This is a sleight of hand, or a trick of equipment rather than an act of brilliance. True, the cake does look incredibly complicated and seasonally impressive as it comes to the table, but that is all down to the shape of the tin. It’s an expense to get a tin that can’t be used all year round, but it really is a beautifully Christmassy creation, and a doddle to make. For the “spruced up” of the cake refers to the Holiday Fir tin I bake it in; at other times of the year, I call this Eggy Vanilla Cake and cook it in a 2.5-litre bundt tin, as you can now, too. And the thing is, it doesn’t need just to be brought out as a festive flourish for a supper party, but can be satisfyingly baked and left to preside grandly over the kitchen, commanding anyone to have a slice, damply plain, or toasted, by way of a seasonal treat. To turn this into Spruced-Up Spice Cake, even more seasonal and just as good, but with less appeal to children, halve the vanilla and add 2 teaspoons each of ground cinnamon and ginger and a half teaspoon of ground cloves.
Why not try Nigella's selection of easy Christmas cake recipes or try your hand at a selection of Christmas main courses.
Recipe posted by Nigella
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I really would like to know where I can get the cake pan. Can someone please tell me?
Posted by Cookie33 on 22nd Dec 2011 at 17.20
I had this cake over Christmas compliments of my sister-in-law. She drizzled chocolate sauce and freshly whipped cream over the slices of this gorgeous vanilla cake. I could not sleep thinking about it since so I baked my very own one today and was very pleased with the result. Thanks for this recipe. It was very straightforward and easy to follow. This would add nicely to my baking treats.
Posted by John's cailin on 2nd Jan 2012 at 17.44
Love the fact this is an all in one mix, soooo easy. And the fact you can tailor the flavour makes it great for all year round too. But the best is the tin, love bundt tins and the detail you can get with them. so much easier to use than I thought.
Posted by pip353 on 1st Feb 2012 at 10.58
I made this cake this morning. Got the tin and everything! Absolutely amazing results for such little effort. Personally, I think the best way to eat it is to dry fry a slice in a non-stick pan and drizzle with maple syrup. Some might say "guilding the lily" but I say "whatever floats your boat"! Devilishly delish.
Posted by Graceiepoos on 18th Feb 2012 at 16.15
This has to be one of my all time favorite Nigella recipes! I love old-fashioned "plain" cakes, and this one is the cream of the crop. It is dense, buttery, and heady with vanilla. It tastes fantastic, and is always a beautiful sight at any holiday occasion. Nigella's recipes have a special way of helping us to make holidays fun and memorable, as well as helping to create new traditions. My children love this cake, and it feels like the Chrismtas season has truly arrived when we make it together!
Posted by jtviles on 12th Apr 2012 at 5.51
I love this recipe and today added my own twist coconut yoghurt and coconut essence...it is fantastic! I fill the cake with chocolates or strawberries during the year for birthday cakes, it is always loved and met with amazing comments !
Posted by Lisafaye on 25th Oct 2012 at 20.32
Like many other Nigella fans it seems, I have been searching a cake pan even close to this!!! I am finally pleased to announce that I found a very similar pan on eBay made by Nordic ware… all I know is you can expect to pay around $60USD for one (I was lucky enough to snag one second hand!!) haven't received it yet as its coming from USA but when I make it I will report on its success!!
Posted by culinary_goddess on 17th Nov 2012 at 23.53
There is a specialist kitchen shop that has branches in Cardiff, Bristol and Bath and online that sells the cake tin.
Posted by Welsh_baker on 26th Nov 2012 at 23.37
Just spent a small fortune on the tin for this...but I'm so looking forward to making this. I think I'm going to start hording pretty tins. It's worth it for the pleasure it gives you.
Posted by stargirls on 3rd Dec 2012 at 10.14
I've just presented this to my office as the second in a range of Christmas Tree-ts (seems i have a lot of tree shaped cutters / pans etc) and its beaten a KK double dozen to be scoffed! Well worth the tin which I got from Whisk, a local shop to Chiswick that also does online for those still searching! I also added a drizzle of Monin vanilla syrup as the cake was cooling - has worked really well!
Posted by abbiemears on 13th Dec 2012 at 11.58
Keep an eye on supermarkets like 'Lidl' as they sometimes have these pans for a very reasonable price.
Posted by Fionaofnz on 17th Dec 2012 at 1.26
This is utterly delicious, easy to make and looks spectacular. It was a total success with everyone. Well worth investing in the cake tin. I haven't written a comment about a recipe before which goes to show how outstanding it was.
Posted by Bernie M on 28th Dec 2012 at 22.30
I have this cakepan. It's made by nordicware and quite expensive. Here in the USA it is available at William Sonoma and on Amazon.com.
Posted by mrboston on 1st Jan 2013 at 14.25
Made this for my mum's birthday last week and have to say definitely the best cake I have ever made. Was it just me or did it taste like a Madeira cake?! So delicious and will definitely be making it again - very soon!
Posted by Taj on 10th Jan 2013 at 12.45
I have had this pana couple years and it works great. I got it at target or walmart, not sure which.
Posted by uklove3 on 23rd Jan 2013 at 12.35