Looking to bake a Christmas cake that’s not only delicious but also environmentally friendly? Try this old-fashioned Zero Waste Christmas Cake, the winning recipe from this year’s Wasteless Pantry Bake Off. With ingredients you can easily purchase packaging-free from Wasteless Pantry, this cake is a perfect treat for the holiday season. Plus, it can be stored for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a festive dessert ready to share.

Ingredients:

• 510g sultanas
• 265g raisins
• 155g currants
• 150g pitted dates (chopped)
• 100g glace cherries (chopped)
• 75g dried cranberries
• 75g dried pineapple
• 50g mixed peel
• 185ml brandy (or substitute with orange juice for an alcohol-free version)
• 2 tsp finely grated orange rind
• 250g softened butter (can substitute canola oil for a dairy-free version)
• 200g brown sugar
• 4 eggs (or substitute with 4 tsp flaxseed meal mixed with 4 tbsp water for an egg-free version)
• 300g plain flour (or substitute gluten-free plain flour)
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• Blanched almonds & cherries for decoration
• 2 tbsp brandy to drizzle (optional)

Method:

1. Macerate the Fruit
   In a large bowl, combine the sultanas, raisins, currants, dates, glace cherries, cranberries, dried pineapple, mixed peel, and brandy (or orange juice). Cover with a lid and let it sit for 2 days to allow the fruit to soak up the flavors.

2. Prepare the Cake Pan
   Grease a 22cm cake pan and line the base with a reusable tray liner or grease a springform pan. Preheat the oven to 150°C.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs (or flaxseed mixture) one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Mix the Cake Batter
   Stir the butter mixture into the macerated fruit mixture. Then add the flour and mixed spice, folding until just combined.

5. Fill the Cake Pan
   Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake pan, tapping the pan lightly on the benchtop to release any air bubbles. Arrange the blanched almonds and cherries on top for decoration.

6. Bake the Cake
   Cover the cake pan with a larger cake tin (to prevent the top from browning too much) and bake for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours at 150°C.

7. Finish the Cake
   If desired, drizzle the hot cake with an additional 2 tbsp of brandy. Allow the cake to cool thoroughly in the pan before turning it out.

8. Storage
   Store the cake in an airtight, dark container for up to 3 months, allowing the flavors to develop over time.

Benefits of Shopping at Wasteless Pantry

By purchasing your ingredients from Wasteless Pantry, you’ll minimize packaging waste and support a sustainable lifestyle. Bring your own containers to refill with dried fruits, flour, sugar, spices, and other essentials. With eco-friendly alternatives available for all your baking needs, you can enjoy a delicious Christmas cake while reducing your environmental impact.

Wasteless Pantry makes it easy to live a zero-waste lifestyle, offering bulk ingredients that help you avoid unnecessary plastic packaging and minimize food waste. Plus, buying only what you need ensures that your pantry stays organized and nothing goes to waste.