Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe is a rich, festive dessert made with chocolate, butter, eggs, flour, dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, creating a delicious holiday treat.
This delicious Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe combines sweetness, chocolatey depth, and fruity textures, making every bite indulgent.
I decided to make this cake after seeing beautiful homemade versions online and feeling inspired by the holiday season.
I will now present the ingredients, tools, and a detailed step by step guide to create this Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe from scratch.
Why You Will Choose Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe?
You Will Choose Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe for its rich, indulgent flavor combining dark chocolate, warm spices, dried fruits, and crunchy nuts.
The texture is moist, dense, and satisfying, offering a delightful experience in every bite. Festive ingredients create a visually appealing and flavourful dessert that shines during holiday celebrations.
This recipe brings sweetness, tradition, and homemade luxury together, allowing anyone to enjoy a special chocolate cake that impresses family and friends.
How To Prepare Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Dessert / Festive Cake
Cuisine: British / Western Christmas
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed
- 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Sieve for flour and cocoa powder
- Baking parchment
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 200 g butter
- 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 200 g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g plain (all purpose) flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder (or ½ tsp baking soda)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 2–3 tbsp milk (to adjust batter consistency)
- 2 tbsp milk, buttermilk, or sour cream
- 1 tsp mixed spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or pre-mixed Christmas spice)
- 200 g dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cranberries, cherries, prunes)
- 100 g chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice)
For The Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 lb icing sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 200 g cream cheese or mascarpone
- 2–4 tbsp double cream (or milk/evaporated milk/coffee)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat And Prepare:
Start by heating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease an 8 inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper so your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Melt The Chocolate And Butter:
In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter and dark chocolate together. Stir until smooth, then take it off the heat and let it cool just a bit.
3. Mix Sugar And Eggs:
In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and eggs together until the mixture looks creamy and pale.
4. Combine Chocolate With Sugar Egg Mix:
Slowly fold the melted chocolate and butter into the sugar and eggs, mixing until everything is well combined.
5. Sift The Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder (or soda), a pinch of salt, and your chosen spices.
6. Fold In The Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture using a spatula. Add a splash of milk or sour cream if needed to make a smooth, slightly thick batter.
7. Add Fruits And Nuts:
Stir in the dried fruits and chopped nuts evenly throughout the batter.
8. Bake The Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 60–75 minutes, checking with a skewer—if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make The Buttercream Frosting:
In a bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar, cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and cream. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
10. Frost And Serve:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate with extra nuts or dried fruits if you like. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe is a rich, moist, and festive dessert perfect for the holiday season. Made with dark chocolate, butter, brown sugar, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, it’s studded with dried fruits and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
Topped with a creamy chocolate buttercream frosting, it’s both decadent and visually appealing. The main speciality of this recipe is its combination of chocolate richness with festive spices and fruits, creating a uniquely aromatic and indulgent holiday treat.
Recipe Variations
➣ Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate depth and richness.
➣ Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans for a tropical, nutty twist.
➣ Use a layer of raspberry or cherry jam between cake layers to add a fruity contrast to the chocolate.
➣ Replace dried fruits with chopped candied orange peel and crystallised ginger for a zesty, festive flavor.
➣ Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier cake that appeals to all ages.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➢ Always use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a smooth, even batter that rises well.
➢ Coat dried fruits and nuts lightly in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
➢ Melt chocolate gently over a double boiler to avoid burning and achieve a glossy texture.
➢ Sift cocoa powder and flour together to remove lumps and create a lighter cake.
➢ Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent buttercream from melting or sliding.
Usage Suggestions
Usage Suggestions for Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe include serving slices alongside hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or cocoa.
The cake can be enjoyed as a festive dessert after holiday meals or as a treat during gatherings and celebrations.
It pairs beautifully with cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container, allowing flavours to deepen over a few days.
Decorating the Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe with nuts, dried fruits, or festive toppings enhances its presentation and taste.
How To Make More Delicious Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe?
Enhance the Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe by using high-quality dark chocolate and fresh, unsalted butter to deepen the flavor.
Toasting the nuts and lightly soaking dried fruits in brandy or orange juice intensifies sweetness and aroma. Incorporating a hint of espresso powder enriches the chocolate taste.
Gently folding ingredients preserves the cake’s light texture. Allowing the cake to rest overnight improves flavor melding.
Creamy frosting made from mascarpone and a touch of vanilla adds smoothness, creating a rich, indulgent dessert.
Proper Storage
Store the Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture. Keep it at room temperature for up to five days, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight and heat.
For longer storage, wrap the Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil, then refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Freezing the cake extends its shelf life to three months, preserving flavor and texture. Thaw gradually at room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Dried Fruits In This Cake?
Yes, raisins, cranberries, cherries, prunes, or mixed fruit can be used depending on preference.
Is It Possible To Make This Cake Gluten Free?
Yes, substitute all purpose flour with a gluten free flour blend, keeping the same measurements.
Can I Make The Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it can be baked a few days in advance, wrapped tightly, and frosted on the day of serving.
Can Nuts Be Omitted Or Replaced?
Nuts can be omitted or substituted with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a different texture.
Can I Use Milk Instead Of Cream In The Frosting?
Yes, milk or evaporated milk can replace cream, adjusting the amount for desired frosting consistency.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe was such an easy and enjoyable experience, and the delicious result was truly a success!
The rich chocolate, festive spices, and sweet fruits created a perfect combination that everyone will love. I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself. Soon, you’ll be baking your own cake and enjoying every bite be sure to share just how delicious it turns out!
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Chocolate Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Sieve for flour and cocoa powder
- Baking parchment
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 200 g butter
- 200 g dark chocolate chopped
- 200 g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g plain all purpose flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder or ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 –3 tbsp milk to adjust batter consistency
- 2 tbsp milk buttermilk, or sour cream
- 1 tsp mixed spices cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or pre-mixed Christmas spice
- 200 g dried fruits raisins, sultanas, cranberries, cherries, prunes
- 100 g chopped nuts almonds, walnuts, or your choice
For The Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 lb icing sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 –2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 200 g cream cheese or mascarpone
- 2 –4 tbsp double cream or milk/evaporated milk/coffee
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat And Prepare:
- Start by heating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease an 8 inch cake pan and line it with parchment paper so your cake doesn’t stick.
Melt The Chocolate And Butter:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter and dark chocolate together. Stir until smooth, then take it off the heat and let it cool just a bit.
Mix Sugar And Eggs:
- In a large bowl, whisk the brown sugar and eggs together until the mixture looks creamy and pale.
Combine Chocolate With Sugar Egg Mix:
- Slowly fold the melted chocolate and butter into the sugar and eggs, mixing until everything is well combined.
Sift The Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder (or soda), a pinch of salt, and your chosen spices.
Fold In The Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture using a spatula. Add a splash of milk or sour cream if needed to make a smooth, slightly thick batter.
Add Fruits And Nuts:
- Stir in the dried fruits and chopped nuts evenly throughout the batter.
Bake The Cake:
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 60–75 minutes, checking with a skewer—if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make The Buttercream Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add icing sugar, cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, vanilla, and cream. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
Frost And Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate with extra nuts or dried fruits if you like. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420 kcal | Carbohydrates: 50 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Sugar: 32 gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!