Air Fryer Oven Mastery for Crafting the Perfect Christmas Cake

Christmas is here, and it's time to showcase your baking skills by creating a delicious Christmas cake for family and friends! Today, we'll be sharing a detailed recipe on how to bake a rich and flavorful Christmas classic in the air fryer oven. Are you ready? Let's get started!

Main Ingredients:

·200g (7oz) dark brown sugar
·200g (7oz) unsalted butter
·4 medium eggs
·225g (8oz) plain all-purpose flour
·1/4 tsp salt
·1/2 tsp mixed spice
·1/2 tsp cinnamon
·110g (4oz) ground almonds
·75 ml milk
·75 ml brandy
·1/4 tsp vanilla extract
·2 tbsp black treacle/molasses
·800g (28oz) mixed fruit (glacé cherries, currants, sultanas, raisins)
·1 tbsp marmalade

Spice Mix:

·1 tbsp cinnamon
·1 tsp nutmeg
·1 tsp allspice
·1 tsp ginger
·1/2 tsp cloves
·1/2 tsp coriander

Tools:

·8-inch spring form tin
·HYSapientia 24L 10-in-1 Digital Air Fryer Oven

Baking temperature and time：

·140°C (284°F)
·70-90 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preparation: Ensure all ingredients are ready, including softening the butter to room temperature for easier mixing.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer Oven: Preheat the oven to 140°C (284°F) to prepare for baking.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix brown sugar and softened butter. Use a mixer or spoon until the mixture becomes smooth. Gradually add eggs one by one, ensuring each egg is thoroughly mixed, creating a silky batter.

4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, salt, mixed spice, cinnamon, and ground almonds. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well combined, forming a uniform batter. This process is best done in batches to avoid flour scattering.

5. Add Liquids: Add milk, brandy, vanilla extract, and black treacle/molasses to the batter. Stir continuously to ensure the liquid fully incorporates, creating a moist cake.

6. Add Fruit: Gently fold in mixed fruit, cherries, and raisins into the batter. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to gently fold, ensuring even distribution of the fruit throughout.

7. Add Spice Mix: Add the pre-mixed spice blend to the batter. Stir well to infuse the batter with the aromatic spices.

8. Spread Jam: Spread a layer of jam on the bottom of the 8-inch springform tin to prevent sticking.

9. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared tin, ensuring a smooth surface.

10. Bake: Place the tin in the preheated air fryer oven and bake for 70 to 90 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Monitor the cake's color during baking to ensure an even finish.

11. Cool: Remove the baked cake and let it cool naturally on a rack. Once cooled, use a knife to loosen the edges and remove from the tin. This helps the cake maintain its shape.

12. Infuse with Brandy: a. When the cake is completely cool, use a syringe to inject a suitable amount of brandy into the interior.
b. After injecting the brandy, carefully wrap the cake with parchment paper to ensure the brandy evenly permeates the interior.
c. Then, add another layer of aluminum foil for optimal storage.

13. Allow to Stand for Four Days: Let the cake stand for four days, allowing the brandy's aroma and flavor to fully infuse into the cake.

14. Inject Brandy Again: After four days, use the syringe to inject another suitable amount of brandy into the cake, enhancing its flavor.

15. Seal and Store for Two Weeks: Finally, thoroughly seal the cake and store it for two weeks to enhance its flavor and moisture content.

Now, you've successfully created this special Christmas cake infused with the rich aroma of brandy, adding a unique and delightful touch to your festive celebrations!