If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of the holidays, this Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with a delightful mix of dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and fragrant spices, this cake brings old-fashioned charm and rich flavors to your festive table. It’s a timeless dessert that’s as comforting as a cozy winter evening, perfect for sharing with loved ones while making new holiday memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this classic fruit cake. Each element is chosen to create the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and texture, making every bite a festive celebration.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that holds the cake’s structure together with a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of lift for a light texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Provides richness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps with browning the crust beautifully.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients and bring richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant note that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- Milk (½ cup): Moisturizes the batter to create a soft and tender crumb.
- Mixed dried fruit (1 cup): A colorful combination of chopped cherries, pineapple, apricots, and more for sweetness and chewiness.
- Walnuts or pecans, chopped (½ cup): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Candied green cherries, halved (¼ cup): Offers festive bursts of color and a touch of tangy sweetness.
- Candied red cherries, halved (¼ cup): Complements the green cherries with vibrant, jewel-like pops on top.
How to Make Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated when your batter is ready. Grease and flour your loaf pan or your favorite bundt pan to prevent sticking and help the cake come out looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step makes sure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed and aerated, which helps your cake bake evenly and have a delicate texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air that will make the cake tender. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, before stirring in the vanilla extract to infuse warmth and depth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until everything is combined. Overmixing here can make the cake dense, so a light hand is key.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Fruit
Carefully fold in the chopped dried fruit and nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This step adds bursts of flavor and texture that make every slice a festive delight.
Step 6: Decorate and Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Arrange the halved red and green candied cherries on top for a cheerful, traditional look that will impress at any holiday gathering. Bake for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let your cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or brushing the top with a light glaze made from apricot jam and a splash of brandy for that classic shine and moisture.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of cinnamon-spiced ice cream, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for those who like a salty twist against sweetness. A hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine makes a perfect companion to bring out the cake’s fruity, nutty notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your fruit cake thickly and serve on a decorative holiday platter adorned with fresh evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and star anise for a festive touch. For a more modern presentation, stack mini slices on a dessert stand or serve as a trifle layered with custard and cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe actually improves with time. Store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it moist and allows flavors to mature over several days.
Freezing
You can freeze this fruit cake for up to three months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
If you’d like to serve your leftover fruit cake warm, gently heat slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in a low oven wrapped in foil to keep it moist. This brings back that freshly baked feeling that’s hard to resist.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?
Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add unique flavors and textures. Just chop them finely to ensure they distribute well throughout the cake.
Is it necessary to use candied cherries on top?
Not at all. Candied cherries give that classic festive look, but you can substitute with dried cranberries, raisins, or even fresh berries if you prefer a different style or flavor.
How long does this cake keep fresh?
If stored properly wrapped at room temperature, this fruit cake can stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks. Its flavor actually improves as it rests, making it perfect to prepare ahead of time.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Just be mindful that baking times might vary slightly.
Do I need to soak the dried fruit before baking?
This recipe uses mixed dried fruit directly, but soaking fruit in brandy or juice overnight can enhance moisture and infuse extra flavor if you have the time and want that extra richness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking and sharing a Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe during the holidays. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and traditions wrapped in every bite. Give it a try this season—you’ll find it warms your heart as much as your taste buds and becomes a new family favorite for many Christmases to come.
Print
Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake is a festive and moist loaf packed with mixed dried fruits, nuts, and vibrant candied cherries. Baked slowly at a low temperature, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it an ideal holiday treat to enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Fruits and Nuts
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (chopped cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.)
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup candied green cherries, halved
- ¼ cup candied red cherries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or a small bundt pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process helps aerate the batter for a tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in the vanilla extract to add aroma and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar batter, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
- Fold in Nuts and Fruit: Carefully fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without deflating it.
- Decorate and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Arrange the halved red and green candied cherries on top to create a festive look. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the cake set and enhances its flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for better batter consistency.
- Sifting dry ingredients helps to avoid lumps and ensures even leavening.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference.
- For a moister cake, soaking the dried fruits in rum or orange juice overnight is an excellent option.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature; it also improves in flavor after a day or two.
