Low-fat Christmas cake recipe

Category: Dessert | Serves: Makes one large cake (12 slices) or 6 individual cakes

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes – 1½ hours

Ingredients

• 300ml (10½ fl oz) herbal tea (choose a 'Christmassy' - flavoured herbal tea such as spiced apple, mulled fruits or gingerbread)
• 400g (14 oz) mixed dried fruit
• 225g (8oz) stoned dates
• 1 tbsp mixed spice
• 1 large ripe banana, about 140g (5oz)
• 115g (4oz) fine polenta
• 2 tsp baking powder (use gluten-free baking powder if you want the cake to be gluten-free)
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tbsp brandy or dry sherry, optional

Equipment

An 18cm (7") diameter, deep round cake tin, or a 900g (2lb) loaf tin, or any deep tin with a capacity of 1.5 litres (55 fl oz) or 6 individual tins, eg muffin tins. You can even use small empty cans from baked beans or sweetcorn – non-ring pull are best, and wash and dry well before using.  

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180C / 160C fan / gas mark 4. Line your chosen tin(s) with baking parchment.

2. Put the dried fruit in a large mixing bowl and pour in100ml (3½ fl oz) of the herbal tea. Leave to soak for an hour, stirring occasionally.

3. Put the dates, remaining 200ml (7fl oz) of herbal tea and the mixed spice into a small saucepan and simmer gently together for 5 minutes. Take off the heat and leave to cool.

4. In a blender or food processor, puree the dates with the banana and 100ml (3½ fl oz) of the reserved liquid – remove this until smooth.

5. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Fold into the mixed dried fruit with the polenta and baking powder.   

6. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites into soft peaks and fold into the fruit mixture using a large metal spoon. Spoon into the lined cake tins.

7. Bake for 45 minutes for individual cakes or 1hour -1½ hours for a large tin. Cover lightly with foil after 30 minutes. A skewer pushed into the centre of the cake should come out clean when it's cooked. Drizzle the brandy or sherry over the hot cake, if using, then leave to cool in the tins on a wire rack. 

8. Decorate the top of the cake with a spiral of dried apple slices and some herbs and holly (see main picture) or dust very lightly with icing sugar through a festive stencil (see picture below).

Cook's tip

The cooked cakes keep well, wrapped in cling film and foil, in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or can be frozen.

Resources

This recipe is from the British Heart Foundation. 

For more information about staying healthy this holiday season, click the links below:

• Simple ingredient swaps for healthier meals - Preventive Health SA
• How to enjoy Christmas food, drink and socialising without harming your heart - BHF
• Eating for good health - LiveUp

You can more healthy holiday recipes at LiveUp, including recipes for cranberry and pistachio bread, toffee-apple creams, and a summer fruits gingerbread crumble. 

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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