Nigella's Christmas cake

[PrivateParkin]

I always make Mary Berry's recipe and it's always really nice, so I'm not sure that changing it is a good idea. But.... it's getting a bit pricey to make (it uses 1.3kg dried fruit! Which is expensive, even from Aldi) and it's massive, so not all of it gets eaten despite my best efforts. So I'm wondering whether to diversify from Bezza's traditional recipe and make Nigella's easy Christmas cake instead.

I've seen dried fruit pre-soaked in brandy, so you could just chuck that in without all the chopping and soaking etc in advance (although I do sort of enjoy doing all that, to be fair). I'm not sure about the chestnut puree business as called for in Nigella's recipe though.

Has anyone ever made this and if so would you recommend?

Any recommendations appreciated. Thank you

Sorry I'm Mary Berry all the way when it comes to the Xmas cake. Tbh I don't even like it but DH says it's one of the best cakes I make.

But her recipe in the Baking Bible book is broken down to ingredient lists for various size of tin your making it in. If it's a hit why not just make a smaller one?!

I’m in the Delia camp and hoping the remainder of last years dried fruit etc will perk up with soaking 😂

@PhannyMcNee lol snap. I made a start on mine yday. Soaked last year's dried fruit in a splash of OJ. And it's brought it back to life. Go na douse it in brandy tonight 🤣

Yes I could just make a smaller version of Mary's, that's true! I was thinking of the general faffing with chopping up/soaking fruit as well. Nigella just makes it sound so easy....

I always make this one from BBC Good Food, it's a bit lighter than the traditional Christmas cake but still beautifully moist due to the nuggets of marzipan. Also I love the nutty topping (not that keen on icing) It has 700 grams of dried fruit in it.
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2180/festive-fruit-and-nut-cake.
The downside is that you can' t make it well in advance -- it doesn't keep as it is lighter , however it does freeze very well.

That looks lovely Tartyflette - the topping is a nice idea.

I'm making Delia's, it didn't seem to have THAT much dried fruit (I get it from the health food shop where you weigh it yourself so you don't have to buy a whole kilo when you need 600g.

(No chopping either)

i have made this Nigella one every year for the last few years and its my go to Christmas cake now because its so bloody easy. I soak the fruit in the brandy spices and citrus juice and zest the night before and then boil it up in a pan the next day. i have never yet managed to find chestnut puree so make it without and its fine. i add extra cherries because I like them. It's idiot proof.

I use Nigella's traditional recipe www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/02/nigella-lawson-christmas-cake-recipe which gives variations for 3 different sizes.

This year I'm making one of those and also going to give her chocolate Christmas cake a try.

I used a packet of pre soaked fruit from Waitrose to make this exact cake from Feast last year and it worked brilliantly. I made two - gave away one as a gift. It was well received and I enjoyed the one I kept. The chestnut puree works.

Get your dried fruit, nuts and spices from global or Indian food shops, it's always cheaper.

Cordelia yes that's the fruit I saw. It looks good for that cake.

I never thought of getting the fruit from health food/local shops. Good ideas.

Thank you all!

is it only Waitrose that sells chestnut puree? there isnt much call for it round our way!

I'm a Delia lady. I'd be scared to try a different recipe after about 15 years of making the same cake. Maybe I should make another one with a different recipe this year!

Our waitrose had no treacle though

Could you halve the MB recipe and bake in a smaller tin?

I made this last year and it went down very well! Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake Bites

Sorry! Thought I'd RTFT! I blame the vino!

kitten exactly, I feel scared to try something new, like i am tempting fate in some way!! (Even if it is only Christmas cake)...

The smaller tin idea could be the way to go. Or should I be more adventurous?!

pengy the mini bites look good too! Too many options!...

Mary Berry the best one I’ve made according family I miss out the nuts tho . I love nuts but not in this cake :-)

I’m also thinking to go smaller too

Dementedma I only found it in Waitrose last year, nowhere else. It was this one -

www.realfoods.co.uk/product/3536/sweet-chestnut-spread?gclid=CjwKCAiA_ZTfBRBjEiwAN6YG4WlI6nZVx0e1iY0OOlsnsMX1DPw_AfTAgUIDaSwLJmvc0YN2jLvPBRoCgkwQAvD_BwE

OP, not sure if you have the book or not, but the following page is all about turning the mixture into cupcakes. It's easy to miss. Nigella says -

"You could probably stretch the amount above to make 24 cupcakes, 18 with ease, though I prefer to make 12 and then one small Christmas cake 15cm in diameter."

If you don't have the book I can pm you a photo if you like.

Oh thanks Cordelia that would be great
I don't have the book, I just saw the recipe on Nigella's website and I don't think it mentioned cupcakes...