Christmas Cake – EASY Moist Fruit Cake Recipe

There is something truly magical about this Christmas Cake – EASY Moist Fruit Cake Recipe that instantly brings joy to the holiday season. Imagine a cake bursting with beautifully soaked raisins, cherries, and apricots, deeply spiced and tenderly moist, all wrapped in layers of marzipan and fondant topped with festive cherries dusted with icing sugar. This classic fruit cake, with its rich textures and warm flavors, is a timeless tradition that makes your Christmas celebrations extra special and unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Christmas classic. Each component plays its part perfectly—from the burst of sweetness in the dried fruits to the subtle warmth from the spices and the delicate moisture from the oils and juices. Together, they create that signature moist texture and complex flavor you crave in a fruit cake.

• 300g / 10 oz raisins: These add natural sweetness and juiciness, soaking up the juices beautifully.
• 150g / 5 oz diced dried apricots: Their fruity tang balances the richness and provides lovely bursts of flavor.
• 75g / 2.5 oz mixed peel: Adds a zesty citrus note to brighten every bite.
• 150g / 5 oz glace cherries: Chopped for that classic festive red and sweet pop throughout.
• 180g / 6 oz dates: Rich and sticky, they deepen the cake’s moistness and sweetness.
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice or ⅓ brandy + ⅔ juice: Choice of soaking liquid that keeps the fruit luscious and imparts extra flavor.
• 120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Provides tender crumb and a rich mouthfeel.
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar: Packed for deep molasses notes and color.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Brings moistness without heaviness — you can choose canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil.
• 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup: Adds that treacly sweetness and beautiful sticky texture.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• 1/2 tsp all spice, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg: Wonderful warm spices that define the classic Christmas cake aroma.
• 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and create structure.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: Provides a gentle lift for lightness.
• 1 2/3 cups plain flour: The base that holds all the fruit and spices together perfectly.
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and depth, balancing the soft fruit beautifully.
• 500ml pouring custard (homemade or store-bought): Ideal for serving alongside to enhance the cake’s flavor.
• 250g “ready to roll” marzipan and 250g “ready to roll” white fondant: Essential for that iconic polished finish.
• Cherries dusted with icing sugar: For that pretty, festive finishing touch.
• Drippy white glaze (optional): Adds a lovely glaze for an extra sweet shine.

How to Make Christmas Cake – EASY Moist Fruit Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Mix Ingredients

Start by soaking your raisins, mixed peel, apricots, cherries, and dates in apple juice or brandy mixed with juice. Leave this to soak overnight or at least for a few hours to plump up the fruit and infuse them with moisture. Meanwhile, soften your butter and combine it with dark brown sugar, vegetable oil, and molasses or golden syrup. Mix well until creamy and luscious, creating a rich base that promises moistness and flavor.

Step 2: Add Spices, Eggs, and Dry Ingredients

Next, blend in your spices — allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg — for that classic festive aroma. Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth, airy batter. Sift together your plain flour and baking powder, then fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture to keep your batter light but packed with flavor.

Step 3: Combine Soaked Fruit and Nuts

Gently fold in the soaked fruit along with any leftover soaking liquid and add in the chopped walnuts if you’re using them. This mixture will be thick, sticky, and filled with beautiful flecks of colorful fruit, promising a cake that’s bursting with texture and flavor with every bite.

Step 4: Baking Time

Pour your fruit cake batter into a lined and greased tin, smoothing the top evenly. Bake at a low temperature for about 3 hours and 15 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. The long, slow bake allows the fruits to cook through perfectly while the cake stays moist and rich.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Allow your cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin. Once cooled, brush with melted jam or syrup to tack down the marzipan layer. Roll out your marzipan and cover the cake, then do the same with the white fondant. Finish by decorating with icing sugar dusted cherries or your favorite festive adornments for that authentic Christmas look.

How to Serve Christmas Cake – EASY Moist Fruit Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of icing sugar or a few cherries placed on top immediately lifts the cake’s presentation from homemade to show-stopping. You can also drizzle a thin white glaze over the fondant for a sweet, shiny finish that gleams in the holiday lights.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements this Christmas cake more beautifully than a creamy pouring custard, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their smooth textures and gentle sweetness balance the dense fruitiness and spice, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try cutting the cake into thin slices and placing each on a festive plate with a sprig of holly or edible gold leaf. Small ribbons tied around the slices for giveaways or dessert platters create an inviting, warm table setting that feels celebratory and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake actually gets better with time! Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors continue to meld, and the cake stays moist for up to two weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead holiday treat.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of the Christmas cake in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the fridge for a moist, tender slice that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring a slice back to life, warm it gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil. This will soften the cake slightly and revive its aromas, making it just as delightful as on day one.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brandy for a non-alcoholic option?

Absolutely! Using apple juice or any other fruit juice instead of brandy works perfectly and keeps the cake moist without the alcohol. It also makes the cake family-friendly.

Is it necessary to use both marzipan and fondant?

While you can skip them, the marzipan and fondant layers provide that traditional smooth surface and sweet finish that make a Christmas cake truly classic and stunning. They also help seal in moisture.

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your taste. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain that lovely crunch.

How long can I keep the Christmas cake before eating?

This recipe benefits from resting at least a week before serving so the flavors can develop. Stored properly, it can last several weeks, and in some cases, even improves with age.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Definitely! Despite its rich ingredients and long baking time, this Christmas Cake – EASY Moist Fruit Cake Recipe is straightforward to follow and perfect for anyone wanting to try their hand at a traditional holiday cake without fuss.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one recipe to bring out the festive spirit and fill your home with nostalgic aromas, it is this Christmas Cake – EASY Moist Fruit Cake Recipe. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or gifting a slice wrapped in ribbons, this cake promises to be a delicious centerpiece of your holiday season. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the warm, spiced world of fruit cake magic—you won’t regret it!