Air Fryer Christmas Cake: A Festive Treat Made Easy
Christmas is a time for joy, sharing, and delicious treats. For many, the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a rich and flavorful Christmas cake. This Air Fryer Christmas Cake is the perfect solution for last-minute bakers or anyone looking for an efficient way to enjoy this traditional holiday dessert. By using an air fryer, you’ll save time while still achieving the moist and dense texture that makes Christmas cakes so special. With a medley of dried fruits, a hint of brandy, and a golden crust, this cake is a delightful centerpiece for any festive celebration.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 225 g Butter (softened)
- 225 g Caster Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Golden Syrup
- 4 Large Eggs
- 56 g Ground Rice
- 255 g Plain Flour
- ¼ Tsp Baking Powder
- 454 g Currants
- 114 g Raisins
- 114 g Sultanas
- 56 g Glace Cherries (chopped)
- 50 ml Brandy (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- In a small bowl, mix the currants, raisins, sultanas, and glace cherries. If you’re using brandy, pour it over the fruit mixture and stir to coat. Let the fruits soak while you prepare the batter.
- Grease and line a 6-inch round cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, caster sugar, and golden syrup until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually fold in the ground rice, plain flour, and baking powder. Mix until smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently fold the soaked fruits into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Tap the tin gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 4: Air Fry the Cake
- Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes.
- Place the cake tin into the air fryer basket. Cook for 60–70 minutes. Check the cake after 50 minutes by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil and continue cooking.
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
- Once cooked, remove the cake from the air fryer and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optionally, decorate the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, marzipan, or royal icing for a festive finish.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, soak the fruits in brandy overnight or use orange juice for an alcohol-free version.
- Ensure your air fryer basket fits the cake tin comfortably.
- Store the cake in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors will develop and intensify over time.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, serves 8)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 50 g
This Air Fryer Christmas Cake combines tradition with modern convenience, making it an ideal recipe for busy holiday schedules. The air fryer delivers a beautifully baked cake with minimal effort, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the festive season with loved ones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at Christmas cake for the first time, this recipe guarantees a delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas. Serve it with a warm cup of tea or coffee, and let the holiday cheer begin!