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Low GL Christmas Cake

Prep Time:

30 Minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Cook Time:

1 hour 45 Minutes

Serves:

Serves 8 - 10

Level:

Beginner

About the Recipe

This cake was devised to support those with blood sugar concerns such as diabetes, pre-diabetes and gut conditions such as IBS. It is also a delicious low GL substitute for a traditional Christmas cake - keep to a small or medium slice. Due to its low sugar and alcohol content it will not keep for more than a week, but can be frozen.

Ingredients

  • 170g pitted prunes

  • 115g dried apple rings

  • 115g dried apricots

  • 50ml brandy or tea

  • 1 small apple, washed and grated

  • Zest and juice of 1 orange

  • 1 tsp ground ginger

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp fresh grated nutmeg

  • 2 tsp vanilla essence

  • 170g soft butter

  • 85g xylitol

  • 4 medium eggs

  • 85g ground almonds

  • 85g rice bran (or wholemeal flour)

  • 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder

Preparation

Step 1


The day before, chop the dried fruit into a bowl and pour over the brandy or tea. Leave overnight, stirring occasionally.


Step 2


Line a 20cm deep cake tin with a double layer of greaseproof paper.


Step 3


Set the oven to 150°C fan assisted, or 160°C electric (gas mark 2).


Step 4


Cream the butter and xylitol, stir in the chopped fruit, orange zest and grated apple.


Step 5


Add the vanilla and spices and beat the eggs in one at a time. Don't worry if it looks a bit curdled — it will be fine!


Step 6


Stir in the ground almonds, rice bran and baking powder thoroughly.


Step 7


Stir in the juice from half the orange to start with, adding more if necessary to make a soft consistency.


Step 8


Pour into the cake tin and level the top.


Step 9


Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours until a skewer comes out clean. If the top is getting too dark, put a piece of foil over it.


Step 10


As soon as the tin is cool enough to touch, put a piece of foil tightly over the top and leave until completely cold — this softens the top of the cake.


Step 11


Remove from the tin and wrap in a double thickness of foil.


Xylitol has minimal impact on blood sugar as very little insulin is required for its absorption. Ground almonds provide protein and healthy fats instead of refined flour. Dried fruit provides natural sweetness and fibre. The warming spices — ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg — all have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

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