Discover the traditional Hogmanay Cake recipe, a beloved Scottish New Year treat. This flavorful cake combines a mix of fruits and nuts, perfect for celebrating the festive season. Easy to make and delightful to eat, it’s a great way to honor Scottish traditions and bring a taste of Scotland to your New Year's festivities.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

- 4 large eggs

- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

- 1 cup (100g) ground almonds

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped apricots)

- 1/2 cup (75g) chopped walnuts or pecans

- 1/2 cup (75g) glacé cherries, chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 2 tablespoons orange zest

- 2 tablespoons lemon zest

- Optional: 1/4 cup (60ml) brandy or whiskey

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin.

Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground almonds, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

Mix Fruits and Nuts: Fold the dried fruits, chopped walnuts or pecans, glacé cherries, orange zest, and lemon zest into the flour mixture.

Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. If using, add the brandy or whiskey and mix until just combined.

Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy your Hogmanay Cake as part of your New Year celebrations, and savor the rich flavors of Scotland’s traditional festive treat!

Nutritional values

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for a rich, fruit-filled cake, including nutritional information and benefits where applicable:

For the Cake:

Unsalted Butter - 1 cup (225g), softened

  - Calories: 1,620

  - Fat: 184g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 2g

Benefits:Provides moisture and richness to the cake.

Granulated Sugar - 1 cup (200g)

  - Calories: 774

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 200g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Sweetens the cake and contributes to texture.

Large Eggs - 4

  - Calories: 280

  - Fat: 20g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 24g

Benefits:Binds ingredients together and adds structure.

All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup (120g)

  - Calories: 455

  - Fat: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Protein: 13g

Benefits:Forms the base of the cake and provides structure.

Ground Almonds - 1 cup (100g)

  - Calories: 575

  - Fat: 50g

  - Carbohydrates: 20g

  - Protein: 21g

Benefits:

  - Adds moisture, flavor, and a nutty texture.

Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon

  - Calories: 6

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

Salt - 1/2 teaspoon

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.

Mixed Dried Fruits - 1 cup (150g)

  - Calories: 400-500

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 100g

  - Protein: 2-4g

Benefits:Adds natural sweetness and chewiness.

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans - 1/2 cup (75g)

  - Calories: 500

  - Fat: 50g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Protein: 10g

Benefits:Adds crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.

Glacé Cherries, chopped - 1/2 cup (75g)

  - Calories: 80

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 21g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Provides a burst of sweetness and color.

Ground Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon

  - Calories: 6

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Adds warm, aromatic flavor.

Ground Nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon

  - Calories: 6

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Enhances the cake’s flavor with a hint of spice.

Orange Zest - 2 tablespoons

  - Calories: 12

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Adds a fresh, citrusy flavor.

Lemon Zest - 2 tablespoons

  - Calories: 12

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Adds a bright, tangy flavor.

Optional: Brandy or Whiskey - 1/4 cup (60ml)

  - Calories: 70

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:Adds depth of flavor and moisture.

This recipe combines rich butter and eggs with ground almonds and a variety of dried fruits and nuts, creating a flavorful and textured cake. The optional addition of brandy or whiskey can enhance the cake’s complexity and flavor profile.