
- Sherry: A glass of nutty, amber-hued sherry pairs excellently with the dried fruits and spices in the cake17.
- Port: The bold, fruity notes of port wine create a harmonious balance with the moist, dense texture of the Christmas cake17.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
- Spiced Tea: A steaming cup of aromatic spiced tea, such as chai or mulled cider, complements the warming flavours of the Christmas cake17.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate provides a decadent pairing, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the cake17.
- Mulled Apple Juice: The spicy, fragrant notes of mulled apple juice enhance the festive character of the Christmas cake17.
Regardless of your beverage preference, the key is to select a drink that enhances the cake’s flavours and creates a truly memorable Christmas experience17.
“The perfect pairing can elevate a good Christmas cake into an extraordinary indulgence.” – Pastry Chef, Jamie Oliver
| Cake Type | Recommended Beverage Pairing |
|---|---|
| Red Velvet Cake | Bold yet smooth Pinot Noir18 |
| Funfetti Cake | Sparkling Rosé, such as Patrick Bottex La Cueille Buggey Cerdon18 |
| Vanilla Cake | Riesling, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors18 |
| Lemon Cake | Lemon-Prosecco combination, complementing the tartness18 |
| Birthday Cake | Bordeaux red wine, with its sweet and berry flavors18 |
Whether you prefer traditional alcoholic pairings or non-alcoholic alternatives, the key is to select a beverage that complements the specific flavours and textures of your Christmas cake17. By pairing your cake with the right drink, you can elevate the festive experience and create a truly memorable dessert course171819.
Serving Suggestions for Festive Gatherings
When serving your Be Ro Christmas Cake, cut thin slices as it’s rich and dense20. You can place the whole cake as a centrepiece and cut slices as needed. Or, pre-slice and arrange on a festive platter20.
Pair your Be Ro Christmas Cake with brandy butter or cheese for a classic taste20. Add holly or seasonal decorations for a festive look20.
Portioning the Cake
When serving your Be Ro Christmas Cake, cut thin slices for full flavour and texture enjoyment20. The cake is dense, so a little is enough.
Presentation Tips
Place the whole, decorated Be Ro Christmas Cake as your table’s centrepiece20. This lets guests admire the cake before you serve20.
Or, pre-slice the cake and arrange on a festive platter with brandy butter or cheese20. Add holly or rosemary for a stunning display20.
“The nostalgia-inducing aroma of brandy-steeped fruits and mixed spice is a significant element in evoking festive joy during the Christmas season.”21
Make sure your Be Ro Christmas Cake is the star of the show20. Let your guests enjoy every bite of this classic festive treat20.
The Importance of Ageing Your Cake
Ageing your Be Ro Christmas Cake is key to its rich flavour. It’s best to make it 6-8 weeks before Christmas. This lets the flavours mix well and get better over time22.
During this time, add brandy, rum, or other spirits weekly. This keeps the cake moist and adds to its flavour22. The alcohol also blends the fruit flavours, making the cake taste even better22.
How Long Should You Age It?
The cake should age for at least 2 months, but 3 months is even better22. Feed it with alcohol, about 2-3 tablespoons each week23. You can use white rum, spiced rum, brandy, whiskey, cognac, or liqueurs like Grand Marnier22.
Benefits of Ageing
Ageing makes the cake’s flavours richer and more complex. It also makes the cake moist and natural23. Keep it in a cool, dry place, like a cupboard or pantry. The fridge can stop the ageing process22.
| Ageing Duration | Feeding Frequency | Alcohol Options | Storage Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| At least 2 months, with 3 months being optimal | Weekly (2-3 tablespoons) | White rum, spiced rum, brandy, whiskey, cognac, or liqueurs like Grand Marnier | Cool, dry place (e.g., cupboard, pantry) |
By ageing your Be Ro Christmas Cake, you’ll get a treat with deep flavour and moist texture22. The effort you put into ageing will make the cake a hit with everyone23.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Be-Ro Christmas cake needs focus and a good grasp of the baking process. Steer clear of common errors like overmixing the batter or forgetting to soak the fruits. These small mistakes can turn a moist, tasty cake into a hard, dry one.
Overmixing the Batter
It’s tempting to mix the batter a lot, but don’t. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense24. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. This way, you’ll get a cake that’s tender and crumbly, perfect for enjoying.
Forgetting to Soak the Fruits
Soaking dried fruits in alcohol, like brandy or rum, is key for a moist, flavourful Christmas cake25. Letting them soak overnight makes them plump and adds rich, festive flavours. Skipping this step can ruin your cake’s taste and texture.
| Potential Baking Mistakes | Consequences | How to Avoid Them |
|---|---|---|
| Overmixing the batter | Tough, dense cake texture | Mix just until ingredients are combined |
| Forgetting to soak the fruits | Dry, flavourless cake | Soak dried fruits in alcohol overnight |
| Inaccurate oven temperature | Uneven baking, burnt or underbaked cake | Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature |
| Inadequate tin preparation | Cake sticking to the tin, difficult to remove | Grease and line the tin properly |
Avoid these common christmas cake tips and baking mistakes to make a delicious Be-Ro Christmas cake. Your friends and family will love it for years.
Adapting the Recipe for Dietary Needs
The traditional Be Ro Christmas cake recipe can be easily adapted for different diets. Whether you’re after a gluten-free or vegan option, this classic recipe lets you enjoy festive flavours without dietary compromise26.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free version, swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Remember to add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help the batter bind and achieve the right texture26.
Vegan Alternatives
To make the Be Ro Christmas cake vegan, replace butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil26. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) instead of eggs26. Choose a plant-based milk, like almond or soy milk, instead of regular milk26. Make sure all other ingredients, including dried fruits and any alcohol, are vegan-friendly26.
With these simple swaps, you can enjoy the rich flavours of the traditional Be Ro Christmas cake. It’s perfect for those with gluten-free or vegan diets, offering a delightful festive treat26.
“Adapting classic recipes to accommodate dietary requirements is a wonderful way to ensure everyone can partake in the festive celebrations.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When baking the perfect Christmas cake or traditional fruit cake, common questions pop up. Let’s tackle some of these queries to make your holiday baking a hit.
How to Revive a Dry Christmas Cake?
If your Christmas cake is dry, there’s a simple fix. Use a skewer or fork to poke holes in the cake. Then, brush it with more alcohol, fruit juice, or syrup27.
After that, cover the cake tightly and let it sit for a few days. This allows the liquid to soak in, making the cake moist again27.
Can I Use Other Dried Fruits in My Christmas Cake?
While the traditional recipe calls for a mix of dried fruits, you can try different ones. Just remember to keep the total weight around 850g27.
You can swap sultanas for raisins and mixed peel for glace cherries or dried cranberries. This way, you can create a unique flavour27. Just be sure to use the same amount of fruit for the best results.
Baking is both an art and a science. So, it’s key to stick to the recipe for the right texture and taste27. With a bit of creativity, you can make your Christmas cake truly special27.
“Baking is both an art and a science, so following the core recipe closely is important for achieving the perfect crumb, texture, and flavour.”
Personal Touches: Customising the Recipe
Baking a traditional Be Ro Christmas Cake is a joy. It’s a chance to add your own special touches and keep family traditions alive. The classic recipe is loved, but many families enjoy making it their own with unique twists28.
Family Traditions
For many, the Christmas Cake is a cherished tradition. Grandmothers might add their secret spices, like extra cinnamon or nutmeg. Others might use nuts like walnuts or pecans29. These additions not only make the cake taste better but also add a special meaning, turning it into a family treasure.
Unique Add-ins to Consider
- Try adding a layer of marzipan for a delicious almond taste28.
- Soak dried fruits in tea for a non-alcoholic version28.
- Use different dried fruits like apricots, figs, or crystallized ginger for a unique mix29.
These personal touches make your Christmas Cake truly special. They help create new family traditions to enjoy for years28.
| Ingredient | Traditional | Personalised |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Fruit | Mixed Dried Fruit | Apricots, Figs, Crystallized Ginger |
| Alcohol | Brandy or Rum | Tea |
| Spices | Cinnamon, Nutmeg | Extra Cinnamon, Nutmeg |
| Nuts | Walnuts | Walnuts, Pecans |
| Centre Layer | None | Marzipan |
“These personal touches are what make your Christmas Cake truly special and create new family traditions to be cherished for years to come.”
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Be Ro Christmas Cake
The Be Ro Christmas Cake is more than a tasty treat. It’s a tradition that brings families together, making memories that last. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, baking and sharing this cake captures the holiday spirit30.
The Joy of Sharing
When you cut into your homemade Be Ro Christmas Cake, you’re not just enjoying a sweet treat. You’re also joining a long-standing British baking tradition30. The cake’s rich flavours and moist texture take you and your loved ones back to warm, festive gatherings31.
Making Memories with Loved Ones
Baking, decorating, and sharing the Be Ro Christmas Cake makes memories that last for generations32. Whether it’s mixing batter together, decorating the cake, or enjoying it as a family, these moments are the foundation of holiday traditions30. So, as you enjoy your Be Ro Christmas Cake, you’re not just eating a dessert. You’re creating a legacy of christmas traditions and festive baking memories that will be treasured for years.
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FAQ
How do I revive a dry Christmas cake?
Can I use other fruits in the cake besides the traditional ones?
How can I customise the Be Ro Christmas Cake recipe?
Source Links
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