Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a traditional Christmas cake on the table! This time-honored dessert is rich, moist, and packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a splash of brandy. Follow along as we guide you through each step in making this festive favorite, along with tips for decorating, storing, and customizing your cake. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this guide will help you create a Christmas cake that brings holiday cheer to your celebrations.
Why Make a Traditional Christmas Cake?
A traditional Christmas cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a Christmas tradition that many families look forward to each holiday season. This cake embodies the spirit of Christmas with its decadent mix of dried fruits, brandy, and spices, bringing warmth and joy to every bite. Making it at home allows you to tailor the ingredients and add a personal touch, creating something that’s unique to your holiday table.
Ingredients for a Traditional Christmas Cake
For a rich and fruity Christmas cake, using quality ingredients is key. The dried fruits, brandy, and spices all contribute to the cake’s deep, aromatic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup glace cherries, halved
- ¼ cup chopped almonds (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup brandy (plus extra for brushing)
For Decorating (Optional)
- Marzipan or fondant icing
- Royal icing
- Edible decorations (like holly leaves, silver balls, or snowflakes)
Using these ingredients creates a moist and flavorful cake that tastes even better with each passing day, thanks to the brandy which enhances the flavors as it matures.
Step-by-Step Directions for the Perfect Christmas Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and help the cake bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender cake crumb.
- Add Eggs and Zest: Gradually beat in the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the zest of one orange and one lemon for a hint of citrus.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices will create the warm, festive aroma that’s signature to a Christmas cake.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
3. Add Fruits and Nuts
- Fruit and Brandy Mixture: Stir in the mixed dried fruits, cranberries, candied peel, glace cherries, and almonds (if using). Pour in the brandy, mixing well to evenly distribute the fruits throughout the batter.
4. Bake the Cake
- Spoon and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin, smooth the top, and bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours. Insert a skewer into the center of the cake to check if it’s done. If the skewer comes out clean, your cake is ready. If the cake browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil in the final hour.
5. Cool and Store
- Cool and Brandy-Soak: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin, then brush the top with extra brandy to keep it moist. Wrap the cake in parchment and foil and store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavor. It can last up to a month, making it a great make-ahead option.
6. Decorating Your Christmas Cake (Optional)
If you wish, cover the cake with a layer of marzipan or fondant icing for a festive look. Top it with royal icing and edible decorations like holly leaves or snowflakes.
Tips for Making the Best Christmas Cake
- Make in Advance: The flavors of a Christmas cake deepen with time, so consider baking it several weeks before Christmas for a more developed taste.
- Brandy Substitutes: For a non-alcoholic cake, swap brandy with apple juice or orange juice.
- Storage: Wrap the cake tightly and store it in a cool, dry place. It’s a great choice for gift-giving as it stays fresh for weeks.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits
Christmas cake is a rich dessert but also contains beneficial ingredients like dried fruits and nuts, which are packed with fiber and antioxidants. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
Nutrition Per Serving (Based on a 12-slice 9-inch Cake)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
- Vitamin C: Present from citrus zest
- Calcium: 40mg
- Iron: 1mg
Health Benefits
- Dried Fruits: Offer fiber and antioxidants, beneficial for digestion and immune health.
- Almonds: Provide healthy fats and protein, which can support heart health and skin health.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves have anti-inflammatory properties.
FAQs about Traditional Christmas Cake
Absolutely! Replace the brandy with apple juice or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. This substitution will add a natural sweetness and keep the cake moist.
A traditional Christmas cake can be stored for up to a month if wrapped in parchment paper and foil and kept in an airtight container. Brush with additional brandy every week for even longer storage.
Yes! Wrap the cake tightly in parchment and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw it overnight before serving.
Brushing the cake with brandy after it’s baked and cooled is key for extra moisture. You can also feed it with brandy once a week to keep it rich and flavorful.
For a classic look, cover the cake with marzipan or fondant and top it with royal icing. Add edible decorations like holly leaves or snowflakes to make it extra festive.
Make This Christmas Cake Your Own
Creating a traditional Christmas cake is a holiday ritual that brings warmth and joy. Try adding your own personal touches, whether it’s a sprinkle of your favorite spice, a splash of different fruit juice, or a unique decorating twist. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to baking a memorable, rich, and fruity Christmas cake that will wow everyone at your holiday table!
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Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe
This traditional Christmas cake is a rich, moist, and fruity holiday delight filled with mixed dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of brandy. It’s a perfect festive treat to make in advance and enjoy with family and friends, bringing warmth and joy to your celebrations.
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (includes cooling and preparation)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup glace cherries, halved
- ¼ cup chopped almonds (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup brandy (plus extra for brushing)
For Decorating (Optional):
- Marzipan or fondant icing
- Royal icing
- Edible decorations (like holly leaves, silver balls, or snowflakes)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Heat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This low temperature allows the cake to bake slowly, enhancing its moist and rich texture.
- Grease and Line the Pan: Grease a 9-inch round cake tin and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until they are light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Zest: Gradually add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Then, fold in the orange and lemon zest to add a citrusy brightness.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices give the cake its warm and festive flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
3. Add Fruits and Nuts
- Mix Fruits and Brandy: Stir in the mixed dried fruits, cranberries, candied peel, glace cherries, and almonds (if using). Pour in the brandy and mix everything thoroughly to ensure every bit of fruit and nut is covered.
4. Bake the Cake
- Bake: Spoon the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last hour of baking.
5. Cool and Store
- Cool and Brandy-Soak: Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin. Once cooled, brush the top with a little extra brandy to enhance the flavor and keep it moist. Wrap the cake in parchment paper and foil, then store it in an airtight container for up to a month.
6. Optional Decoration
- Decorate: For a festive touch, cover the cake with a layer of marzipan or fondant icing. Top it off with royal icing and edible decorations if you’d like.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Christmas cake tastes even better if made a few weeks before the holidays, giving the flavors time to develop.
- Brandy Alternatives: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace brandy with orange juice or apple cider.
- Storage: Wrapped tightly, this cake can be stored for up to a month in a cool, dry place.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of a 12-slice 9-inch cake)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Rich Christmas cake, Festive fruitcake recipe, Holiday dessert