Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm, nostalgic aroma of festive spices and the rich, fruity sweetness that comes beautifully baked into every bite, this Christmas Fruit Cake is exactly what you need. This holiday classic brings together a medley of dried fruits, zesty orange, and a touch of warming spices, all wrapped in a moist, tender crumb that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this festive delight or trying it for the first time, this Christmas Fruit Cake promises to become a treasured part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role. From the spices that add warmth and depth, to the blend of dried fruits that bring texture and bursts of sweetness, every component contributes to the rich flavor and beautiful color that define a Christmas Fruit Cake.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups, 190g): The base that creates the cake’s soft yet sturdy structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise gently for a light texture.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to achieve the perfect crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, spicy note that feels like the holidays in every bite.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle, aromatic lift to the overall flavor.
- Allspice or mixed spice (½ teaspoon): Deepens the spice complexity, making the cake inviting and memorable.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup, 115g): Creates richness and tenderness.
- Brown sugar (¾ cup, 150g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the fruitiness.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- Molasses or treacle (2 tablespoons, optional): For a deep, luscious flavor boost.
- Orange juice (½ cup, 120ml, freshly squeezed preferred): Brings fresh citrus brightness and helps soften the dried fruits when soaked.
- Rum or brandy (2 tablespoons, optional): Infuses boozy warmth and helps preserve the cake if brushed on after baking.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the cake’s depth.
- Grated orange zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor.
- Mixed dried fruits (1 ½ cups, 200g): Raisins, currants, sultanas, cranberries, and candied peel deliver bursts of sweetness and lovely chewiness.
- Glazed cherries (½ cup, 60g, halved): Offer festive color pops and chewy sweetness.
- Chopped nuts (½ cup, 60g, optional): Walnuts, almonds, or pecans add crunch and a toasty note.
How to Make Christmas Fruit Cake
Step 1: Soak the Fruits
If you can plan ahead, soaking your mixed dried fruits in freshly squeezed orange juice and a splash of rum or brandy overnight will make them plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor. This simple tip creates a moist, luxurious texture in your Christmas Fruit Cake that sets it apart.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your cake comes out easily and bakes evenly. Proper prep here guarantees a perfect finish and avoids any sticking—always a relief!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using softened unsalted butter and brown sugar, cream them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, helping your Christmas Fruit Cake rise beautifully and develop a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain that smooth texture, then fold in molasses or treacle for a rich taste, along with vanilla extract and fresh orange zest. These aromatics elevate the cake from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. This not only ensures an even distribution of leavening agents but also archives a beautifully spiced profile essential to Christmas Fruit Cake.
Step 6: Gently Fold Everything Together
Alternating between the dry mixture and soaked orange juice, gradually fold these into the wet ingredients to keep the batter light and airy without overmixing. Incorporate the soaked dried fruits, glazed cherries, and nuts last, folding just until combined to maintain those wonderful fruit and nut pockets throughout the cake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the surface gently, and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The result is a beautifully golden cake with a moist interior packed with festive flavors.
Step 8: Cool and Add a Touch of Rum
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. For an extra touch of indulgence and preservation, brush the warm cake with a little rum or brandy. This trick not only enhances the scent but also keeps your Christmas Fruit Cake wonderfully moist over time.
How to Serve Christmas Fruit Cake
Garnishes
To present your Christmas Fruit Cake with style, consider topping slices with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh and glazed cherries. A dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting with a sprinkle of chopped nuts transforms each bite into a festive treat worth savoring.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich spiced tea, hot mulled cider, or even a robust cup of coffee. For a decadent pairing, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese to balance the sweetness with a creamy or tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Christmas Fruit Cake thick to showcase the colorful interior packed with fruits and nuts. For gift-giving, wrap slices in parchment paper tied with festive twine. You can also create an elegant dessert platter by arranging the cake with seasonal fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a modern festive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Christmas Fruit Cake will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This allows the flavors to mellow and mingle, often making the cake taste even better the next day. Just be sure to keep it wrapped well to protect its moist texture.
Freezing
To enjoy your Christmas Fruit Cake later in the season, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a low oven or the microwave for just a few seconds to revive that freshly baked warmth. A light brush of rum or brandy before warming will add a delightful aroma and moisture boost, making each bite taste as if it just came from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the Christmas Fruit Cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can skip the rum or brandy and still have a delicious cake. Simply soak the dried fruits in orange juice alone, which keeps them moist and flavorful. Brushing the cake with juice or a simple syrup after baking also adds moisture without the alcohol.
How far in advance can I bake this cake?
Christmas Fruit Cake actually improves when made ahead. Baking it two to three days prior to serving allows the flavors to deepen. You can keep it wrapped at room temperature or refrigerate for longer storage.
What’s the best way to ensure the cake is moist?
Soaking your dried fruits overnight and brushing the baked cake with rum or brandy are the key steps for outstanding moistness. Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
Can I substitute the nuts or omit them?
Yes! Nuts add a wonderful crunch but can be left out if you prefer or substituted with seeds or even extra fruit. Just keep in mind that nuts do contribute to the textural contrast that makes this Christmas Fruit Cake special.
How long will the Christmas Fruit Cake keep?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Christmas Fruit Cake will remain tasty for up to a week at room temperature, and up to three months when frozen. The alcohol brushing helps preserve it, but even without, it keeps well thanks to the sugar and dried fruits.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a Christmas Fruit Cake that fills your kitchen with its rich aroma and fills your heart with holiday cheer. Easy to make yet full of thoughtful details that elevate every bite, this recipe invites you to bring warmth and tradition to your celebrations. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a beloved staple on your holiday table year after year.
