Published Oct 21, 2024
Traditional Fruit Cake Recipe
Christmas fruit cake is a beloved British holiday dessert that’s loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and a splash of brandy to keep it nice and moist. That hint of brandy not only makes it taste great but also helps it last longer, so you can enjoy it throughout the festive season. This moist Christmas fruit cake recipe is super easy because you boil the ingredients before baking, which boosts the richness of the flavors. I love having a slice with a glass of red wine or a cup of espresso. And don’t forget to brush the top with brandy for that classic holiday vibe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist and tasty. This cake is all about being moist and full of flavor, thanks to the mix of dried fruits and spices. Easy to make. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, even beginner bakers can whip this up without a hitch. Flavor boosting trick. Boiling the ingredients before baking really amps up the flavors, making this cake recipe stand out from the rest. Long-lasting goodness. The brandy not only adds a nice kick but also helps keep the cake fresh, so you can enjoy it long after the holidays.
Christmas Fruit Cake Ingredients
Butter – adds a rich, creamy texture and keeps the cake nice and moist. Eggs – help hold everything together and give the cake its structure, making it rise nicely. Orange juice – adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the cake and keeps it moist. Honey – natural sweetener that brings a unique taste and adds extra moisture to keep the cake tender. Flour – gives the cake its structure and helps it hold its shape. Milk powder – adds creaminess and enhances the cake’s texture, making it richer and more delicious. Nutmeg – gives the cake a warm, aromatic flavor that makes it feel extra cozy. Mixed spices – adds richness and gives the cake a festive, holiday feel. Cinnamon powder – brings a sweet, warm flavor that complements the other spices. Baking soda – helps the cake rise and keeps it light and fluffy. Brandy – adds a lovely, rich flavor and helps keep the cake moist, plus it acts like a preservative for longer storage.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
Baking Tips
Make sure to check if your spices are fresh because stale spices can make your cake taste bland, while fresh ones really boost the flavor! Don’t skip sifting the flour, milk powder, and spices to aerate them and prevent clumping. Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter. Mix gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake; fold until just combined. When brushing the cake with brandy, do it while the cake is still warm to help it soak up the liquid better.
What To Serve With Christmas Fruit Cake
This moist and delicious cake is best served as a dessert. For a great holiday assortment, I recommend the following desserts. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
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