Dark Christmas Cake Recipe is a rich, dense cake filled with soaked dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. The dark brown sugar and molasses give it deep, complex flavor that tastes indulgent and satisfying.
I made this cake after seeing how beautifully it was prepared and inspired by the tradition of festive baking. I wanted to experience making it myself, combining all the flavours and textures.
I will now show step by step how to prepare this delicious Dark Christmas Cake Recipe.
Why You’ll Love Dark Christmas Cake Recipe?
You’ll love Dark Christmas Cake Recipe for its rich, moist texture and deeply spiced flavor. Soaked fruits and nuts create layers of sweetness and chewiness that delight with every bite.
Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring warmth and festive charm, while molasses adds a subtle, caramel like depth.
Each slice feels indulgent yet comforting, capturing the essence of holiday traditions. Its luxurious taste and inviting aroma make it a memorable centrepiece for gatherings and celebrations.
How To Prepare Dark Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking for fruits)
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (plus soaking)
Course: Dessert / Cake
Cuisine: British / Christmas
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Grater (for zest)
- Sieve (optional for dry ingredients)
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsulfured molasses or treacle
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Mix
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup golden sultanas
- ¾ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup currants
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup dark rum or brandy
- ½ cup dried cherries
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
How To Make Dark Christmas Cake Recipe?
1. Soak The Fruits
In a large bowl, mix together the raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, currants, cherries, candied peel, orange and lemon zest, and pour over the dark rum or brandy. Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak overnight, or for at least 4 hours, so they become plump and flavourful.
2. Prepare The Cake Tin
Grease an loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
3. Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside for later.
4. Cream Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the molasses (or treacle) and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Combine Batter And Fruits
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Next, fold in the soaked fruits along with any remaining soaking liquid and the chopped nuts. Be careful not to over mix.
6. Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
7. Cool And Glaze
Let the cake cool completely in the tin. Warm a little strawberry jam and brush it over the top for a shiny finish. Store the cake in an airtight container it actually tastes even better after a few days.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Dark Christmas Cake Recipe
Dark Christmas Cake Recipe is a traditional festive dessert made with a rich blend of soaked dried fruits, nuts, dark brown sugar, molasses, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
The Dark Christmas Cake Recipe is dense, moist, and full of deep, complex flavours that develop over time, especially when fruits are soaked in rum or brandy.
The main speciality of this Dark Christmas Cake is its intense, fruity richness combined with aromatic spices, creating a luxurious, long lasting holiday treat that improves in flavor over days or weeks.
Incredible Essential Health Benefits
➤ Dried fruits provide natural antioxidants that support overall immune health.
➤ Nuts supply healthy fats and protein that promote heart and brain function.
➤ Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
➤ Molasses offers iron and minerals that help maintain energy levels and blood health.
➤ Dark fruit and rich ingredients contribute fiber, supporting healthy digestion and satiety.
Recipe Variations
➣ Substitute some dried fruits for tropical options like mango, pineapple, or papaya for a fruity twist.
➣ Replace dark rum or brandy with apple cider or orange juice for a non alcoholic version.
➣ Add a layer of marzipan or almond paste for extra richness and texture.
➣ Incorporate grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder to enhance the cake’s depth of flavor.
➣ Use mixed seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, or chia for added crunch and nutrition.
Hot Tips
➢ Toast nuts lightly to bring out their aroma and add extra crunch.
➢ Use high quality dark rum or brandy to deepen the fruit flavours.
➢ Let the cake rest for a day or two to allow spices and fruits to meld.
➢ Fold fruits gently to prevent batter from turning too dense.
➢ Brush the top with warm jam for a shiny, flavourful finish.
Serving Suggestions
You’ll enjoy Dark Christmas Cake Recipe served slightly warmed, allowing its rich spices and soaked fruits to shine.
A spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the moist, decadent texture. Dusting the top with powdered sugar adds a festive touch.
Pairing it with hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine brings out the deep, aromatic flavours. Fresh berries or a drizzle of brandy butter create an elegant, indulgent presentation that delights every bite.
Storage And Shelf Life
Dark Christmas Cake Recipe keeps its rich flavor and moist texture when stored carefully. Wrapping it in parchment or foil and placing it in an airtight container protects it from drying out.
Refrigeration preserves freshness for weeks, while freezing allows longer storage without compromising taste.
The cake’s flavours continue to develop over time, creating a deeper, more indulgent taste. Each slice stays soft, flavourful, and ready to enjoy whenever served.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should The Fruits Be Soaked?
Fruits should be soaked overnight or at least 4 hours in rum or brandy for maximum flavor.
Can I Use Other Types Of Nuts?
Yes, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts can be used according to preference.
What Type Of Alcohol Works Best?
Dark rum or brandy is recommended, but whiskey can also be used.
Can I Bake The Cake At A Higher Temperature?
Baking at higher temperatures may dry out the cake, low and slow baking preserves moisture.
Is It Possible To Make This Cake Without Alcohol?
Yes, replace rum or brandy with fruit juice, tea, or water, though flavor will be milder.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed making this Dark Christmas Cake Recipe as much as I did. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, yet results in a delicious, rich, and festive treat that everyone will love.
I’m confident this Dark Christmas Cake Recipe will inspire you to try baking it yourself. Once you make it, you’ll experience the wonderful flavours of spiced fruits, nuts, and a moist, indulgent texture.
Share your success and enjoy every bite!
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Dark Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Grater (for zest)
- Sieve (optional for dry ingredients)
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsulfured molasses or treacle
- ½ cup chopped nuts walnuts or almonds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Mix
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup golden sultanas
- ¾ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup currants
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup dark rum or brandy
- ½ cup dried cherries
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ⅓ cup strawberry jam
Instructions
Soak The Fruits
- In a large bowl, mix together the raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, currants, cherries, candied peel, orange and lemon zest, and pour over the dark rum or brandy. Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak overnight, or for at least 4 hours, so they become plump and flavourful.
Prepare The Cake Tin
- Grease an loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Set this aside for later.
Cream Butter And Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the molasses (or treacle) and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Batter And Fruits
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Next, fold in the soaked fruits along with any remaining soaking liquid and the chopped nuts. Be careful not to over mix.
Bake The Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and level the top. Bake in the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Cool And Glaze
- Let the cake cool completely in the tin. Warm a little strawberry jam and brush it over the top for a shiny finish. Store the cake in an airtight container it actually tastes even better after a few days.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400 kcal | Carbohydrates: 55 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Sugar: 38 g | Fiber: 3 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!