Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe brings joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations. Packed with rich fruits and spices, this cake is perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The blend of mixed dried fruits and spices creates a cake that’s bursting with seasonal taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack throughout the holiday season.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this cake ahead of time; it gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to deepen.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you won’t have trouble finding what you need for this delightful recipe.
• Customizable: Feel free to substitute different dried fruits or nuts according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your fruit cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Loaf pan or cake tin

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly combining eggs and butter.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 3/4 cup (175g) unsalted butter, chopped
• 1 packed cup (210g) light brown muscovado sugar
• 3 large eggs, lightly whisked

For the Fruit Mixture

• 2 + 2/3 cups (400g) mixed dried fruit
• 1 cup (200g) glacé cherries, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (100g) dried cranberries
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Dry Ingredients

• 1 + 2/3 cup (200g) plain/all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice

For Moisture

• 1/2 cup (120ml) cherry apple juice
• 1/2 cup (85g) ground almonds (coarsely ground)
• Cherry apple juice (1-2 tbsp per week for feeding)

How to Make Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Tin

Grease your loaf pan or cake tin with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped butter and light brown muscovado sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Juices

Gradually add in the lightly whisked eggs along with the cherry apple juice, orange juice, and zest. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon, and allspice. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit, glacé cherries, cranberries, and ground almonds. Ensure even distribution without over-mixing.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared tin. Bake in your preheated oven for about 105 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Feed

Once baked, let it cool in the tin for about 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. You can feed your cake weekly with cherry apple juice for added moisture and flavor enhancement.

Enjoy sharing this delightful Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe with family and friends during your festive celebrations!

How to Serve Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Serving your Best Christmas Fruit Cake is an enjoyable experience that enhances the festive spirit. Here are some delightful ways to present this classic treat.

Traditional Slice

• Serve thick slices of the fruit cake on a decorative plate. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich contrast.

Cheese Platter Addition

• Add slices to a cheese platter. The sweetness of the cake complements strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddar, offering a delightful flavor pairing.

Tea Time Treat

• Enjoy with afternoon tea. A slice of fruit cake alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Gift-Wrapped Goodies

• Wrap slices in festive paper and gift them to friends and family. This personal touch shows you care and shares the joy of your homemade fruit cake.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

To ensure your fruit cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your dried fruits and nuts are fresh to enhance flavor and texture.
• Mix Well: Thoroughly mix the ingredients to evenly distribute flavors and moisture throughout the cake.
• Feed Regularly: Keep your cake moist by adding 1-2 tablespoons of cherry apple juice weekly during the curing process.
• Bake Low and Slow: Bake at a low temperature for even cooking, ensuring the outside doesn’t over-brown before the inside is fully baked.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before storing or serving, which helps it set properly and develop flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Best Christmas Fruit Cake can enhance its flavors and provide variety during your holiday meals. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted mixed nuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg add crunch and warmth alongside your cake.

2. Cranberry Sauce
   A zesty cranberry sauce offers tartness that balances the sweetness of the fruit cake beautifully.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream
   Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the dense texture of the fruit cake.

4. Whipped Cream
   Light and airy whipped cream pairs well with each slice, adding richness without overpowering flavors.

5. Cheese Board
   Include various cheeses to create a savory balance, enhancing both sweet and salty notes in every bite.

6. Honey-Glazed Carrots
   Sweet, roasted carrots bring another layer of sweetness while being visually appealing on your table.

7. Mulled Apple Cider
   Serve warm mulled apple cider as a comforting beverage option that complements the spices in your fruit cake nicely.

8. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad adds freshness and vibrancy, making it an excellent choice to brighten up dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Bold Choice of Ingredients: Using low-quality dried fruits can diminish flavor. Choose high-quality, mixed dried fruits for a richer taste.
• Bold Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir gently until just combined for a light texture.
• Bold Ignoring Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and check the temperature with an oven thermometer.
• Bold Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking dried fruits can result in a dry cake. Soak your fruits in cherry apple juice beforehand for added moisture and flavor.
• Bold Not Feeding the Cake: Forgetting to feed your cake weekly with cherry apple juice can lead to dryness. Make sure to keep it moist for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap the cake in foil before placing it in a container to maintain moisture.

Freezing Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

• Freeze wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 6 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use.

Reheating Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds at a time until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a covered skillet on low heat for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe that may help you while baking.

How long does the Best Christmas Fruit Cake last?

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake can last up to 3 months when stored properly in the refrigerator, or up to 6 months when frozen.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?

While fresh fruit can be delicious, it contains more moisture which may alter the cake’s texture. Stick with dried fruit for best results.

Is there a vegan version of the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce for a vegan version of this recipe.

Can I customize the fruit used in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of dried fruits according to your preference for an exciting twist on flavor.

What is the best way to serve this cake?

Serve slices at room temperature plain or with a sprinkle of icing sugar on top. Pair it with tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it based on your favorite flavors. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or holiday parties, this cake will surely impress everyone. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own unique version!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best Christmas Fruit Cake

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with our Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe, a delightful blend of rich dried fruits and aromatic spices. This cake is not only a showstopper for your holiday gatherings but also incredibly easy to make ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Each slice offers a unique combination of sweetness and warmth, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends during this joyous season. With its customizable ingredients, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast treat, or wrapped as a thoughtful gift, this fruit cake is sure to enhance your holiday celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 packed cup light brown muscovado sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 + 2/3 cups mixed dried fruit
• 1 cup glacé cherries
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 + 2/3 cup plain flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground mixed spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 cup cherry apple juice
• 1/2 cup ground almonds

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. Cream together chopped butter and muscovado sugar until fluffy.
4. Gradually mix in lightly whisked eggs along with cherry apple juice and citrus juices.
5. In another bowl, whisk dry ingredients together and fold into wet mixture until just combined.
6. Gently fold in dried fruits and ground almonds.
7. Pour batter into the prepared tin and bake for approximately 105 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
8. Allow cooling before transferring to a wire rack; optionally feed with cherry apple juice weekly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 105 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg