Hello, dear culinary enthusiasts and holiday bakers! 'Tis the season to indulge in the warmth and sweetness of Christmas, and what better way to celebrate than with a homemade Christmas Square Pudding Cake? 🎄🍰
I stumbled upon this delightful recipe for Christmas Square Pudding Cake on Cotta, and I couldn't wait to share it with you. This festive treat combines the comforting flavors of the holidays into one delightful square that's perfect for sharing with loved ones.
So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's create a slice of holiday joy together.
Ingredients:
For the Pudding Cake:
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 100g granulated sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150ml whole milk
For the Fruit Mix:
- 200g mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, candied peel, etc.)
- 50ml rum (for soaking the dried fruits)
For the Topping:
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp apricot jam (for glazing)
For Dusting:
- Confectioners' sugar (for a snowy finish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruit Mix:
- Place the mixed dried fruits in a bowl and pour the rum over them. Allow them to soak for a few hours or overnight until they plump up.
2. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease and line a square baking tin (about 8x8 inches) with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
3. Make the Pudding Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Add the Fruit Mix:
- Drain any excess rum from the soaked dried fruits. Fold the fruits into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
5. Layer and Bake:
- Pour the pudding cake batter into the prepared baking tin, smoothing it out evenly.
- Arrange the thinly sliced apple on top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Glaze with Apricot Jam:
- While the cake is still warm, gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it becomes liquid.
- Brush the warm jam over the apple slices for a glossy finish.
7. Cool and Dust:
- Allow the Christmas Square Pudding Cake to cool in the tin for a while before using the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out.
- Once fully cooled, dust the top generously with confectioners' sugar to create a snowy effect.
8. Slice and Share:
- Slice your pudding cake into squares and serve. It's perfect with a warm cup of tea or as a delightful dessert after a festive meal.
The result? A Christmas Square Pudding Cake that captures the essence of the holiday season with every bite. The moist and tender cake is studded with plump, rum-soaked dried fruits and adorned with sweet apple slices—a true holiday delight.
So, embrace the holiday spirit and share the joy of baking by making this Christmas Square Pudding Cake. It's a heartfelt way to celebrate the season with friends and family. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🍰