Moist Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
This moist Christmas fruit cake is a festive dessert packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations and can be made in advance to allow the flavors to develop.
The recipe is straightforward and requires soaking the fruits in alcohol or juice for enhanced flavor. This cake is rich, dense, and ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
Festive Presentation
The visual appeal of a Christmas fruit cake is just as important as its taste. With its rich colors and textures, this cake becomes a centerpiece for any holiday gathering. A layer of smooth marzipan and a glossy icing create a beautiful canvas for festive decorations like holly leaves and candied fruits.
Placing the cake on a rustic wooden table enhances its charm, especially when surrounded by twinkling fairy lights that add a warm glow. This inviting setup encourages everyone to gather around and share in the joy of the season.
Flavorful Ingredients
The heart of this moist Christmas fruit cake lies in its carefully selected ingredients.
A mix of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and chopped dates provides natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
Adding nuts like walnuts and almonds introduces a delightful crunch, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg infuse warmth and depth into every bite.
For those looking to elevate the flavor, soaking the dried fruits in rum or orange juice is a fantastic technique.
This step not only enhances the taste but also helps the cake stay moist and flavorful over time.
Preparation Tips
Creating a moist Christmas fruit cake is straightforward, but a few tips can make the process even smoother.
Start by soaking the dried fruits and nuts well in advance, ideally overnight, to allow them to absorb the flavors fully.
When mixing the wet ingredients, ensure the butter is softened to achieve a light and fluffy texture.
When combining the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix.
This will help maintain the cake’s tender crumb.
Finally, remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Storage and Aging
One of the remarkable aspects of this fruit cake is its ability to improve with age.
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious as the days go by.
For best results, consider making the cake weeks in advance.
This not only saves time during the busy holiday season but also ensures a richer flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this festive treat, presentation is key.
Slice the cake into generous portions and consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Pairing it with a warm cup of spiced tea or mulled wine can enhance the holiday experience.
For a touch of elegance, garnish each slice with a small piece of candied fruit or a sprig of holly.
This not only adds visual appeal but also invites guests to indulge in the festive spirit.
Festive Gatherings
This Christmas fruit cake is perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Its rich flavors and beautiful presentation make it a conversation starter, bringing friends and family together.
Whether enjoyed at a festive dinner or a casual get-together, this cake is sure to create lasting memories.
As the holiday season approaches, consider incorporating this delightful dessert into your celebrations.
Its timeless charm and delicious taste will surely make it a favorite among guests, ensuring that the spirit of the season is celebrated in every slice.
Traditional Moist Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
This fruit cake features a blend of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, combined with nuts and spices. The cake takes about 2 hours to prepare and bake, and it serves approximately 12 slices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, and dried apricots)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and pecans), chopped
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup unsweetened orange juice or rum
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Fruits: In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and nuts. If using alcohol, soak them in rum or orange juice for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the applesauce and soaked fruit mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. If desired, sprinkle slivered almonds on top. Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. This cake can be made weeks in advance and improves in flavor over time.
- Most people just have their fruit cake un-decorated but, it’s up to you to decorate to your liking, here we used some of the dried fruits and nuts to achieve the Christmas look.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
