Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. This cake is not only perfect for Christmas but also suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. Its rich texture and delightful aroma make it a standout dessert, sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of mixed dried fruits, cherries, and spices creates a festive taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure you can whip this cake up without any hassle, even if you’re new to baking.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with frosting, or paired with whipped cream for an extra treat.
• Perfect for Gifting: This fruit cake makes a wonderful homemade gift for loved ones during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather all essential tools to help streamline your efforts. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking pan (8-inch round or loaf)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Baking pan: Provides the perfect shape for your fruit cake, ensuring even cooking.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter in less time.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for optimal results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 3/4 cup (175g) unsalted butter, chopped
• 1 packed cup (210g) light brown muscovado sugar
• 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 Flavor and Texture

• 1/2 cup (120ml) cherry apple juice
• 1/2 cup (85g) ground almonds (coarsely ground)
• 3 large eggs, lightly whisked

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 Feeding the Cake

• 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). Prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly with butter or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped butter and light brown muscovado sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk until creamy. Add in the lightly whisked eggs, cherry apple juice, orange zest and juice, and lemon zest. Mix well until all wet ingredients are combined smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, ground mixed spice, cinnamon, and allspice. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.

Step 4: Add Fruits and Nuts

Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits, glacé cherries, dried cranberries, and coarsely ground almonds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 105 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before removing from the pan.

Step 6: Feed Your Cake

To keep your cake moist over time, feed it with cherry apple juice weekly. Enjoy every slice of this deliciously festive treat!

How to Serve Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Serving your Christmas fruit cake can elevate its festive charm and make it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your guests.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and airy complement to the dense cake.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the fruity flavors of the cake, making it an indulgent treat.

Accompany with Warm Custard

• Pouring warm custard over a slice brings a comforting element, perfect for chilly holiday evenings.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

• Top each slice with slices of fresh oranges or berries for a pop of color and freshness that enhances the presentation.

Drizzle with Citrus Glaze

• A simple citrus glaze made from icing sugar and orange juice can add sweetness and enhance the vibrant flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

To ensure your Christmas fruit cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips. They will guide you to achieve the best texture and flavor.

• Choose quality dried fruits: Select high-quality mixed dried fruits for richer flavors and textures in your cake.

• Soak fruits overnight: Soaking your dried fruits in cherry apple juice overnight helps plump them up, enhancing moisture in the cake.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and even texture.

• Don’t rush the baking time: Baking low and slow ensures even cooking; check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center.

• Feed the cake regularly: Brush with cherry apple juice weekly after baking to maintain moisture and deepen flavors until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Enjoying your Christmas fruit cake alongside complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie, cheddar, or blue cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of fruit cake.

2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and savory notes, balancing the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

3. Fruit Compote: A warm compote made from seasonal fruits provides an extra layer of flavor and warmth alongside each slice.

4. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce over a slice adds decadence and pairs surprisingly well with fruity flavors.

5. Biscotti or Cookies: Crisp biscotti or traditional cookies can serve as delightful accompaniments for those who love variety.

6. Tea or Coffee: Offering hot beverages like spiced tea or coffee enhances the cozy atmosphere while complementing the rich flavors of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe can be delightful, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the soaking process: Not soaking your dried fruits can lead to a dry cake. Soak them in cherry apple juice overnight for better flavor and moisture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Stir gently until just combined for a light texture.
• Using stale ingredients: Old spices or flour can affect the taste. Always check freshness before starting your recipe.
• Not measuring accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin your cake’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precise amounts.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake a bit earlier than the suggested time to prevent overbaking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• It can last in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet on low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe.

How long will this fruit cake last?

This fruit cake can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly.

Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?

While dried fruits provide sweetness and moisture, you can experiment with fresh fruits, but be cautious of added moisture.

What is the best way to feed my fruit cake?

Using cherry apple juice every week helps keep it moist and adds flavor.

Can I decorate my fruit cake?

Absolutely! Top with icing or fresh fruits to enhance its festive look.

Is this recipe suitable for gifting?

Yes! The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe makes a wonderful gift during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various nuts or other dried fruits according to your preference. Give it a try this holiday season; it’s sure to impress family and friends!