Christmas Cake Recipe is a festive dessert made with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, often soaked in juice or brandy, traditionally baked and decorated for celebrations.
I decided to make this Christmas Cake Recipe because of my old experience in baking during holidays. I once watched how this cake was lovingly prepared in a family kitchen, which inspired me to recreate it.
Now I will show step by step how this beautiful Christmas Cake Recipe is made.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Cake Recipe?
We love Christmas Cake Recipe because it fills the holiday season with warmth and festive spirit. The soaked fruits, nuts, and spices create a rich, flavourful cake that is dense and satisfying.
Every slice carries the taste of tradition, while decorating with marzipan and icing adds a celebratory touch. Sharing this cake brings joy to family and friends, making holidays memorable.
Christmas Cake Recipe comforting flavours and beautiful presentation make it a treasured seasonal favourite.
How To Prepare Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Course: Dessert / Festive Cake
Cuisine: British / Traditional Christmas
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sieve
- Baking paper (parchment paper)
- Saucepan (for warming jam)
- Rolling pin (for marzipan/fondant)
Ingredients
For The Fruit & Nut Mix
- 300 g raisins
- 150 g dried apricots, diced
- 75 g mixed peel, diced
- 150 g glace cherries, roughly chopped
- 180 g dates, chopped
- 75 g walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice (or use ⅓ cup brandy + ⅔ cup juice)
For The Cake Batter
- 120 g unsalted butter, softened
- 180 g dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 ⅔ cups (210 g) plain/all purpose flour
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
For Decoration (Optional But Festive)
- Apricot jam, warmed (for glazing)
- Ready to roll marzipan
- Ready to roll fondant or royal icing
- Candied cherries, holly leaf decorations, edible glitter, etc.
- Icing sugar for dusting
How To Make Christmas Cake Recipe?
1. Soak The Fruit
In a large bowl, mix together the raisins, apricots, mixed peel, cherries, dates, and walnuts. Pour over the apple juice or a splash of brandy if you prefer something richer. Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak overnight or at least 6 hours to really bring out the flavours.
2. Prepare The Oven
Preheat your oven to 150 °C (300 °F). Line your cake pan with baking paper and give it a light greasing so the cake doesn’t stick.
3. Cream Butter And Sugar
In a big mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Stir in molasses or golden syrup, making sure everything is well combined.
4. Add Spices And Eggs
Sprinkle in the salt, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition so everything blends smoothly.
5. Incorporate The Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined you don’t want to overwork the batter.
6. Mix In Fruits And Nuts
Add the soaked fruit (including any leftover juice or brandy) into the batter and stir until evenly spread. Toss in the extra chopped walnuts for added texture.
7. Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for around 2 hours 15 minutes. Check with a skewer if it comes out clean, it’s done. If the top is browning too fast, lightly cover with foil.
8. Cool And Decorate
Let the cake sit in the tin for 15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, brush it with warm apricot jam, cover with rolled marzipan, and top with fondant or royal icing. Finish with festive touches like candied cherries, holly leaves, or edible glitter.
Nutrition Facts Of Christmas Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Sugar | 47 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Christmas Cake Recipe
This Christmas Cake Recipe stands out for its rich, festive flavours, combining plump dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices soaked in apple juice or brandy.
The dark brown sugar and molasses add deep sweetness and a moist, tender texture. Ideal for holiday celebrations, it can be made ahead and aged to enhance its taste.
Topped with marzipan, fondant, or royal icing, and decorated with cherries and edible glitter, it becomes a beautiful, show stopping centrepiece for Christmas gatherings.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
➤ Dried fruits in the cake provide natural fiber, supporting healthy digestion.
➤ Nuts contribute heart healthy fats and protein, helping maintain energy levels.
➤ Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice offer antioxidant properties and aid metabolism.
➤ Moderate use of natural sweeteners like molasses adds minerals such as iron and calcium.
➤ Small portions deliver a nutrient dense treat, combining vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats in every slice.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve slices warm with a dollop of whipped cream for a soft, indulgent treat.
2. Pair the cake with a cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance its rich flavours.
3. Top each slice with a drizzle of warm brandy butter for a festive touch.
4. Arrange on a decorative platter and garnish with candied cherries and edible glitter for a holiday centrepiece.
5. Cut into small squares and serve alongside fresh berries for a lighter, colourful presentation.
Helpful Tips
➢ Soak the dried fruits overnight in juice or brandy to enhance their flavor and make the cake moist.
➢ Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure the batter mixes smoothly and evenly.
➢ Line the cake tin with parchment and wrap the outside in foil to prevent over browning during long baking.
➢ Fold the flour and fruit gently into the batter to avoid a dense texture.
➢ Cool the cake completely before glazing or decorating to keep icing smooth and shiny.
How To Store The Finished Christmas Cake Recipe?
Store the finished Christmas Cake Recipe in a cool, dry place to maintain its flavor and texture. Wrap the cake tightly in baking paper or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Place it in an airtight container or tin for extra protection. For longer preservation, brush the cake occasionally with a little brandy or juice.
Proper storage allows the flavours to mature, keeping the cake moist and delicious for several weeks during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead Of The Listed Ones?
Yes, you can substitute or add dried fruits like cranberries, figs, or prunes according to taste.
How Long Should The Cake Be Soaked In Juice Or Brandy?
Soaking overnight is enough, but the flavor improves if left for several days.
Do I Need To Add Nuts?
Nuts are optional; the cake will still be delicious without them.
Can I Bake The Cake In A Different Tin Size?
Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly depending on the tin’s depth and size.
Is It Necessary To Use Marzipan And Icing?
Decoration is optional; the cake tastes great even without marzipan or icing.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cake Recipe is easy to follow and promises a delicious, festive success. I hope it inspires you to try baking it yourself, bringing warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations.
Once you make it, you’ll enjoy the rich, fruity flavours and moist texture that make it truly special. Bake it soon and share how wonderfully delicious it turns out your kitchen will be filled with holiday magic!
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Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sieve
- Baking paper (parchment paper)
- Saucepan (for warming jam)
- Rolling pin (for marzipan/fondant)
Ingredients
For The Fruit & Nut Mix
- 300 g raisins
- 150 g dried apricots diced
- 75 g mixed peel diced
- 150 g glace cherries roughly chopped
- 180 g dates chopped
- 75 g walnuts chopped (optional)
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice or use ⅓ cup brandy + ⅔ cup juice
For The Cake Batter
- 120 g unsalted butter softened
- 180 g dark brown sugar packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 ⅔ cups 210 g plain/all purpose flour
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
For Decoration (Optional But Festive)
- Apricot jam warmed (for glazing)
- Ready to roll marzipan
- Ready to roll fondant or royal icing
- Candied cherries holly leaf decorations, edible glitter, etc.
- Icing sugar for dusting
Instructions
Soak The Fruit
- In a large bowl, mix together the raisins, apricots, mixed peel, cherries, dates, and walnuts. Pour over the apple juice or a splash of brandy if you prefer something richer. Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak overnight or at least 6 hours to really bring out the flavours.
Prepare The Oven
- Preheat your oven to 150 °C (300 °F). Line your cake pan with baking paper and give it a light greasing so the cake doesn’t stick.
Cream Butter And Sugar
- In a big mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Stir in molasses or golden syrup, making sure everything is well combined.
Add Spices And Eggs
- Sprinkle in the salt, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition so everything blends smoothly.
Incorporate The Dry Ingredients
- Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined you don’t want to overwork the batter.
Mix In Fruits And Nuts
- Add the soaked fruit (including any leftover juice or brandy) into the batter and stir until evenly spread. Toss in the extra chopped walnuts for added texture.
Bake The Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for around 2 hours 15 minutes. Check with a skewer if it comes out clean, it’s done. If the top is browning too fast, lightly cover with foil.
Cool And Decorate
- Let the cake sit in the tin for 15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, brush it with warm apricot jam, cover with rolled marzipan, and top with fondant or royal icing. Finish with festive touches like candied cherries, holly leaves, or edible glitter.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 17 g | Carbohydrates: 63 g | Sugar: 47 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!”