Carrot and Date Christmas Cake

This rich and flavorful Christmas cake combines the natural sweetness of carrots and dates with the festive touch of dried fruit, raisins, cashews, and almonds. It’s a perfect holiday dessert, offering a delightful combination of textures and spices that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup dates, chopped (pitted)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried mixed fruit (e.g., apricots, figs, or prunes), chopped
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped (or whole almonds if preferred)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a different sweetness)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup orange juice (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

For the Glaze (optional):

• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness and consistency)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar (or maple syrup), vegetable oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and orange juice (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
   • Fold in the grated carrots, chopped dates, raisins, dried mixed fruit, cashews, and almonds.
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Glaze (optional):
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), and powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a festive and sweet finish.
7. Serve:
   • Slice the cake and serve as a holiday treat, perfect for Christmas parties or cozy gatherings.

Tips and Variations

• Alcohol Option: Add a splash of brandy or rum to the batter for a more traditional Christmas cake flavor.
• Nuts and Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap the nuts and dried fruits with your favorites (e.g., walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, or cherries).
• Make Ahead: This cake can be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will develop over time.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour.

This carrot and dates Christmas cake with dried fruit, raisins, cashew nuts, and almonds is a deliciously festive dessert that captures the flavors of the season. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings! Enjoy!