🎄 Classic Christmas Fruit Cake
A rich, moist, and flavorful Christmas Fruit Cake packed with raisins, dried fruits, cherries, and warm spices. Perfect for Christmas celebrations and holiday gatherings! ❤️
Prep Time: 30 minutes Soaking Time: Overnight (optional) Bake Time: 2–2½ hours Servings: 12–16 slices
Ingredients
For the fruit mixture:
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 cup currants
- 1 cup chopped dates
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped candied cherries
- ½ cup chopped mixed nuts
- ½ cup orange juice or rum
- Zest of 1 orange
For the cake batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the fruits: Combine raisins, currants, dates, cranberries, cherries, nuts, and orange juice in a bowl. Mix well and let soak overnight if possible.
2. Prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a deep 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. Cream butter and sugar: Beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and molasses.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
6. Make the batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
7. Add fruits: Fold in the soaked fruit mixture until evenly distributed.
8. Fill the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake: Bake for approximately 2–2½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Fruit Cake
- Soak the dried fruits overnight for extra moisture and flavor.
- Bake at a low temperature to prevent the outside from burning.
- Brush the cooled cake with a little orange juice or rum for extra moisture.
- Wrap tightly and store in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade Christmas Fruit Cake! 🎄❤️