Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe is a festive cake made with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and brandy or rum, baked in an air fryer for moist, flavourful results.
I made this Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe to enjoy a rich, flavourful holiday treat. Watching festive baking videos inspired me to try this version.
I wanted to experience the traditional Christmas flavours while using the air fryer for even baking. I will now demonstrate step by step how to make this delicious, moist, and beautifully spiced cake, sharing tips to achieve the best results.
Why You Will Choose Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe?
You will choose Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe for its moist texture, rich festive flavours, and evenly baked golden crust.
The air fryer keeps the cake tender while enhancing the sweetness of fruits and spices. Brandy, rum, and citrus zest create a vibrant taste that fills the kitchen with holiday cheer.
This method saves time and energy compared to traditional baking, delivering a reliable, flavourful cake that captures the essence of festive celebrations and delights everyone who enjoys a beautifully spiced, fruit-filled dessert.
How To Prepare Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Dessert / Festive Cake
Cuisine: British / Christmas
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 18 cm round cake tin (air fryer safe)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 200 g raisins
- 150 g sultanas
- 100 g dried apricots, roughly chopped
- 100 g glace cherries, halved
- 75 g mixed peel
- 1 tbsp ground mixed spice
- Zest and juice of 1 small orange
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 56 g ground rice
- 200 g butter, softened
- 200 g light brown soft sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g self raising flour
- 65 g ground almonds
- 4 tbsp brandy or dark rum (plus extra for feeding)
Instructions
1. Prepare The Fruit
In a large bowl, combine raisins, sultanas, chopped dried apricots, glace cherries, mixed peel, and a pinch of mixed spice. Pour in brandy or rum, add the orange zest and juice, and stir everything together. Let the fruit soak for at least 30 minutes so the flavours develop.
2. Get The Cake Tin Ready
Line your air fryer safe cake tin with parchment paper. Lightly butter the sides to prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Mix The Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the self raising flour, baking powder, ground almonds, and ground rice. Set this aside for later.
4. Cream Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the golden syrup and mix well.
5. Add The Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. If the mixture starts to look a bit curdled, stir in a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.
6. Combine Everything
Gently fold the soaked fruit and dry ingredients into the butter mixture using a spatula. Make sure everything is evenly combined, but don’t overmix.
7. Bake In The Air Fryer
Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer it should come out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
8. Cool, Feed, And Serve
Let the cake cool completely in the tin. Then remove it and wrap it in parchment paper and foil. For extra flavor, brush with a little more brandy or rum every few days. Slice and enjoy your festive cake!
Special Note:
For a richer, moister Christmas cake, feed it with brandy or rum every few days after baking. Store wrapped in parchment and foil in a cool, dark place. The flavours deepen beautifully, making it perfect for festive celebrations.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Sugars | 39 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe
The main speciality of this Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe lies in its ability to deliver a rich, moist, and flavourful festive cake without using a traditional oven.
By soaking dried fruits in brandy or rum and incorporating a mix of spices, nuts, and citrus zest, the cake develops deep, aromatic flavours.
The air fryer ensures even cooking while keeping the cake dense and tender, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Additionally, it’s a time saving and energy efficient method, making it ideal for home bakers who want a classic holiday treat with minimal fuss.
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
➤ Dried fruits provide natural antioxidants that support overall immune health.
➤ Ground almonds supply healthy fats and protein for sustained energy.
➤ Orange zest and juice offer a boost of vitamin C for immunity and skin health.
➤ Light brown sugar and golden syrup in moderation give a controlled, slower release of energy.
➤ Air frying reduces excess oil, lowering unnecessary saturated fat intake compared to traditional baking.
Pro Tips And Tricks For Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe
➢ Soak dried fruits in brandy or rum overnight to intensify flavor and keep the cake moist.
➢ Line the cake tin carefully with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
➢ Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture to maintain a light, tender texture.
➢ Check the cake’s doneness using a skewer in the center to avoid over baking.
➢ Cool the cake completely before feeding it with extra brandy or rum for richer taste.
Usage Suggestions
Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe can be served as a festive dessert after holiday meals or enjoyed as a sweet treat alongside tea or coffee.
Slices can be lightly warmed before serving to enhance flavours and soften the cake. The cake can be gifted to friends or family wrapped in decorative foil for a thoughtful holiday present.
Brushing extra brandy or rum over the top intensifies the taste over time, creating a richer, more indulgent experience for anyone enjoying this traditional, fruit filled festive cake.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store the Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and moisture.
For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then keep in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Feeding the cake occasionally with a little brandy or rum enhances flavor and keeps it moist. This method allows preparation ahead of time, ensuring a delicious festive treat ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Dried Fruits?
Yes, you can substitute or mix dried fruits like cranberries, figs, or prunes according to preference.
Can I Skip The Brandy Or Rum?
Yes, but the flavor will be less rich; orange juice or apple juice can be used instead.
Do I Need To Preheat The Air Fryer?
Preheating to 160°C (320°F) ensures even baking and a golden crust.
How Can I Check If The Cake Is Done?
Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe is easy to make, enjoyable, and delivers a delicious, festive success every time.
Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe rich flavours, moist texture, and aromatic spices make it a perfect holiday treat. I hope this recipe inspires you to try baking it yourself.
Soon, you will create your own cake and experience just how wonderfully delicious it turns out. Don’t forget to share how much you enjoyed Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe!
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Air Fryer Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 18 cm round cake tin (air fryer safe)
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 200 g raisins
- 150 g sultanas
- 100 g dried apricots roughly chopped
- 100 g glace cherries halved
- 75 g mixed peel
- 1 tbsp ground mixed spice
- Zest and juice of 1 small orange
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 56 g ground rice
- 200 g butter softened
- 200 g light brown soft sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g self raising flour
- 65 g ground almonds
- 4 tbsp brandy or dark rum plus extra for feeding
Instructions
Prepare The Fruit
- In a large bowl, combine raisins, sultanas, chopped dried apricots, glace cherries, mixed peel, and a pinch of mixed spice. Pour in brandy or rum, add the orange zest and juice, and stir everything together. Let the fruit soak for at least 30 minutes so the flavours develop.
Get The Cake Tin Ready
- Line your air fryer safe cake tin with parchment paper. Lightly butter the sides to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, sift together the self raising flour, baking powder, ground almonds, and ground rice. Set this aside for later.
Cream Butter And Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add the golden syrup and mix well.
Add The Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. If the mixture starts to look a bit curdled, stir in a tablespoon of flour to bring it back together.
Combine Everything
- Gently fold the soaked fruit and dry ingredients into the butter mixture using a spatula. Make sure everything is evenly combined, but don’t overmix.
Bake In The Air Fryer
- Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer it should come out clean. If the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Cool, Feed, And Serve
- Let the cake cool completely in the tin. Then remove it and wrap it in parchment paper and foil. For extra flavor, brush with a little more brandy or rum every few days. Slice and enjoy your festive cake!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390 kcal | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Carbohydrates: 53 g | Sugars: 39 g | Protein: 5 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sodium: 120 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”