Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe is a rich, moist holiday cake made by simmering dried fruits in liquid, then mixing with batter and baking until dense and flavourful.
This Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake tastes incredibly delicious, packed with deep festive sweetness and warm flavours.
I made this Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake because the tradition inspired me, and I watched how beautifully it was prepared, which encouraged me to recreate it in my kitchen.
I will now show step by step how this Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe comes together.
Why You’ll Love?
You’ll Love Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe because it combines rich, juicy fruits with warm spices, creating a moist and flavourful cake.
The simmered fruit adds a soft, tender texture that blends beautifully with the batter. Every bite offers a festive sweetness that feels comforting and indulgent.
This cake carries the essence of holiday tradition, making it both special and memorable. Sharing it brings joy and a sense of celebration to any gathering.
How To Prepare Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Course: Dessert / Christmas Cake
Cuisine: British / Western
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or silicon spatula
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Boiled Fruit Mixture
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dates, and glace cherries)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- 200 g walnuts, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup brandy (or rum)
Cake Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
- 1 cup plain (all purpose) flour
- 1 cup self raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Cook The Fruit Base;
Put the dried mixed fruit, brown sugar, butter, orange juice, water, orange zest, walnuts, and the spices into a saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until it starts to bubble gently. Let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then.
2. Add The Brandy And Let It Cool;
Take the pan off the heat and mix in the brandy. Leave the mixture to cool completely this helps the flavours settle and keeps the eggs from cooking when you add them later.
3. Get The Oven And Tin Ready;
Heat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line your cake tin with baking paper on the base and around the sides.
4. Combine The Wet Ingredients;
Whisk the eggs, vanilla, and golden syrup (or honey) in a large bowl. Stir in the cooled fruit mixture until everything is evenly combined.
5. Add The Dry Ingredients;
Sift the plain flour, self raising flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt together. Gently fold this into the fruit mixture, stopping once everything is just mixed.
6. Bake;
Pour the batter into the lined tin and smooth the surface. Bake for about 1½ to 1¾ hours, or until a skewer pushed into the middle comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to finish cooling.
7. Finish And Serve;
Once fully cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe
The Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe is a wonderfully rich, moist, and festive dessert made by simmering dried fruits with sugar, butter, spices, and citrus before blending them into a soft cake batter.
This boiling method infuses deep flavours and ensures the cake stays extra moist without needing long aging.
The main speciality of this recipe is its simplicity and speed unlike traditional Christmas cakes that require weeks of maturing, this boiled fruit version delivers the same indulgent texture and taste in a fraction of the time.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
➤ Rich in dietary fiber from dried fruits and nuts, supporting digestion and gut health.
➤ Provides natural antioxidants from raisins, sultanas, and cherries, which help protect cells from damage.
➤ Contains healthy fats from walnuts or other nuts, promoting heart health and satiety.
➤ Supplies essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C from orange zest and potassium from dried fruits.
➤ Offers sustained energy through natural sugars and complex carbohydrates, helping maintain energy levels.
Tips And Variations
Tips
➣ Soak the dried fruits overnight in orange juice or brandy to enhance flavor and moisture.
➣ Fold the flour gently into the fruit mixture to keep the cake light and tender.
➣ Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations
➢ Add chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a richer, chocolatey version.
➢ Substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a different nutty texture.
➢ Use apple juice instead of orange juice and a touch of cinnamon for a milder, fruity taste.
Ways To Use It
Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe can be served as a delightful dessert alongside tea or coffee, offering a rich, festive flavor.
It works beautifully as a centrepiece for holiday gatherings, sliced and shared among family and friends. Small cubes can be used in trifle or layered desserts, adding depth and sweetness.
Toasted slices spread with butter or cream cheese create a comforting snack. Leftover pieces can be wrapped and stored to mature, enhancing the flavor even further over time.
How To Make Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe Tastier?
Enhancing the flavor of a Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe begins by soaking the dried fruits in brandy, rum, or fruit juice overnight to intensify sweetness and aroma.
Using freshly grated orange and lemon zest adds vibrant citrus notes that brighten the rich, spiced base. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them brings out their natural crunch and flavor.
Balancing the spices carefully ensures warmth without overpowering the fruit. Brushing the baked cake with a little warm brandy or syrup helps keep it moist and deepens its taste over time.
Storage & Make Ahead
Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe can be stored for several weeks, allowing the flavors to deepen. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in parchment paper followed by aluminum foil to prevent drying.
Placing it in an airtight container or tin helps maintain moisture. Repeatedly brushing the cake with a little brandy or fruit juice preserves its richness and keeps it soft.
This Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe can be prepared well in advance, giving time for the fruits and spices to meld, enhancing its taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Prepare The Fruit Mixture In Advance?
Yes, the boiled fruit mixture can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavours to deepen.
Can I Use Different Dried Fruits?
Absolutely, you can substitute or mix fruits like apricots, figs, or cranberries according to taste.
Is It Possible To Make It Alcohol Free?
Yes, simply replace the brandy with orange juice or apple juice.
How Do I Know When The Cake Is Baked?
Insert a skewer in the center, it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
Conclusion
This Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe was easy, enjoyable, and absolutely delicious. The rich, moist flavours of boiled fruits and warm spices create a perfect festive treat.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself it’s simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding. Soon, you will bake it and discover just how delightfully tasty it is.
Be sure to share how much you enjoyed this festive, flavourful cake after making Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe!
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Boiled Fruit Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or silicon spatula
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Boiled Fruit Mixture
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dates, and glace cherries
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup water
- 200 g walnuts chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup brandy or rum
Cake Batter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
- 1 cup plain all purpose flour
- 1 cup self raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Cook The Fruit Base;
- Put the dried mixed fruit, brown sugar, butter, orange juice, water, orange zest, walnuts, and the spices into a saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until it starts to bubble gently. Let it simmer for about 3–4 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then.
Add The Brandy And Let It Cool;
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in the brandy. Leave the mixture to cool completely this helps the flavours settle and keeps the eggs from cooking when you add them later.
Get The Oven And Tin Ready;
- Heat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line your cake tin with baking paper on the base and around the sides.
Combine The Wet Ingredients;
- Whisk the eggs, vanilla, and golden syrup (or honey) in a large bowl. Stir in the cooled fruit mixture until everything is evenly combined.
Add The Dry Ingredients;
- Sift the plain flour, self raising flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and salt together. Gently fold this into the fruit mixture, stopping once everything is just mixed.
Bake;
- Pour the batter into the lined tin and smooth the surface. Bake for about 1½ to 1¾ hours, or until a skewer pushed into the middle comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to finish cooling.
Finish And Serve;
- Once fully cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 30 g | Sodium: 150 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!”