Festive Spiced Mincemeat Cake Recipe for Holiday Magic

Baking a delightful mincemeat cake brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen gathering.

Sweet memories of holiday traditions dance through each slice of this classic dessert.

Fragrant spices and rich dried fruits create a symphony of flavors that comfort the soul.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Crusty edges and moist interiors hint at the magic waiting inside this beloved treat.

Home bakers can easily craft this simple yet impressive cake with just a few pantry staples.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making a mincemeat cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQ Help For Nigella Mincemeat Cake

• What is mincemeat in this cake recipe?

A traditional British mixture of dried fruits like raisins, currants, candied peels, and sometimes brandy or rum, cooked with spices and sugar, creating a rich, sweet filling often used in holiday baking.

• Can I make this cake without a hand mixer?

Yes, you can easily mix the ingredients using a wooden spoon. Just ensure all ingredients are well combined and there are no flour lumps in the batter.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Check by inserting a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done. The cake should also have a deep golden color and be slightly risen.

Why Nigella Mincemeat Cake Is Perfect For Sharing

• Capture Holiday Magic: Infuse your kitchen with festive cheer through this delightful mincemeat cake that brings traditional Christmas flavors to life.
• Beginner Baker's Delight: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and uses simple mixing techniques anyone can master.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Create a stunning dessert with straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation, making it ideal for unexpected gatherings or weekend treats.
• Versatile Celebration Cake: Suitable for multiple occasions from family desserts to holiday parties, this cake adapts beautifully to different social settings.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Mincemeat Cake

• Flour: The primary structure and base of the cake.
• Mincemeat: Provides rich, fruity flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cake.

• Mixed Spices: Adds warm, traditional holiday flavor to the cake.
• Citrus Zest: Brings bright, fresh notes to complement the mincemeat.

• Milk, Milk: Helps create a smooth, tender cake batter and adds moisture.

How To Bake Nigella Mincemeat Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 180°C/350°F. Grab a deep 18cm/7-inch round cake pan and coat it with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Magical Cake Batter

• Flour
• Mixed spices
• Sugar
• Butter
• Milk
• Mincemeat
• Eggs
• Citrus zest

Blend everything together using a hand mixer on low speed for a couple of minutes. If you prefer, a wooden spoon works just as well for mixing.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Transfer the cake batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the cake rises beautifully and turns a rich golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Rest

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool and settle for about 30 minutes. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and peel away the baking paper.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into slices. Enjoy your moist and flavorful mincemeat cake with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips For A Great Nigella Mincemeat Cake

• Ensure Even Mixing: Gently fold ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of brandy or rum to the mincemeat for a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the cake with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the top browns too quickly.
• Store Smartly: Wrap the cooled cake in parchment and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Ways To Customize Nigella Mincemeat Cake

• Gluten-Free Mincemeat Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Mincemeat Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and choose a low-sugar mincemeat to reduce overall sugar content.
• Fruit-Enhanced Version: Add chopped dried cranberries or nuts to the batter for extra texture and festive flavor complexity.

Tasty Matches For Nigella Mincemeat Cake

• Brew Warming Tea Pairing: Steep a rich Earl Grey or spiced chai tea to complement the cake's warm, festive flavors and enhance the mincemeat's aromatic spices.
• Match Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Madeira or Pedro Ximénez sherry to echo the cake's rich, fruity notes and provide a luxurious complementary taste experience.
• Create Creamy Accompaniment: Serve with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to balance the cake's dense texture and add a smooth, cool contrast.
• Explore Brandy Drizzle: Gently pour a small amount of aged brandy over each slice to intensify the cake's holiday warmth and bring out deeper, more complex flavor profiles.

How To Keep Nigella Mincemeat Cake Fresh

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Store in a cool, dry place inside a sealed cake tin or container. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 150C for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Mincemeat Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 60-70 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent mincemeat cake delivers festive holiday comfort with rich, spiced flavors that dance across winter palates. Crumbly texture and warm aromas invite you to savor each delightful slice of traditional British baking magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) high-quality mincemeat
• 2 medium free-range eggs
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 175 grams (6 ounces) self-raising flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 150 grams (5.5 ounces) golden caster sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 100 milliliters (3.5 fluid ounces) milk
• Grated zest of 1 orange

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C and lining an 18cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend flour, mixed spices, sugar, butter, milk, mincemeat, eggs, and citrus zest until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients, ensuring no dry pockets remain.
4. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared tin, spreading evenly to create a consistent surface.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the cake rises and develops a rich golden-brown color throughout.
6. Remove from the oven and let the cake rest in the tin for 30 minutes to stabilize its structure.
7. Carefully remove the cake from the tin, peeling away the parchment paper.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
9. Once fully cooled, slice into generous portions and serve as a delightful dessert or afternoon treat.

Notes

• Select high-quality mincemeat with rich fruit content for deeper flavor complexity.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities to maintain cake’s tender texture.
• Enhance moisture by adding an extra tablespoon of milk if batter seems slightly dry during mixing.
• Prevent cake from over-browning by covering with aluminum foil halfway through baking if top becomes too dark.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 241 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 72 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg