Mincemeat cake is a beloved holiday classic that fills your home with the warm, inviting aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and dried fruit. This rich, moist cake is packed with a flavorful mincemeat filling, making it a perfect treat to share with loved ones during the festive season. While the idea of making mincemeat cake from scratch might seem daunting, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a successful and rewarding baking experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mincemeat Filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) jar prepared mincemeat
- 1/4 cup brandy or apple juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or brandy
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools of the Trade
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
1. Preparing Your Cake Pans
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combining Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
4. Incorporating Eggs and Buttermilk
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Preparing the Mincemeat Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the prepared mincemeat with brandy or apple juice (if using) and chopped nuts (if desired).
6. Assembling the Cake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Spoon the mincemeat filling over the batter in each pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Baking to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Glazing
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, prepare the optional glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk or brandy, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cakes.
Slice of Mincemeat Cake
Tips and Tricks for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs will help create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Test for Doneness: To ensure your cakes are baked through, insert a wooden toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready!
FAQs About Mincemeat Cake
Can I make mincemeat cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! Brandy or apple juice in the filling is optional. You can omit it altogether or substitute it with an equal amount of orange juice for added flavor.
How should I store mincemeat cake?
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze mincemeat cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before or after frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Ingredients for Mincemeat Cake
A Delicious Slice of History
Mincemeat cake has a long and fascinating history dating back centuries. Originally, mincemeat pies contained actual minced meat, often beef or venison, along with spices and dried fruit. Today, commercially prepared mincemeat is typically a mixture of chopped dried fruits, spices, and suet, offering a sweet and fruity flavor that’s perfect for holiday baking.
Making mincemeat cake from scratch is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The combination of moist cake, flavorful mincemeat filling, and optional sweet glaze creates a truly irresistible treat. So this holiday season, why not gather your loved ones and create a new baking tradition with a delicious mincemeat cake?
We’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Share your thoughts, questions, and pictures of your mincemeat cake creations in the comments below. And if you’re looking for other delightful baking ideas, be sure to check out our recipe for Banbury Cake, another classic treat that’s perfect for special occasions. Happy baking!
