As the holidays approach, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary of warmth and delightful aromas. One of my favorite traditions is whipping up a Moist and Easy Christmas Fruit Cake that not only fills the room with the sweet scent of spices but also offers a deliciously rich, velvety texture that’s perfect for celebrating the season. Imagine the joy of serving a cake so moist it practically melts in your mouth, packed with an enticing mix of dried fruits and nuts that evoke the spirit of Christmas with every bite.
What sets this recipe apart? There’s no need to soak the fruits overnight, making it an effortless addition to your festive baking without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert after a family dinner or a stunning centerpiece for a holiday gathering, this cake has you covered. Join me as we dive into this simple, satisfying recipe that transforms your kitchen into a holiday wonderland. Your loved ones will savor this indulgence, and you might even find it hard to resist a second slice!
Why is this Christmas Cake a Must-Try?
Unmatched Ease: This recipe simplifies holiday baking, allowing you to whip up a stunning cake without the hassle of soaking fruit overnight.
Irresistibly Moist: Each slice bursts with flavor, thanks to a blend of delectable dried fruits, making it a festive favorite at any gathering.
Versatile Delight: Feel free to swap ingredients! Customize it with your preferred dried fruits and spices, ensuring it’s just right for your family.
Stunning Presentation: The vibrant flecks of fruit create a visually appealing cake that’s sure to impress your guests and spark joy during the festive season.
Make-Ahead Magic: This cake stores beautifully, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time, so you can enjoy the celebrations without stress.
Christmas Cake Ingredients
For the Fruit Mix
• Raisins – Adds sweetness and moisture; substitute with sultanas for a different flavor.
• Diced dried apricots – Provides a tangy contrast; any dried stone fruit can be used if preferred.
• Mixed peel – Contributes citrus flavor; for less citrus, substitute with more dried fruits or omit entirely.
• Glace cherries – Offers texture and color; dried cranberries work as a tart alternative.
• Diced dates – Adds natural sweetness and stickiness; can be omitted or replaced with figs for variation.
For the Wet Ingredients
• Apple juice (or brandy) – Used for soaking fruit; orange juice can be substituted for a citrusy kick.
• Unsalted butter – Provides fat for moisture and richness; margarine can serve as a substitute.
• Vegetable oil – Ensures the cake remains moist; alternatives include canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil.
• Molasses or golden syrup – Enhances richness and color; light corn syrup is a good substitute.
For the Dry Ingredients
• Dark brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor; regular brown sugar or coconut sugar can be used as alternatives.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; this is essential, no substitutes recommended.
• All spice, cinnamon, nutmeg – Infuses warm flavors; pumpkin pie spice can be used as an alternative.
• Large eggs – Provides structure and moisture; you can use flax eggs as a vegan substitute.
• Baking powder – Helps the cake rise; for gluten-free options, ensure to use certified gluten-free baking powder.
• Plain flour (all-purpose) – Forms the cake’s structure; a gluten-free flour blend can be substituted.
Optional Additions
• Chopped walnuts – Adds crunch; can be substituted with pecans or omitted for a nut-free recipe.
This delightful Christmas Cake is designed to be a showstopper at your holiday celebrations!
How to Make Christmas Cake
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Soak the Fruit: Begin by microwaving the mixed dried fruits with apple juice or a blend of juice and brandy for 1.5 minutes. Let the mixture sit covered for 1 hour to absorb the flavors.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Prepare a round cake pan (21-22 cm) by greasing it well to ensure easy release after baking.
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Cream Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the vegetable oil and molasses, blending well for a rich base.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the salt, all spices, baking powder, and beaten eggs, adding them one at a time to ensure a uniform mixture.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold in the flour until just blended. Then, add the soaked fruit mixture along with any optional chopped walnuts, mixing carefully to avoid overmixing.
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Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and cover it with foil. Bake for 2.5 hours, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30-45 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Christmas Cake
Room Temperature: Store your Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you’d like to keep it longer, place the cake in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 year. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer to warm a slice, a brief 10-15 seconds in the microwave is perfect for enjoying that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
What to Serve with Christmas Cake?
Pair your festive cake with delightful accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors and bring a touch of warmth to your holiday table.
- Pouring Custard: A classic pairing, this creamy sauce drizzled over slices elevates the cake’s moist texture, adding a cozy touch.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of fresh whipped cream creates a perfect contrast to the dense cake, inviting indulgence.
- Spiced Tea: The aromatic notes of spiced chai or warm ginger tea complement the cake’s spices wonderfully, enhancing the festive experience.
- Fruit Compote: A vibrant berry or citrus compote offers a tart balance to the cake’s sweetness, brightening each bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and creaminess, making it extra special.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially sharp or blue varieties, can provide a savory counterpoint to the cake’s delightful sweetness.
- Mulled Wine: Offering warm, spiced flavors, a glass of mulled wine adds to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect drink pairing.
- Dark Chocolate Shavings: A sprinkle of rich chocolate shavings adds elegance and deepens the cake’s festive flavors, making your dessert memorable.
- Candied Nuts: Crunchy, sweet-salty candied nuts create a nice texture contrast while enhancing the flavors of the dried fruits in the cake.
- Seasonal Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a medley of seasonal fruits lightens the meal, making for a beautiful and festive presentation.
Expert Tips for the Best Christmas Cake
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Microwave Soaking: Ensure you soak the fruits for the correct duration to maximize moisture without compromising flavor. This method enhances your Christmas Cake without the wait!
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Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to test your cake’s doneness after three hours. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready; if not, give it more time.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until ingredients come together to keep your Christmas Cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
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Cooling Time: Let your cake cool completely in the pan to set properly. Slicing too soon may result in a crumbly mess.
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Storage Tips: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months, or wrap it well and freeze for a whole year of holiday joy!
Christmas Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this beloved Christmas Cake recipe to suit your taste buds!
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Dried Fruit Swap: Replace raisins and apricots with your favorite dried fruits, keeping the total weight around 855g. This way, you can craft a unique flavor profile with every bite.
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Nut-Free Option: Leave out walnuts entirely to make it nut-free. This cake still shines with its rich fruit flavors, making it perfect for gatherings.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute plain flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities while retaining that delightful moistness.
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Citrus Boost: Use lemon juice or lime juice instead of apple juice for soaking, adding a zesty twist to balance the sweetness beautifully.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or clove for an extra layer of warmth and complexity, elevating the festive flavors even more.
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Chocolate Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chunks to create a chocolate-infused fruit cake, delighting chocolate lovers at your holiday feasts.
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Heat It Up: For a kick, introduce a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the mixture. This unusual twist will surprise your guests with a sweet-heat combo.
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Vegan Friendly: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly version. This way, everyone can savor the holiday magic!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Cakes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free holiday season! You can soak the dried fruits up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances their flavor while saving you time on baking day. Additionally, the fully prepared cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months, or frozen for even longer, making it an excellent make-ahead option. To maintain the cake’s moisture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating or freezing. When it’s time to serve, simply bring the cake to room temperature, and if desired, dust it with powdered sugar for a festive finish—your guests will think you baked it fresh that day!
Christmas Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of dried fruits should I use for the Christmas Cake?
You can use a combination based on your personal preference! My go-to mix includes raisins, diced dried apricots, and glace cherries, but feel free to substitute with sultanas, cranberries, or figs for different flavors. Just ensure that the total weight of dried fruits remains around 855g for the best flavor balance.
How should I store my Christmas Cake after baking?
Once your cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re hoping to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 months. The cake stays moist, so you can enjoy it fresh even weeks later!
Can I freeze the Christmas Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then in foil to ensure it’s well-sealed. You can freeze it for up to 1 year. When you’re ready to serve, move it to the refrigerator the night before and let it thaw slowly. For a quick treat, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back that fresh-baked warmth!
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your cake doesn’t rise, check a few things: First, ensure your baking powder is fresh and hasn’t expired. Second, make sure you’re not over-mixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake. Lastly, an even oven temperature is crucial—if your oven runs cool, it may affect baking times, so consider investing in an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make the Christmas Cake vegan?
Yes, you can! For a vegan version, substitute the large eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax seed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit for 5 minutes), and use plant-based margarine instead of butter. This way, you maintain moisture and richness without using any animal products!
Is the Christmas Cake safe for pets due to the dried fruits?
It’s very important to keep in mind that some dried fruits like grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. Therefore, it’s best to keep this delicious Christmas Cake away from your furry friends. If you’re baking around them, consider making a pet-friendly dessert just for them, using safe fruits!
Moist Christmas Cake Recipe That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak the Fruit: Microwave the mixed dried fruits with apple juice for 1.5 minutes. Let sit covered for 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a round cake pan (21-22 cm).
- Cream Ingredients: Beat together softened butter and dark brown sugar until creamy, then add vegetable oil and molasses.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in salt, all spices, baking powder, and beaten eggs one at a time.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold in flour and add soaked fruit mixture along with walnuts carefully.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, cover with foil, and bake for 2.5 hours. Remove foil and bake an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool in pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.