It is that time of the year when the spirit of celebration and festivities has taken over the entire world. Christmas is just few days away and everyone is immersed in preparing for the big annual celebration. People are preparing and gathering all the essential items that are a part of core Christmas spirit. Xmas decorations, Xmas trees, gifts, cards and more, are all indispensable components of a beautiful and perfect Christmas. But the most essential yet tricky part of this festive occasion is preparing and baking a Christmas cake. Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you through the tricky ritual of baking and storing that perfect Xmas cake.

Christmas Cake: General Tips and Tricks to Prepare and Store Xmas Cake

A traditional Christmas cake is usually a fruit cake where in raisins, cherries, currants, nuts etc are blended with the rest of the ingredients of the cake. It may be light or dark, spongy or heavy, iced or glazed; all kinds of Xmas cakes should be prepared well in advance. A cake prepared in time needs a lot of time to settle and mature which can be served with brandy or wine during the Christmas period.

Various ingredients are used in preparing a perfect Xmas cake such as fruits, nuts and spices which can be avoided according to the taste. So select your ingredients before and prepare them well in advance. One must use freshly grounded spices and dry fruits soaked in sherry, brandy or wine, for at least a night.

Measure your ingredients carefully as the blend of right proportions is the key to success.

Select the right size and shape of the vessel. Cakes bake differently in a glass vessel and a metal vessel.

If you're baking a cake in a glass vessel the temperature of the oven should be 25 degrees lower. And while putting the cake mix in the vessel one needs to do it one spoonful at a time to provide any air pockets.

Usually, the cake pan should be filled by at least ½ and not more than 2/3 of cake mix.

Line the cake tin properly and use greaseproof papers to ensure the exact shape of your special Christmas cake.

Eggs, butter, milk and other such ingredients should be at room temperature while being utilized for Christmas cake preparation as cold ingredients may cause mixture to clabber.

Sift properly to ensure that all the ingredients are combined properly.

Mix dry ingredients first and then add wet ingredients to the cake mix.

Ensure, right quantity of sugar is added to the cake, as too much of it can burn the cake and result in a dark crust. Also, too little sugar can result in light crust.

Add a pinch of salt to the mix. It only enhances the flavor of the fruity Xmas cake.

When placing the cake pan, ensure it is in the middle of the oven so that it is baked evenly.

Avoid opening the oven before the cake is completely cooked and do not immediately take the cake out of the oven upon cooking. Leave it for a while before you pull it out.

Tips and Tricks for Storing the Xmas Cake

That perfect and painstakingly baked Christmas cake must be stored carefully so that you and your family members can cherish it the entire Xmas period.

For storing a Christmas cake, wrap it into a greaseproof or baking paper and then wrap it in a foil. Don't let the foil touch the surface of the cake as it may affect the flavor of the cake. After carefully wrapping it, store the Christmas cake in an airtight container. Do not put the cake in the refrigerator; instead store the container in a dark and cool place. Feeding it regularly is an essential part of storing and preventing the Christmas cake from getting ruined.

To make that special Christmas cake extra special, serve it with whipped cream, wine or custard and enjoy and savor the joyful spirit of Xmas.

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