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Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

This Christmas Fruit Cake recipe is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit. Filled with a mix of dried fruits and warm spices, this cake is sure to be a hit at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soaked fruit:

  • 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries, cranberries)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice or rum/brandy

Dry ingredients:

  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt

Wet ingredients:

  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) milk

Optional additions:

  • ¼ cup (30g) chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
  • 1 tbsp molasses or honey (for deeper flavor)

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried fruits: In orange juice or rum for at least 4 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally to let the liquid absorb well.
  2. Preheat the oven: To 150°C (300°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  3. Prepare the dry ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.
  4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, citrus zest, and molasses/honey if using.
  5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture. Add milk if needed to loosen the batter.
  6. Fold in soaked fruits: Add nuts if using. Mix until evenly distributed.
  7. Bake the cake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
  8. Cool and store: Let the cake cool in the pan before wrapping in foil or cling film.
  9. Optional: Brush the cake with rum, brandy, or orange juice weekly for added moisture and flavor.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in rum for several days before making the cake.
  • This cake tastes even better when made a few days in advance to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas fruit cake, holiday baking, festive dessert, fruitcake recipe

Find it online: https://maicook.com/christmas-fruit-cake-recipe/