Easy moist Christmas Cake with fruits and festive decorations

Christmas Cake – Easy Moist Fruit Cake

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Making a Christmas cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. This easy moist fruit cake is packed with flavorful dried fruits, spices, and nuts, making it a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing. Its rich, sweet profile complements holiday gatherings, and baking it fills your home with wonderful aromas. Plus, it’s a great recipe to prepare well in advance, allowing the flavors to develop over time.

how to make Christmas Cake

Ingredients :

  • 300g / 10 oz raisins
  • 150g / 5 oz diced dried apricots (chopped 8 mm / 1/3")
  • 75g / 2.5 oz mixed peel (diced 5mm / 1/5")
  • 150g / 5 oz glace cherries (chopped 8 mm / 1/3")
  • 180g / 6 oz dates (diced 5mm / 1/5")
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice, OR 1/3 brandy + 2/3 juice
  • 120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened, 1 US stick)
  • 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, grapeseed)
  • 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp all spice
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 2/3 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
  • 3/4 cup walnuts (chopped, optional)
  • 500ml / 1 pint pouring custard (homemade or store-bought)
  • 250g / 8 oz "ready to roll" marzipan
  • 250g / 8 oz "ready to roll" white fondant
  • Cherries dusted with icing sugar
  • Other fruit dusted with icing sugar (for decoration)
  • Drippy white glaze (directions below)

Directions :

Fast Soaked Fruit:

  1. Combine the raisins, dried apricots, mixed peel, glace cherries, dates, and apple juice (or brandy and juice) in a large bowl.
  2. Cover and let it soak for at least a few hours, preferably overnight to enhance the flavors.

Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vegetable oil, molasses or golden syrup, salt, all spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix until well combined.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Gradually mix in the soaked fruits and any remaining juice.
  6. Sift in the baking powder and flour, and fold gently to combine. If using, add the chopped walnuts at this stage.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for about 1.5 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Christmas Cake Decorating options:

  1. Once cooled, cover the cake with marzipan, smoothing it over the top and sides.
  2. Roll out the white fondant and place it over the marzipan, smoothing out any wrinkles.
  3. Decorate with icing sugar-dusted cherries or other fruits as desired.
  4. Drizzle with white glaze for an extra festive touch.

how to serve Christmas Cake

Serve slices of the Christmas cake with a generous pour of custard on the side. This rich, delicious cake is best enjoyed with family and friends, allowing everyone to savor the festive flavors together.

how to store Christmas Cake

Store the Christmas cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be wrapped in plastic wrap and kept in the fridge for up to a few weeks. This cake actually improves with age, so feel free to bake it ahead of time!

tips to make Christmas Cake

  • Soaking the fruits overnight enhances their flavor and moisture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter; gentle folding is key for a tender cake.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before decorating to prevent melting the marzipan or fondant.

variation

You can customize this cake by adding other dried fruits like figs or cranberries. Chopped nuts can also be varied; almonds and pecans work well.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Yes! Use apple juice instead of brandy for a non-alcoholic version.

Q2: How long can I store the cake?
The Christmas cake can last for several weeks to a few months when stored properly in an airtight container.

Q3: Can I freeze the Christmas cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep for up to six months.