Christmas Loaf Cake with Clementine Drizzle

Christmas Loaf Cake with Clementine Drizzle is a festive, moist cake perfect for the holiday season. Infused with warm spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a bright clementine glaze, this cake brings all the cozy flavors of Christmas into every bite. It’s easy to make and looks beautiful as a homemade gift or a centerpiece for your holiday table. Here’s how to make it:

Christmas Loaf Cake with Clementine Drizzle

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• Zest of 1 clementine
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed clementine juice (about 2-3 clementines)

For the Clementine Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed clementine juice (adjust to taste)
• Zest of 1 clementine (for extra flavor, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the loaf pan:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly butter and flour the pan.

2. Make the cake batter:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and clementine zest.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

3. Bake the loaf cake:

• Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the clementine drizzle:

• While the cake cools, make the clementine drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and clementine juice until smooth. If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner drizzle, add more juice.
• Optionally, add a bit of clementine zest to the drizzle for added citrus flavor.

5. Drizzle and serve:

• Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the clementine glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
• Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the cake.
• Garnish with additional clementine zest or fresh clementine slices, if desired.

Tips:

• Make-ahead option: The cake can be made a day in advance. The flavors will deepen and the cake will remain moist. Just drizzle the clementine glaze on the day you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to a month (wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing).
• Add-ins: You can fold in some dried fruit like cranberries or currants, or chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios, to give the cake a bit more texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• With Tea or Coffee: This Christmas Loaf Cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or mulled wine for a cozy holiday treat.
• Gift Idea: This loaf cake makes an excellent homemade gift. Simply wrap it in festive paper or a gift box for a personal touch.

This Christmas Loaf Cake with Clementine Drizzle is a delightful holiday treat, perfect for adding a little extra joy to your Christmas celebrations. The light, spiced cake complemented by the zesty, citrusy drizzle is sure to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy!