Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe is a traditional festive dessert filled with soaked fruits, warm spices, and rich buttery batter, baked slowly for deep flavor.
This delicious Christmas cake tastes moist, slightly boozy, and beautifully traditional, bringing comforting memories of old fashioned holiday baking.
I made this Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe because the classic method inspired me while watching how it was prepared in a vintage holiday cooking show, and the tradition felt special to recreate.
I will now show up and share step by step details about this Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe.
What Makes This Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe Special?
Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe stands out for its deeply flavourful fruit mixture soaked in rum and brandy, allowing the fruits to release their natural sweetness and aroma.
Rich spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the cake, creating a warm, festive taste. Slow baking ensures a moist, tender texture, while the traditional ageing process enhances the depth of flavor, giving each slice a classic, indulgent Christmas charm that lingers beautifully.
How To Prepare Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours 40 minutes
Course: Dessert / Holiday Cake
Cuisine: Traditional British Christmas Baking
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Fruit Soak Mixture
- 1 cup sultanas
- 1 cup currants
- ¾ cup dried apricots, finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed candied peel, chopped
- ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
- ½ cup dark rum or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- ½ cup brandy
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 cup plain flour
- 10 oz margarine, softened
Optional Add Ins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Extra rum or brandy for brushing after baking
How To Make Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe?
1. Soak The Fruit (Best Done The Night Before)
Mix together the sultanas, currants, apricots, candied peel, cherries or cranberries, orange zest, rum or juice, and a splash of brandy in a large bowl. Give it a good stir, cover it, and leave it to sit overnight so the fruit becomes soft and plump.
2. Get The Oven And Tin Ready
Set the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your cake tin with baking parchment, covering both the base and the sides.
3. Cream The Fats And Sugar
Beat the butter, margarine, and sugar together until the mixture turns light in colour and fluffy.
4. Add The Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. If the mixture looks like it’s starting to split, stir in a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.
5. Mix In The Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Add this to your main mixture and combine gently.
6. Add Milk, Vanilla, And Fruit
Pour in the milk and vanilla. Fold through the soaked fruit include any leftover soaking liquid and add nuts if you’re using them.
7. Bake The Cake
Spoon the thick batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 2 to 2¼ hours, or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out clean.
8. Cool And Finish With Rum
Let the cake cool in the tin for about 20 minutes, then move it to a rack. While it’s still warm, brush the top with a little extra rum or brandy for moisture and flavour. Once completely cool, wrap it up tightly.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe
Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe is a timeless holiday treat known for its rich flavor and festive aroma. Packed with soaked fruits, warm spices, and a buttery batter, the cake becomes even more delicious as it rests.
Each slice offers a tender, moist texture that feels comforting and nostalgic perfect for Christmas gatherings and family traditions.
The standout feature of this cake is its soaked fruit blend and ageing process, which creates exceptional moisture, depth of flavor, and a classic Christmas sweetness you can’t replicate with quick recipes.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Slice the cake and serve alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
2. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar to create a festive snowy effect.
3. Spread a thin layer of brandy butter or cream cheese frosting over each slice for extra richness.
4. Pair slices with fresh berries or candied fruits to enhance the fruity flavors.
5. Warm individual slices slightly in the oven to bring out the spices and aroma.
Helpful Tips
➢ Cream butter and sugar thoroughly to achieve a light, fluffy batter that improves cake texture.
➢ Gently fold in flour and spices to avoid over mixing, keeping the cake tender.
➢ Bake the cake slowly at a low temperature to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
➢ Wrap the cooled cake in parchment and foil to allow flavours to mature for a richer taste.
➢ Soak the dried fruits in rum or juice for at least 24 hours to enhance flavor and moisture.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe offers several nutritional benefits despite being a festive treat. Dried fruits like sultanas, currants, and apricots provide natural fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion and overall health.
Nuts add heart healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals such as magnesium and zinc. Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves contain anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Moderate portions can contribute energy, essential nutrients, and a sense of satiety, making this traditional cake a slightly nourishing indulgence during the holiday season.
How To Make More Delicious Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe?
Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe becomes more flavourful when dried fruits soak in rum or brandy for a full day.
Butter, margarine, and sugar should be beaten until light and creamy before adding eggs individually. Flour and spices are folded in gently to maintain a soft batter.
Soaked fruits and chopped nuts are stirred in carefully. Baking slowly at low temperature keeps the cake moist. Once cooled, brushing extra rum or brandy enhances richness and deepens the festive taste.
How To Store The Finished Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe?
The finished Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe should be wrapped tightly in baking parchment and aluminium foil to preserve moisture.
Store the cake in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Brushing the surface lightly with rum or brandy helps maintain flavor and softness over time.
The cake can be aged for several weeks, allowing the flavours to develop deeply. Slice only as needed to keep the rest fresh and rich.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should The Fruit Soak Before Baking?
Fruits should soak at least 24 hours or overnight to ensure they are plump and flavourful.
Can I Substitute Alcohol In The Cake?
Yes, orange juice or apple juice can replace rum or brandy for a non alcoholic version.
Do I Have To Use All The Spices Listed?
Spices can be adjusted to taste, but the traditional mix gives the classic Christmas flavor.
Is It Necessary To Brush The Cake With Rum Or Brandy?
Brushing helps keep the cake moist and enhances flavor, but it can be skipped if preferred.
Conclusion
Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe was simple, fun, and absolutely delicious! The combination of soaked fruits, aromatic spices, and rich buttery batter made every bite a festive delight.
I hope this Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe encourages you to try it at home it’s easier than it seems and very satisfying.
Soon, you’ll be enjoying your own homemade version, and I can’t wait for you to share how wonderfully tasty and special your cake turns out!
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Grandmas Christmas Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Fruit Soak Mixture
- 1 cup sultanas
- 1 cup currants
- ¾ cup dried apricots finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed candied peel chopped
- ½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
- ½ cup dark rum or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- ½ cup brandy
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 1 cup plain flour
- 10 oz margarine softened
Optional Add Ins
- ½ cup chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- Extra rum or brandy for brushing after baking
Instructions
Soak The Fruit (Best Done The Night Before)
- Mix together the sultanas, currants, apricots, candied peel, cherries or cranberries, orange zest, rum or juice, and a splash of brandy in a large bowl. Give it a good stir, cover it, and leave it to sit overnight so the fruit becomes soft and plump.
Get The Oven And Tin Ready
- Set the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your cake tin with baking parchment, covering both the base and the sides.
Cream The Fats And Sugar
- Beat the butter, margarine, and sugar together until the mixture turns light in colour and fluffy.
Add The Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. If the mixture looks like it’s starting to split, stir in a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.
Mix In The Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Add this to your main mixture and combine gently.
Add Milk, Vanilla, And Fruit
- Pour in the milk and vanilla. Fold through the soaked fruit include any leftover soaking liquid and add nuts if you’re using them.
Bake The Cake
- Spoon the thick batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 2 to 2¼ hours, or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out clean.
Cool And Finish With Rum
- Let the cake cool in the tin for about 20 minutes, then move it to a rack. While it’s still warm, brush the top with a little extra rum or brandy for moisture and flavour. Once completely cool, wrap it up tightly.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 430 | Fat: 20g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Sugar: 38g | Protein: 4g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 140mgHi, 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!