Nothing says Christmas quite like a rich, fruity, and beautifully spiced Christmas cake. This traditional treat is moist, flavorful, and filled with the sweet aroma of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices — the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Let’s bake this timeless favorite together! 🍒🎂
🎁 Ingredients
For the Fruit Mix (soak overnight):
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, apricots)
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, or walnuts)
- ½ cup orange juice (or brandy for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp orange zest
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
🎂 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mix
- Combine dried fruits, peel, nuts, orange juice, and zest in a bowl.
- Cover and let soak overnight (or at least 2 hours) to absorb all the flavor.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a deep round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Gently fold in the soaked fruit mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before decorating.
🍰 Decoration Ideas
- Brush the top with a little honey or apricot jam for shine.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-like effect.
- Add almonds, cherries, and festive ribbon for a traditional holiday look.
🎄 Storage Tip
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well for 2–3 weeks in a cool place — and actually tastes better as the flavors mature!
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Classic Christmas Cake is more than a dessert — it’s a piece of tradition, warmth, and family togetherness. Serve it after Christmas dinner, gift it to loved ones, or enjoy it with a cup of tea on a cozy winter evening.