Here is something special for those of you who are looking for a gluten free Christmas Cake with a difference. Not everybody likes the heavy fruitcakes that are normally associated with the festive season and so here is one that offers of all the wonderful flavours of Christmas but without that heavy richness.

Gluten Free Christmas Cake Ingredients

• 180g                         Ground Almonds
• 120g                         Corn Flour (substitute with gluten free flour of your choice)
• 180g                         Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar (for lower GI)
• 1 pot (125g)             Greek Yogurt
• 100g                         Melted Butter
• 3                                Eggs, separated
• 1/2 tsp                     Baking Soda
• 2 tbsp                       Strong black coffee
• 1 tsp                          Cinnamon
• 1 tsp                          Cardamom
• 1 tsp                          Vanilla
• 1 tsp                          Ginger
• 1/4 tsp                      Clove
• 1/2 tsp                      Nutmeg
• 2 tbsp                       Whisky or Brandy optional
• pinch salt

Gluten Free Christmas Cake Method

1. Preheat oven to 190C. Lightly grease a 22cm diameter cake tin (can be a heart shaped tin)
2. In a large mixing bowl sift all the dry ingredients: almonds, flour, sugar, spices, baking soda and salt
3. Separate the eggs placing the whites in a medium size mixing bowl and the yolks in a small one.
4. Break up the yolks lightly and add the yoghurt
5. Whisk the eggs whites to stiff peaks then add a teaspoon of sugar and whisk again to stiff peaks
6. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the melted butter, coffee, whisky and egg/yogurt mix. Stir through making sure everything is evening mixed in.
7. Take a spoonful of the beaten egg whites and add to the mixture to loosen it. Once you've done this, fold in the remaining egg whites, carefully folding in a figure 8 patten until the egg white is mixed in and the mixture Is like the consistency of a mousse.
8. Pour this into the prepared cake tin and place on the central shelf of the oven.
9. Turn down the heat to 180C after the first 10 minutes and continue to bake for 35-40 minutes
10. Leave to cool and there you have it - a lovely light and Spicy Gluten free Christmas Cake – enjoy any time of year of course!

Many thanks to Scandilicious for the inspiration for this cake