Wine Cake Recipe: As the chilly air sets in and Christmas decorations start to appear, it’s a sign that the festive season is just around the corner! And what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by indulging in some baking at home, whipping up cakes, pies, tarts, and other delectable desserts. Here’s a delightful eggless version of a boozy red Wine Cake that promises to fill your home with love, warmth, and decadent flavors, bringing you a happy high!
About Wine Cake: Wine Cake Recipe
While Fruit Cake is often associated with the essence of Christmas goodies, this Wine Cake holds its own charm. Infused with the rich flavors of red wine, it exudes joy and comfort, making it a festive favorite.
If you happen to have bottles of red wine lying around and are looking for an inventive way to use them in your baking adventures, look no further than this Wine Cake recipe. It’s simple, delicious, and guarantees a moist, soft, eggless cake with a delightful boozy twist.
This recipe draws inspiration from the classic Christmas Fruit Cake made with rum, offering a similar indulgence in an eggless version. You’ll notice many overlapping ingredients between the two cakes, showcasing their festive essence. Additionally, there’s a variant of the fruit cake made with apple juice, known as Plum Cake here in India.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a traditional treat or keen on experimenting with alcohol-infused baking, this Wine Cake is sure to delight your taste buds and spread holiday cheer in every bite.
Ingredients: Wine Cake Recipe
For Soaking:
- 1 cup red wine
- ½ cup seedless dates
- ¼ cup almonds
- ¼ cup cashews
- 5 to 6 glazed red cherries
- 1 tablespoon tutti frutti
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped candied orange peel (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped candied ginger (optional)
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup sultanas (optional)
- 4 to 5 walnuts, chopped
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar or brown sugar
- ¾ cup oil (any neutral flavored oil like sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (curd) dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs (optional)
Instructions: Wine Cake Recipe
Preparation:
- Chop the dates, almonds, cashews, walnuts, glazed cherries, candied orange peels, and candied ginger.
- In a bowl or jar, soak the chopped nuts and dry fruits along with tutti frutti, raisins, and sultanas in red wine.
- Cover and keep the bowl or jar in a cool, dry place. Shake or stir the mixture every alternate day. Store in the fridge after 3 days.
Making Wine Cake:
- Sieve the all-purpose flour with salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Add cinnamon powder, grated nutmeg, and instant coffee. Mix well.
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F for 15 minutes. Grease a 6 to 7 inches diameter round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon water with 2 tablespoons yogurt until smooth. Set aside.
- Add the soaked nuts and dry fruits mixture, cacao nibs, brown sugar, yogurt-water mixture, oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to form an even batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased or parchment paper-lined cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.
- If the top of the cake browns quickly, cover it with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove from the pan.
- Wrap the cake in aluminum foil or cling film and let it mature for 2 to 3 days at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
- Slice and serve the Wine Cake as a dessert or sweet.
Notes:
- For vegan options, use soy yogurt or cashew yogurt, and substitute dairy milk with soy milk, almond milk, or cashew milk.
- Alternatively, you can use apple juice instead of wine for soaking the dry fruits for a day or two.
- Nutritional information provided is approximate for one slice of the cake.
FAQs about Wine Cake Recipe
What makes Wine Cake special for the holidays?
Wine Cake is infused with the rich flavors of red wine, bringing warmth and festivity to the dessert. It offers a delightful twist to traditional holiday baking and adds a touch of sophistication to your celebrations.
Can I use different types of nuts and fruits for soaking in the red wine?
Yes, you can customize the nuts and fruits according to your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to create your own unique flavor profile for the Wine Cake.
How long should I soak the nuts and fruits in the red wine?
It’s recommended to soak the nuts and fruits in red wine for at least 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together and infuse the cake with a rich, boozy taste. Remember to shake or stir the mixture every alternate day for optimal flavor infusion.
Can I make Wine Cake without alcohol?
While the red wine adds a distinctive flavor to the cake, you can substitute it with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. Simply soak the nuts and fruits in apple juice instead of wine, and follow the same preparation steps.
How should I store the Wine Cake for optimal flavor?
After baking, wrap the Wine Cake in aluminum foil or cling film and let it mature for 2 to 3 days at room temperature or in the fridge. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a more decadent and delicious cake.
Conclusion:
Wine Cake Recipe offers a delightful twist to traditional holiday baking, infusing your desserts with the rich flavors of red wine. With customizable ingredients and easy preparation steps, it’s the perfect indulgence for the festive season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, Wine Cake promises to fill your home with love, warmth, and decadent flavors.
